November 22, 2020 (8th day of the 10th lunar month) marks Xiao Xue, the 20th solar term of the year and the second of winter. Occurring annually around November 22 or 23 when the sun reaches 240 degrees in the celestial sphere, Xiao Xue heralds the onset of light snowfall in northern regions during early winter."On the day of Minor Snow, rainbows vanish from sight. Five days later, celestial energy ascends while terrestrial energy descends. Five days after that, all closes in, ushering in winter." This describes the climate over the 15 days of Minor Snow.
The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon states: "Spring brings birth, summer fosters growth, autumn gathers harvest, winter stores away." "Humans are born from the energies of heaven and earth, shaped by the laws of the four seasons."After Minor Snow, the yang energy of heaven rises while the yin energy of earth sinks. Yin and yang cease to interact, heaven and earth close in storage, and the earth loses its vitality, presenting a scene of deep hibernation. Temperatures plummet, bringing freezing and frost. Winter storage—how to nurture vital energy? (Vital energy: Maintains normal organ function; when vital energy resides within, pathogens cannot invade.)
"Nurturing vital energy cannot be separated from nourishing blood, for blood is the mother of qi. To nourish qi and blood, one must tonify the spleen and kidneys."During the Minor Snow period, it is recommended to follow these guidelines:
Diet: (1) Kidney-tonifying soup: Combine chestnuts, goji berries, walnuts, lily bulbs, red dates, and dried tangerine peel in appropriate amounts. Adjust based on individual constitution: add lamb (for cold-prone constitutions), old duck (for yin-nourishing effects), or astragalus, codonopsis, and old hen (for superior spleen-strengthening and qi-tonifying effects).(2) Prioritize seasonal produce: While hotpot is common in winter, spicy foods and beef/mutton can exacerbate dryness-related symptoms like nasal/oral dryness, susceptibility to colds, and upper respiratory infections. Increase intake of cabbage, tofu, radish, lotus root slices, and white fungus to nourish yin and moisturize dryness. Consume apples, pears, bananas, and oranges for yin nourishment, moisture retention, and vitamin enrichment.(3) Black foods nourish the kidneys and enrich qi and blood: Braised cabbage with tofu (and black beans), stir-fried black fungus with spinach, cashew and shiitake mushrooms with celery, astragalus and lotus root soup with black beans and beef bones, kidney-tonifying porridge (black rice, black beans, black sesame seeds, millet, purple-skinned peanuts).
Exercise: Practice Tai Chi or Baduanjin until lightly perspiring. Those with weak constitutions prone to colds should avoid heavy sweating that may lead to wind-cold invasion. Morning and evening workouts are discouraged due to low temperatures. Exercise when the sun rises and yang energy ascends to absorb the essence of heaven and earth. Qi is the commander of blood; when vital energy is abundant, blood follows its flow to reach the extremities, manifesting as rosy complexions and warm hands and feet.
Emotional Regulation: Low temperatures may induce melancholy. Listen to soothing music, cultivate an open-minded attitude, treat others kindly, and maintain a cheerful disposition. The liver stores blood and governs the free flow of qi. A joyful mood supports the liver's functions of regulating qi and nourishing blood.
Regular Routine: "Do not disturb the yang energy; retire early and rise late, waiting for daylight."During the Minor Snow solar term, yang energy is relatively weak and in a state of closure and storage. Humans should align with this natural rhythm, avoiding disturbance to yang energy. Nights are longer than in autumn, while days are shorter. Adapt to these climatic shifts by waiting until sunlight appears before rising. This practice helps avoid cold invasion and protects the body's yang energy.In summary, prioritize early sleep and late rising to ensure adequate rest. Dress appropriately for the chill, adding layers in the morning and evening to ward off wind and cold, preventing colds.
Moxibustion: Nourish Kidney Qi and Blood: Kidney Shu (BL23), Spleen Shu (BL20), Guanyuan (CV4), Yongquan (KI1), Taixi (KI3), and the Eight Liang Points. Drink plenty of warm water after treatment.
Massage: Baihui, Dazhui, Fengchi. Boosts vital energy and enhances immunity.
Maintain air circulation: Open windows for ventilation in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
Light Snow Qi-Nourishing and Blood-Replenishing Paste:Chuanxiong, Baishao, Shengdi, Nuzhenzi, Eclipta, Mulberry, Shashen, Ophiopogon, etc. Select appropriate quantities based on constitutional diagnosis and simmer into a paste. Take one spoonful daily, dissolving under the tongue.