Cold period

PDA edition

These weather trends apply to the whole Northern hemisphere and are relative to local climate (eg, 'cold weather' means different things in different regions, such as Alaska and Florida).

The weather will be very cold. Harsh wind will makes winter feel even colder. Precipitation will be adequate for winter sports. The extreme cold weather will worsen all winter illnesses. In particular, symptoms of weakness of heart and circulation will increase.

‘Little Cold’

Weather forecast

“Little Cold” indicates that the weather has almost reached the coldest point of winter. The cold wind can penetrate to the bone without any effort. This year’s “Little Cold” can plunge the temperature to a very low point.

Chinese Farmer's Wisdom

If this period brings frequent wind and rain or snow, livestock will get sick easily.

Health forecast

According to Chinese medicine, illnesses are related to the weather and climate. The problems listed here are more likely to occur in places where the weather conditions above are more pronounced.

• Chest pains, palpitations, irregular heartbeat, poor sleep and memory.
• Arthritis, bone and muscle pains. Chronic respiratory problems, such as asthma and emphysema, flare up.
• Water retention, irregular urination and difficult bowel movements.
• Psychotic conditions, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease worsen. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
• Frequent urination, incontinence and loose bowel movements.
• Increased insomnia and poor memory as it gets colder.
• Lower back pain, weakness in the knees, bone spurs.
• Weakened circulation.
• Many digestive complaints, such as bloating, gas and abdominal pains.
• Increased muscle and joint pains as the weather gets colder and more humid.

What you can do

In Chinese medicine, food is the first line of defense against illness. The following recommendations can help prevent the health problems above.

Food: Generally should be cooked. Food and drinks should be warm and hot. The flavour of foods should shift more towards bitter and sweet.

• Increase land animal protein.
• Increase winter-season root vegetables.
• Reduce salty and pungent foods.
• Reduce cooling foods, such as mint, green tea and watermelon.
• Reduce or avoid excessive raw vegetables and seafood.
• Reduce wheat, oil and oil-based supplements.
• Increase land animal protein; eat lamb, deer and moose meat in very cold northern climates.
• In cold and damp climates, reduce sweets, wheat, dairy foods, oily foods and oil-based supplements.

In addition to the weather forecasts, the full edition of The Chinese Almanac contains predictions on crops, livestock, pets, human relations, emotions, business trends and more, plus articles on food and health, and a monthly planning calendar that shows all the weather periods. More information is available on The Chinese Almanac page.

Excerpted from the current edition of The Chinese Almanac,
Copyright © 2010 Ginseng Press. All rights reserved.