Yang Qi Welcomes Yin Qi

As autumn turns to winter here in southeast Idaho, we want to make sure that we are in harmony with the seasons and protecting our qi.  Master Liu He shares her wisdom on Taoist nutrition and health to keep our immune systems and protective wei qi at their best during the colder seasons:

Autumn: Yang Qi

Welcomes Yin Qi

 Autumn is the time when Yin Qi begins to control the  Yang Qi. This is the best time to turn your focus inward and nourish your Yin Qi.

The weather becomes drier, effecting our lungs moisture and drains out our Yin Qi. If you currently experience dry mouth, dry skin, itching skin, bloody nose, constipation, and start to catch cold easily, this means your in debt of Yin Qi. 

How do you preserve and nourish your Yin Qi, in order to support your Wei Qi (Defensive Qi) at this time? 

1. Go to bed earlier, no later than 9:30pm.

2. Do not excessively sweat. Excessive sweating (via overexertion, sports, sauna, or hot tub) can drain your Yin Qi. 

3. Reduce the amount of your sexual activity. Excessive sexual activity  drains your Kidney Yin Qi.    

4. Drink one cup of warm water when you first wake up on an empty stomach. This will help humidify your Lungs and move the Large Intestines Qi.  

 

5. Before bed, eat 2-3 slices of cooked or uncooked daikon radish and/or pear.  These two foods nourish the Yin Qi of the body and the Lungs.

6. Calm the mind and spirit. Avoid starting big projects, overworking can drain your Qi. This is great time to add Qigong into your daily life.

with healing Qi,