Huangdi Neijing Wellness

黄帝内经 · 四时养生之道

The Huangdi Neijing (黄帝内经), or Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, is the foundational text of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Written over 2,000 years ago, it teaches that human health must align with the natural rhythms of the four seasons. By adjusting our sleep, activity, and mindset according to each season, we can maintain balance and prevent disease.

Spring 春

Element: Wood | Organ: Liver

Sleep: 晚睡早起

Activity: 多散步舒展

Spring is the season of birth and growth. According to the Huangdi Neijing, one should go to bed late and rise early, walk leisurely in the courtyard, and let the body and mind舒展 (stretch and expand). This nurtures the Liver Qi and aligns with the rising Yang energy of spring.

•Go to bed later, rise with the sun

•Take leisurely walks in the garden

•Let your hair down and relax your body

•Give life, do not kill; give, do not take

•Nurture the spirit of birth and growth

Summer 夏

Element: Fire | Organ: Heart

Sleep: 晚睡早起

Activity: 少暴晒

Summer is the season of flourishing growth. The Huangdi Neijing advises going to bed late and rising early, not resenting the long days. Avoid excessive sun exposure and keep the mind calm. This nurtures the Heart Qi and aligns with the abundant Yang energy.

•Go to bed late, rise early

•Avoid excessive sun exposure

•Keep the mind calm and peaceful

•Do not be angry or agitated

•Let Qi flow freely outward

Autumn 秋

Element: Metal | Organ: Lungs

Sleep: 早睡早起

Activity: 收敛精神

Autumn is the season of harvest and gathering. The Huangdi Neijing recommends going to bed early and rising early, aligning with the rooster's schedule. Calm the mind and gather the spirit inward. This nurtures the Lung Qi and prepares for the coming winter.

•Go to bed early, rise with the rooster

•Calm the mind and gather spirit

•Avoid excessive emotional expression

•Keep thoughts peaceful and serene

•Nurture the spirit of harvest

Winter 冬

Element: Water | Organ: Kidneys

Sleep: 早睡晚起

Activity: 少出汗、藏精气

Winter is the season of storage and conservation. The Huangdi Neijing advises going to bed early and rising late, waiting for the sunlight. Keep warm and avoid sweating to preserve Jing (essence). This nurtures the Kidney Qi and stores energy for spring.

•Go to bed early, rise late

•Wait for sunlight before rising

•Keep warm and avoid cold

•Avoid excessive sweating

•Store Jing and conserve energy