I love to share the seasonal advice from Master Liu He: she always gives very practical advice.  I admit that I have a hard time following all of it, but I do my best! Perhaps you will find some pearls of wisdom in her words as well.

With the beginning of the Chinese Lunar  New Year, we all give birth to Shao Yang Qi “Young Yang Qi”.

Just as giving birth to a new baby, this “Young” Yang needs to be tended and developed for the yang to grow through the seasons.

In order to protect your Qi baby or young yang energy, keep the following suggestions in mind as you tend to this new energy allowing growth:

1. Stay warm. In some areas the weather is beginning to warm however you want to keep your feet and legs warm. Not wearing sandals and shorts.

2. Wear loose clothes and relax as much as possible. Do not overexert yourself.

3. Practicing Qigong for the Liver and Gallbladder. Here is the Youtube link for Liver Purification Qigong. Jade Woman is also another form to practice at this time of year.

4. Walk gently for 30-45 minutes outside. No excessive sports or sweating.

5. Drink mung bean juice after breakfast.

6. Eat a small amount of sweet flavored foods to facilitate the gentle rising of the Liver Qi. Do not eat a  lot of sour flavored foods as this draws the Liver Qi in and down.

7. Do not eat spicy foods. Spicy foods contain a lot of heat and has potential to harm the Liver Qi.

8. Go to bed a little later then in winter however not later then 10:30pm.

9. Continue to soak feet in warm water before bed.

Wishing you a happy birth Qi!

Master Liu He