{"id":9622,"date":"2013-10-16T08:40:09","date_gmt":"2013-10-16T12:40:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/yang-sheng.com\/?p=9622"},"modified":"2013-11-11T16:18:49","modified_gmt":"2013-11-11T21:18:49","slug":"seasonal-harmony-11","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yang-sheng.com\/?p=9622","title":{"rendered":"Seasonal Harmony — Everything Flows"},"content":{"rendered":"

[Seasonal Harmony]<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cEverything Flows\u201d<\/i><\/b><\/h2>\n

By Ellasara Kling<\/strong><\/p>\n

Heraclitus of Ephesus (6th<\/sup> Century BCE)<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

The cycle of the seasons, the regular rhythmical interchange of one season into another, can almost be ignored due to the technological advances of our modern life. We do not have to notice if it is 98 degrees or 10 degrees, raining or snowing, once we are inside our heated\/air conditioned cars, offices, stores, schools, and homes. It\u2019s primarily during the transitions from one place to another that we are aware of \u201cTHE WEATHER.\u201d And, it is \u201cthe weather\u201d that we mostly relate to as a signifier of the change of seasons. But the temperature, humidity and barometric pressure are not the only signs of the seasons. Other surface signifiers include the state of the foliage, streams, rivers, activities of wildlife (even big cities usually have at least squirrels and birds), the kinds of waves prevalent at the ocean\u2019s shore, to name just a few.\u00a0\"Five<\/a><\/p>\n

By observing nature wherever we are and allowing ourselves to feel the flow of each season\u2019s energy, we can know that as Spring comes, life rises, the energy of the world is going outward and upward, blossoming to its height in Late Summer and then beginning its descent in Autumn with the energy of the season beginning to become more inward and flowing downward through to Winter when the seasonal energy is \u201cresting\u201d so that it may rise again in Spring. From this kind of awareness we can read the \u201cmessages\u201d of the Seasons.\u00a0 For example, a big message of Autumn\/Fall is letting go and accepting that all things are impermanent. One way we can use this message in our lives is loosening our grip on that which no longer serves us and letting it fall away as leaves fall from trees, without struggle but with ease. Trees without leaves may look barren, but they also appear open and ready for something new to adorn them. By following just this one message of Fall, we can allow ourselves new inspiration that can build its strength during restful Winter and sprout in the Spring.<\/p>\n

Isn\u2019t there something exceptionally appealing about the air in Fall? On these crisp, clear days, be sure to get lots of fresh air and fill and empty the Lungs completely.\u00a0 Breathe in Life and keep a smile in your heart!<\/b><\/p>\n

Some Foods That Harmonize With Autumn<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

Apples, Apricot, Bamboo Shoots, Barley, Basil, **Bai Mu Er \u2013 aka White Fungus or Snow Fungus, Cauliflower, Chicken Egg, Chickweed, Cilantro, Coriander, Cow\u2019s Milk, Eggplant, Fennel bulb, Garlic, Ginger, Honey, Job\u2019s Tears (Chinese Barley), Kohlrabi, Kumquat, *Lily Bulb, Loquat, Lotus Root, Lotus seeds, Mustard \u2013 leaf and seeds, Onions \u2013 Green, Yellow, Red, Shallots, Parsnip, Peanuts, Pears, Peppermint, Persimmon, Pine Nut, Radish, Sauerkraut, Soy milk, Spinach, Strawberry, Turnip, Walnut, Water Chestnut, White yam.<\/p>\n

The dryness of autumn can easily cause damage to the digestive system and bring on coughing and a sore throat as well as constipation. Pears, Lily bulb and Snow fungus<\/i> are three foods each of which are believed to remedy these conditions. Apart from relieving coughing, they can also help nourish the skin and relieve constipation through the promotion of body fluids.<\/p>\n

Health Topic:\u00a0 Lung Season\u00a0\"YANGSHENG_lung1\"<\/a><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

The Lungs connect our \u201cinside\u201d with the \u201coutside\u201d through the nose, its sense organ.\u00a0 As we take in air and qi, The Lung administrates the flow of the qi it receives downward to the other organs. Another function of the Lung from the point of view of Five Element Theory is responsibility for providing proper moisture to the skin and similarly through its paired partner, the Large Intestine. Dry hair and\/or skin are considered signs of a \u201ctired Lung\u201d. The Lungs are very sensitive to changes in hot, cold, dryness, dampness, and wind. A situation many of us who work in office buildings face is lack of fresh air and air that is too dry because we breathe \u201crecycled air\u201d. As the weather becomes cooler, the heating systems are cranking up and drying the air even more. It is very important at this time to eat foods that moisten the Lungs\/Large Intestine such as pears, honey, snow fungus (available at your local Asian markets), persimmons to name just a few. See, the recipes below for tasty foods that have this effect.\u00a0 To understand more of the relationships of this season, refer to the Five Element Chart below which highlights some of the important relationships of the Lung\/Large Intestine season.<\/p>\n

RECIPES<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

Spinach Soup w\/Snow Fungus<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

Ingredients<\/b><\/p>\n

2 bunches of fresh spinach<\/p>\n

\u00bd cup of Snow fungus<\/p>\n

2 beaten eggs<\/p>\n

1-1\/2 qt light vegetable broth or chicken broth<\/p>\n

2 thin slices of ginger<\/p>\n

1 TB soy sauce<\/p>\n

\u00bd tsp salt<\/p>\n

1 tsp black pepper<\/p>\n

4 oz tofu \u2013 cut in \u00bd\u201d cubes<\/p>\n

2 TB toasted sesame oil<\/p>\n

Directions<\/b><\/p>\n

Carefully and thoroughly clean the spinach, remove the stems and cut leaves into 2\u201d pieces<\/p>\n

Soak the Snow fungus in hot water and rinse a few times. Cut into small pieces<\/p>\n

Bring the broth to a simmer; add the snow fungus, soy sauce, ginger, salt and pepper \u2013 bring to a boil and then simmer for 10 minutes, add the spinach, stir simmer until spinach begins to wilt<\/p>\n

Pour in the eggs slowly in a steady stream stirring the soup gently in one direction only<\/p>\n

Add the tofu and heat through.<\/p>\n

Serve and sprinkle a little\u00a0 sesame oil on top of each bowl.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Poached Pears: <\/i><\/b>This recipe makes a great dessert but also is said to soothe the throat, ease coughs, regulate digestion.<\/i>\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

\"Ya<\/a>

Ya Li Pear<\/p><\/div>\n

Ingredients<\/b><\/p>\n

5 Asian Pears (If they are not available, then use the large pears available to you)<\/p>\n

3 Cups water<\/p>\n

5 Tb honey<\/p>\n

5 Tsp.\u00a0 very finely chopped almonds<\/p>\n

5 Tsp. very finely chopped fresh lily bulb<\/p>\n

5 Tsp. very finely chopped lotus root<\/p>\n

1 Tsp finely chopped ginger<\/p>\n

Directions<\/b><\/p>\n

Bring the water, honey, almonds, lily bulb, ginger and lotus root to a boil (\u201cthe mixture\u201d).<\/p>\n

Wash the pears well, and cut off the tops at the point where the fruit begins to slope downwards<\/p>\n

With a spoon, scoop out the insides to remove the seeds and form a little bowl inside the pear.<\/p>\n

Pour the mixture into the pear bowls and cover with the Pear \u201clids\u201d.<\/p>\n

Steam for about 30-40 minutes.\u00a0 Serve warm.<\/p>\n

A Fall Congee<\/span><\/b>:<\/p>\n

Make rice congee* w\/ ginger, lotus seed, and honey topped with cooked or raw diced pear\/apple\/apricot\u00a0\"congee_web5\"<\/a><\/p>\n

* New to congee?\u00a0\u00a0 Here is a basic recipe:\u00a0 1 cup of rice to 9 cups of water<\/b>. . . Wash the rice so that the water runs clear, add fresh water to a large, heavy bottomed soup pot, bring water w\/rice to a boil, reduce heat, cover with the lid slightly tilted to let some steam out and stirring occasionally (to make certain the rice doesn\u2019t stick to the bottom), cook slowly for about 1-1\/4 hours until the rice is creamy. You can add more water if necessary or if you want it thinner. You can add almost anything to congee to create the flavor you are looking for. There are innumerable variations, so use your own imagination. It is best to keep the taste light, but it can be very flavorful.\u00a0 Congee is a good way to start the day.<\/p>\n

Congee is especially good for the elderly, people who are ill or recovering from illness, or people suffering from loss of appetite,<\/i><\/p>\n

Lotus Seed Tea for Sleep<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

Ingredients<\/b><\/p>\n

10-15 lotus seeds<\/p>\n

3 cups of water<\/p>\n

Honey<\/p>\n

Directions<\/b><\/p>\n

Place the lotus seeds and water in a pan and simmer until the seeds are completely cooked.<\/p>\n

(Depending on your pan, temperature of cooking, you may need more water, add it before the liquid is evaporated and absorbed by the seeds. Always keeping at 1-1\/2 cups of water in the pan). When the seeds are cooked simmer for 5 more minutes.\u00a0 Then, pour the tea and add honey to taste.<\/p>\n

The natural calming effect of lotus seeds can help create a good night\u2019s sleep.<\/i><\/p>\n

Walnut Soup<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

Ingredients<\/b><\/p>\n

3-4 cups of hot to boiling water<\/p>\n

2 cups of walnut halves or quarters<\/p>\n

2 cups of cold water<\/p>\n

\u00bc tsp. sea salt<\/p>\n

\u00bd cup of sugar<\/p>\n

\u00bd cup of pure maple syrup Grade B<\/p>\n

4 cups cold water<\/p>\n

3 TB cornstarch<\/p>\n

Directions<\/b><\/p>\n

Place 2 cups of walnut halves or quarters in a bowl and cover with very hot to boiling water, cover with lid and let sit overnight<\/p>\n

Strain off water and slide skins off of the walnuts<\/p>\n

Place them in a blender with 2 cups of cold water and blend for 2-3 minutes<\/p>\n

Pour the walnut \u201cmilk\u201d in a 3 qt sauce pan with the salt, and sugar, maple syrup and 3-1\/2 cups of cold water.\u00a0 Bring to a boil, and reduce to a simmer.<\/p>\n

Dissolve the cornstarch in the \u00bd cup of cold water and add it into the walnut soup, stirring as you pour.\u00a0 Simmer until the soup has thickened to the consistency you want.<\/p>\n

Additional ingredients for different tastes:\u00a0 After the soup is made, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds (white and\/or black); chopped almonds,\u00a0 add red dates, your favorite fruit such as chopped pear or apple, goji berries, and so on.\u00a0 Have fun . .. serve as a dessert or for breakfast.<\/p>\n

Wishing you good health!\u00a0 Remember to smile from the heart at all things<\/b>.!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Ellasara<\/a>Ellasara Kling\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 Following the threads of her personal tapestry,\u00a0Ms. Kling, a long-time student of Master Nan Lu, weaves her life around the exploration and sharing of self-healing though a variety of modalities, primarily focusing on nutrition, common herbal plants, Qigong Meridian Therapy, and Qigong for Women\u2019s Health. \u00a0The information in this article is based on the theories and principles of Chinese Medicine. Ellasara has participated in special classes through TCM World Foundation and the Tao of Healing in New York City.\u00a0For comments, questions, consultations, ellasara00@gmail.com\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Do you like this? Please share it:<\/div>
Tweet<\/a>