A Special Date - December 21 - Yin & Yang

December is the month where the transition from fall to winter energy has been completed. Winter energy has completely taken over and reaches its peak on a very special day in late December. This special day, also known to some, as the Winter Solstice, usually takes place on December 21^st or 22^nd depending on the lunar calendar year.

To understand the significance of this day, we first must understand Yin and Yang energies on a basic level. Yin and Yang are the two basic types of energy. They are polar opposites, that come together to create everything in our universe. The positioning of yin and yang energies is always flowing, with one growing stronger as the other weakens. This happens only twice each year. One of those times happens in December.

In December, yin energy is very strong and builds to its strongest this year on December 21st. Yang energy has been growing weaker for months and is at its weakest on the 21^st, marking the shortest day and longest night of the yearAfter December 21^st, the long, slow, transition to the energy of spring has begun and yang energy starts coming back as the never-ending cycle continues.

The changes in the varying strength of these two key types of energy (yin & yang) affects the balance and harmony of our own energy. The better we adjust to these ongoing changes the stronger our own energy will be.

During this month protecting your yang energy is so very important, but specifically on this special day in December, here are some things to keep in mind…

Eat or Drink Something hot and sweet

Making something hot and sweet for yourself can be very nurturing for your system and very helpful in getting your energy grounded.

Chinese medicine says that on that day, December 21, if you can eat or drink something sweet and hot it will help you get through the months of winter energy dominance much better, with fewer colds or other winter illnesses. Chinese medicine also advises you not to drink too many cold things this time of year and to keep your body warm.

Keep your feet and Head Warm

When you go outside keep your feet and head warm for the protection of the vitality of your body so that when spring comes your health is much better.

Meditate

Especially on the 21^st if you can, do lots of meditation. Since yin and yang are each at opposite points this day it is a great time to meditate. This is a very powerful switching point so when you do a meditation on this day you help yourself get more energy and balance your energy quicker.

Limit Excessive Exercise Activity

The yang energy is very weak on this day. It is like a teeny baby just ready to be born. It is weak so you need to protect it. On this day, do not do a lot of exercise and get sweaty. This over activates your yang, which is much too delicate and weak now. Stick to slow and relaxed forms of exercise, such as yin flow yoga or Qigong.

Stay away from Spicy Foods

Spicy foods can over activate your yang energy, which is much too delicate and weak right now.

Do not Engage in Sexual Activity

One of the key points from Chinese longevity philosophy is that people who have sex on that day will take longer to build up their yang energy for the spring because it weakens the body so tremendously.

In fact, in China on that day, qigong masters, tai chi masters, martial arts masters and others who are greatly knowledgeable and paying great attention to longevity don’t do anything on that day. They simply stay home and have something warm to relax, celebrate the day and be happy.

Of course, not everyone can do this. Not everyone even knows this. Not even every master knows it but people who do are very careful to honor and protect their yang energy on that day. By doing so they help the yang energy to grow and help the body to balance.