The Huangdi Nei Jing, a classical text in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), reminds us of a fundamental truth: we are beings of nature, and we flourish when we live in harmony with the rhythms and cycles around us. Just like the changing seasons, our bodies undergo shifts throughout the stages of life, each with its own unique needs and focus. By embracing these cycles - be they lunar, seasonal, or life-stage changes - we can honor our body’s natural rhythms and cultivate health from within.
Understanding the 7 and 8 Year Cycles in TCM
In the philosophy of the Huangdi Nei Jing, human life is marked by significant shifts that occur every seven years for women and every eight years for men. These cycles are a reflection of the body's developmental stages, which influence our physical, mental, and spiritual health.
For women, these 7-year cycles are closely tied to changes in reproductive health. For example:
Ages 0-7: The first cycle focuses on growth and the Kidney essence, which is the foundation of our energy and development.
Ages 7-14: The Kidney energy flourishes, bringing the onset of puberty and hormonal changes.
Ages 14-21: A time of peak vitality, as the energy of the Kidneys continues to strengthen.
Ages 35-42: A transition toward a deeper need for nourishing and preserving energy, particularly focusing on the Blood and Yin.
Ages 42-49: The approach of menopause and a shift towards conserving the body’s essence as the Kidney energy begins to decline.
For men, the eight-year cycles mirror a similar evolution in growth, strength, and preservation of energy, emphasizing the importance of nourishing and supporting the body through each stage.
Understanding these cycles helps us appreciate that our bodies require different forms of support at each phase. What worked for us in our twenties may no longer serve us in our forties. This is why TCM places such emphasis on adapting our diet, lifestyle, and self-care practices to align with the needs of each cycle.
Seasonal Changes and Shifting Needs
The natural world changes with each season, and so do we. In TCM, the seasons correspond to the elements -Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water -each bringing its own energy and focus for our health.
Spring (Wood Element): A time of renewal and growth, just like plants budding after winter. This is an ideal season for gently cleansing and supporting the Liver, with foods like leafy greens, sprouts, and sour flavors that encourage movement and transformation.
Summer (Fire Element): The season of peak yang energy, where warmth and expansion are at their height. This is the time to eat lighter, cooling foods like fresh fruits, cucumbers, and cooling herbs that help balance the body’s heat and maintain hydration.
Late Summer (Earth Element): This transitional period focuses on nourishing the Spleen and Stomach. It’s a time for grounding and stability, with warming, easily digestible foods like stews, root vegetables, and lightly cooked grains.
Autumn (Metal Element): The season of gathering inwards, supporting the Lungs and large intestine. This is when we begin to eat more warming foods to prepare for the cold, such as squashes, soups, and fermented foods that nourish the digestive system.
Winter (Water Element): A season of rest, preservation, and inward reflection, aligning with the Kidneys. Warm, nutrient-dense foods like bone broth, slow-cooked meats, and hearty root vegetables help us stay nourished and warm during the cold months.
Adapting our diet and lifestyle to the season allows us to stay balanced and prevent disharmony that can lead to illness. It’s about eating what nature offers at each time of the year and embracing practices that support our body’s needs for movement, rest, and restoration.
The Lunar Cycle: Tuning into Subtle Rhythms
Beyond the seasons, our bodies are also influenced by the moon’s cycles. For centuries, traditional cultures have observed how the lunar phases impact everything from ocean tides to plant growth - and even our bodies. Women, in particular, often find that their menstrual cycles mirror the moon’s phases, with ovulation aligning with the full moon and menstruation with the new moon.
During the new moon, the body’s energy is more inward-focused, making this a time for rest and reflection. It's ideal for deeper nourishment, such as broths, stews, and warming teas. As the moon waxes towards fullness, energy rises, making it a good time for physical activity and foods that build Qi, like whole grains and fresh vegetables.
With the full moon, the body is at its peak energy, making this a good time for activities that require vitality and foods that balance this heightened state. As the moon wanes, we can gently detoxify the body with foods like bitter greens, lemon, and light soups.
Diet Adaptations: When and Why We Need Different Approaches
Our needs change not only through the seasons and moon phases but also throughout different life stages. For example, during times of detoxification, like early spring, a plant-based diet can help lighten the load on the digestive system, encouraging the body’s natural processes of cleansing. Foods like bitter greens, cruciferous vegetables, and lemon water can support the Liver's natural detoxification pathways, which align with the energy of renewal during this season.
On the other hand, there are times when our bodies crave deeper nourishment. During periods of growth and building, such as conception, pregnancy, and postpartum, an ancestrally-rich diet that includes animal proteins, organ meats, and collagen-rich bone broths is essential. These nutrient-dense foods support the formation of healthy blood, nourish the Kidneys, and help sustain the body’s energy reserves as it builds and regenerates life.
Finding Balance in an Ever-Changing World
Living in alignment with nature’s cycles helps us recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to health. Instead, it’s about listening to our bodies, respecting the wisdom of ancient practices, and adapting our lifestyles to meet the unique needs of each phase of life.
By embracing these rhythms, we can cultivate a deeper connection to our inner and outer worlds, finding balance even amidst change. Whether it’s adjusting your diet to match the seasons, honoring the moon’s cycles with rest, or supporting your body through the shifts of each 7 or 8 year phase, these practices can help us live more harmoniously with ourselves and the world around us.
Comments