Designed for the beginning herbalist, this course will explain the Chinese Five Seasons, their corresponding organs, food suggestions and exercises for health maintenance.

2. Have a working knowledge of the specific organs in our Energy System and how the Five Energy Systems flow from organ to organ.

3. Have an understanding of how to change your diet and exercise for each season by following nature`s lead.

4. Understand Prevention of Disease vs. Reaction to Disease

5. Have a working knowledge of the special concerns of men and women as they age into their 40`s.

6. Have the ability to put together a Seasonal Herb Maintenance program.

Week #3 - Herb and Supplement Overview and Possible Remedies for Different Body Systems

People are starting to re-examine the value of natural and safe herbal remedies. Learn why so many people are choosing the natural approach to health. You will learn which herbs and supplements have been used historically for the different body system.

Herbal Health Maintenance

The Chinese follow the seasons in their quest to maintain optimum health. Western cultures celebrate four seasons; winter, spring, summer and fall. The Chinese celebrate five seasons; winter, spring, summer, late summer and fall. The ancient Chinese have long acknowledged the effects of the seasons on health and they associate each season with particular organs (energy systems) of the body. They have found that these organs receive maximum benefit if they are nurtured and tonified during their corresponding season.

In this lecture we will discuss these five seasons and their corresponding organs and learn how herbs can be used with your vitamin supplements as a program of preventative health maintenance.

You will study the Five Energy Systems and learn how the different organs support each other.

You will learn each season has it’s own herbs or herbal combinations that nourish the organs of the season. We as people should take note of how nature responds to the seasonal changes. In the winter the bears hibernate, they go inside and rebuild stores of energy. That is what we should also do. EXAMPLE: Winter is the time to nurture ourselves and eat warming foods (soups, potatoes, stews, etc.). Eat the root vegetables, meats and nuts. Good exercises during the winter months are yoga, tai chi, etc.

Prevention of Disease vs. Reaction to Disease

Orthodox medicine, by and large, reacts to a disease only when it has progressed so far that symptoms are occurring, at which point dramatic measures of intervention are incorporated. The Chinese Seasonal Approach works to prevent disease by balancing the body with the seasons. If a problem arises (i.e. a cold) add supporting herbs and supplements for the Immune System.

People over 40 should consider taking a tonic for their reproductive organs.

There is a self directed Quiz at the end of the third class that will give you your test results.