春夏養陽，秋冬養陰
"In spring and summer, nourish Yang; in autumn and winter, nourish Yin."
— Suwen, Chapter 2
四季 The Five Seasons
春 Spring - Wood Element▼
| Element | Wood |
|---|---|
| Organ | Liver |
| Climate | Wind |
| Principle | Generate and grow |
Lifestyle Guidance
- Rise early with the sun
- Take walks to encourage Yang
- Wear loose clothing
- Stretch to benefit sinews
- Eat green vegetables
Recommended Foods
- Leafy greens
- Sprouts
- Wheat
- Dates
- Onions
Avoid
- Heavy greasy foods
- Excessive sour taste
- Alcohol excess
夏 Summer - Fire Element▼
| Element | Fire |
|---|---|
| Organ | Heart |
| Climate | Heat |
| Principle | Flourish and mature |
Lifestyle Guidance
- Wake early, rest at midday
- Embrace activity
- Stay cool but avoid extreme cold drinks
- Cultivate joy without excess
Recommended Foods
- Watermelon
- Cucumber
- Mung beans
- Lotus seeds
- Green tea
Avoid
- Excessive cold drinks
- Too much spicy food
- Overexertion in heat
長夏 Late Summer - Earth Element▼
| Element | Earth |
|---|---|
| Organ | Spleen |
| Climate | Dampness |
| Principle | Transform and stabilize |
Lifestyle Guidance
- Maintain regular eating habits
- Protect digestion from dampness
- Avoid worry
- Stay centered
Recommended Foods
- Rice
- Sweet potato
- Carrots
- Squash
- Ginger
Avoid
- Raw cold foods
- Excessive dairy
- Greasy fried foods
秋 Autumn - Metal Element▼
| Element | Metal |
|---|---|
| Organ | Lung |
| Climate | Dryness |
| Principle | Harvest and contract |
Lifestyle Guidance
- Go to bed earlier
- Keep emotions calm
- Let go of what no longer serves
- Moisten the Lungs
Recommended Foods
- Pears
- Almonds
- White radish
- Honey
- Sesame
Avoid
- Excessive spicy food
- Drying foods
- Unresolved grief
冬 Winter - Water Element▼
| Element | Water |
|---|---|
| Organ | Kidney |
| Climate | Cold |
| Principle | Store and conserve |
Lifestyle Guidance
- Sleep early, rise late
- Conserve energy
- Keep lower back warm
- Eat warming foods
Recommended Foods
- Black beans
- Bone broth
- Walnuts
- Black sesame
- Lamb
Avoid
- Cold raw foods
- Excessive activity
- Overexposure to cold
原則 General Principles
Follow Natural Rhythms
Align sleep, activity, and meals with daily and seasonal cycles.
Eat Seasonally
Consume foods that are in season locally.
Adapt Clothing
Protect the body from seasonal climate factors.
Balance Activity
Be more active in spring/summer, more restful in autumn/winter.
Note: Individual needs vary. Consult practitioners for personalized advice.