It can be said that all of the complexities of Chinese Medicine can be simplified in terms of Yin and Yang. Understanding the rise and fall of yin and yang throughout the seasons is a great way to begin to make sense of it all; each season has its purpose in nature and likewise in our bodies and health. We'd like to walk you through the seasons of the year and help you to grasp what you can do to maximize your personal health by making the most of the energies available to us all at any given time of the year.

For a simple review of the nature of Yin and Yang: Yin nature has qualities of the feminine, receptive, darkness, cold, quiet, introspective and moving inward. Winter is the most Yin of the seasons. In our bodies, blood is a yin substance and Yin anchors Yang to keep us feeling grounded. Yang has qualities of the masculine, being outgoing, outward moving, energetic, summer is the most Yang of the seasons. Qi pertains to Yang and is the animating force in our bodies. The best time to nourish the Yin is in winter, the best time to nourish Yang is in the summer. Just as it is faster to bring water to a boil if it is already warm, it is easier to strengthen Yang in the summer when Yang is abundant.