Staying Healthy with the Seasons

I love that it is a Western MD who knows and believes in Chinese medicine. It’s an interesting mix with great information.

I discovered this book as it was part of my curriculum in Holistic Massage Therapy School. But it is applicable to anyone who is looking to learn about holistic health self-care. Based on the Chinese 5-Element theory, Staying Healthy With The Seasons explores the particular energies, meridians, organs, moods, strongpoints and pitfalls of each season. It is easy to read, and pick and choose which ideas you like and would like to incorporate into new habits to try. There are so many ideas for each season, ranging from dietary cleansing, to mental patterns, to holistic bodywork recommended for the season, that you are bound to find some ideas that really appeal to you where you are now, and others you may like to try later. This book really helped me to grow in ways I hadn't expected, and to release some difficulties and toxins I'd been holding onto on an emotional as well as physical level for several years. I felt very empowered using it to cleanse and refresh myself, inside and out!

This book is fabulous! I've done the elimination cleanse twice to astounding results. I'm about to do it again. It takes effort and about a month, but it's worth it for the absolute well-being you feel as a result. I've recommended this book to many people and all of them sing its praises! You will too!

I have owned and read this book for well over fifteen years. It is the first book I consult when self diagnosing any ill health for myself, family and friends. It had accidently fallen behind my other health books on my book shelf and I truly panicked. My very first thought was where can I get another copy. Having searched the entire shelf and joyfully locating it once more, I was determined to order another for back-up. It is the only book I have ever read that succinctly and clearly explains the five elements in the body, how they each are prominent in their own season and how best to cure any ailment during each season. Wisdom of the ages for our modern era.

I have used this book for the last ten years, and gone through two different copies. Every season I refer to the guidelines and always find that I do much better healthwise if I follow the path indicated. I also taught martial arts for a time and the children that I worked with all understood the concepts therein, when presented properly. They are that basic. I cannot say enough for this book. It has become a part of my life and a way of life for me.

In this well-written book, Elson Haas gives an excellent overview of Chinese medicine and how the human body and spirit change with the seasons. He explains how to facilitate and enhance these natural processes through subtle changes in diet, exercise, and rest habits, with additional tips for periodic internal cleansing and spiritual nurturing. Charts and diagrams make it easy to understand, and his clear, positive writing style helps inspire the reader to follow his recommendations. This book will help you be more in tune with the world around you as well as your body's own natural rhythms.