24 Solar Terms – Winter Solstice (the fourth solar term of winter)

24 Solar Terms – Winter Solstice (the fourth solar term of winter)

Solar Calendar Date: December 21 to December 30, 2024

Lunar Calendar: November 21 to November 30 (Month of the Rat)

Sun's Position: 270 degrees along the ecliptic

Climate: If we average the temperatures from "yi jiu" (one-nine) to "jiu jiu" (nine-nine) across China, the temperature during "san jiu" (three-nine) is the lowest. However, this year's "yi jiu" period started with most parts of China under the control of a high-pressure cold system, resulting in generally low temperatures. In the middle and lower reaches of the Changjiang River, the highest temperature on Sunday will drop to around 5°C, which is as cold as the usual "san jiu" period.

Geographical Latitude: Winter Solstice is the day with the shortest daylight and the longest night of the year. After the Winter Solstice, the duration of daylight gradually increases, and the night starts to shorten. Hence, the ancients said "Winter Solstice brings the rebirth of the sun," indicating that after the Winter Solstice, the yang energy (sunlight) gradually becomes stronger. Despite the sun's altitude angle gradually rising after the Winter Solstice, this process is slow, and each day the heat lost exceeds the heat received, creating a situation of "spending more than receiving." By the time we reach the "san jiu" and "si jiu" periods, accumulated heat is at its lowest, and temperatures are at their coldest, leading to increasingly cold weather.

Well-being:

• Conflict: Heart Meridian (Wu) and Gallbladder Meridian (Zi) conflict

• Penalty: Large Intestine Meridian (Mao) and Gallbladder Meridian (Zi) penalize

• Harm: Small Intestine Meridian (Wei) and Gallbladder Meridian (Zi) harm

First Care: Heart (promotes blood circulation, nourishes the spirit, nurtures energy, nourishes muscles...) – Inhalation Suggested Essential Oils:

• Wood (Flower)

• Blue Gold (Anti-Allergic Rhinitis)

Second Care: Large Intestine (completes the absorption of water and nutrients from food, expels waste...) – Foot bath Suggested Essential Oils:

• Yongquan (Moisture Removal and Detoxification)

Third Care: Small Intestine (separates the clear from the turbid, directs water to the bladder, sends waste to the large intestine, transports essence to the spleen...) – Massage Suggested Essential Oils:

• Ken 8 (Spleen and Stomach Care)

https://www.susaasia.com/en/aromatherapy-essential-oils-for-the-24-solar-terms/1221-winter-solstice-aromatherapy-essential-oils.html

Precautions of using essential oils

1. Do not ingest undiluted pure essential oils.

2. Do not apply pure essential oils directly to the skin (unless guided by a professional aromatherapist).

3. Avoid contact with eyes. If essential oils accidentally get into the eyes, rinse immediately with clean water.

4. Do not use single essential oils excessively or for prolonged periods.

5. Pregnant women, infants, injured or ill individuals, and those with chronic conditions should consult a professional doctor or aromatherapist before using essential oils.

6. Individuals with sensitive skin should perform an essential oil sensitivity test before use.