20demayo Chapter 177 Frost Condenses
Chapter 177 Frost Condenses
On the endless dark canvas of the universe, countless stars twinkle like jewels embedded within. The sun, this enormous star, pulls the earth with its powerful gravity, rotating endlessly along its predetermined elliptical orbit. When the sun's ecliptic longitude quietly reaches 210 degrees, the Frost's Descent solar term, carrying a bone-chilling cold, cuts through the boundary between late autumn and winter like a sharp blade.
Lin Qing, Ye Lan, Qin Feng, and Jasmine, four explorers deeply drawn to the mysteries of nature and life, found themselves in an ancient and tranquil courtyard. Several ancient pines and cypresses stood proudly, their branches adorned with frost flowers that shimmered with a cool, ethereal luster in the dim light, like exquisite crystal ornaments. The stone path was covered with golden ginkgo leaves, resembling a luxurious carpet, while the wisps of frost added an air of mystery to the scene.
Lin Qing stood quietly in the center of the courtyard, the cold wind brushing against his face. He took a deep breath of the frigid air and slowly spoke, his voice deep and magnetic, as if it came from the depths of ancient times: "Frost has arrived. The yin energy in the world reaches its peak, while the yang energy lies dormant within. Dew condenses into frost, a signal that nature's energy is entering a period of deep dormancy and restraint. Our bodies, as part of nature, are also conforming to this powerful natural force, with yang energy receding and yin energy flourishing. This is a crucial moment for nourishing our body and mind." His words, like the tolling of a bell in the cold night, echoed in the courtyard, allowing everyone to deeply feel the power and mystery of nature's forces.
Ye Lan gently stroked the ancient jade flute in her hand, its patterns seemingly recording the vicissitudes of time. She nodded slightly, her eyes sparkling with wisdom, like stars twinkling in the night sky: "Indeed. During this special solar term, the stomach meridian's Qi and blood are at their peak. The stomach meridian can be considered the 'foundation of acquired constitution,' responsible for receiving and digesting food, like a precise and efficient food conversion machine, transforming the food we ingest into energy to nourish the whole body. Its normal operation is the fundamental guarantee for maintaining vitality and health." Her voice was clear and melodious, like a babbling brook in the mountains, injecting a touch of liveliness and vitality into the slightly solemn atmosphere.
Qin Feng crossed his arms, slowly closed his eyes, and activated his mysterious and unique spatial perception ability. His brow furrowed slightly as he intently focused on capturing the energy fluctuations hidden between heaven and earth, imperceptible to ordinary people. These energy fluctuations spread like invisible ripples throughout the vast universe. A moment later, he suddenly opened his eyes, his gaze gleaming with a mixture of excitement and astonishment. He exclaimed excitedly, "It's amazing! I can clearly feel the energy throughout the entire space rapidly contracting, like nature gathering strength for the approaching winter. This energy contraction perfectly matches the changes in the energy of the human body's meridians, and the human body is also adapting to this force, subtly adjusting its own rhythm to adapt to this cold season." His words were filled with a strong curiosity and desire to explore the unknown world, as if he were issuing a fearless challenge to the depths of the universe.
Jasmine sat quietly to one side, eyes closed, fully immersing herself in her microscopic energy perception. Her breathing was steady and deep, as if she had merged with the surrounding nature, becoming a part of it. Her consciousness delved into the microscopic world of cells, a bustling yet orderly miniature kingdom where cells performed their respective functions, working together to maintain the operation of life. After a long while, she slowly opened her eyes, a mysterious light shimmering within them, and softly said, "When I delved into the microscopic world of cells, I discovered a marvelous change. The activity of digestive enzymes within the cells is undergoing a precise adjustment to adapt to the dietary needs of this cold season. The cells are like highly trained little craftsmen, precisely adjusting the secretion of digestive enzymes according to changes in the external environment, to more efficiently digest food and absorb its nutrients. These tiny life units possess such exquisite self-regulating mechanisms; it is truly astonishing." Her voice was gentle yet powerful, drawing everyone into a mysterious and microscopic world, inspiring awe for the mysteries of life.
However, in a nearby village, the villagers were suffering terribly from the cold weather. Many frequently experienced stomach aches, the pain like a sharp awl churning inside, causing them to break out in a cold sweat and turn pale. Others were plagued by indigestion, the food seeming to solidify in their stomachs, leading to bloating, belching, and other discomforts, leaving them listless and exhausted. The entire village was shrouded in an atmosphere of oppression and pain, the villagers' faces etched with helplessness and suffering.
After learning about the villagers' situation, Lin Qing and his team decided without hesitation to go to the village immediately and use their knowledge and unique abilities to help the villagers get out of their predicament.
As they entered the village and saw the villagers' pained faces, their hearts were filled with worry and concern. Lin Qing looked at the villagers and said earnestly, "Don't be afraid, everyone. We will definitely help alleviate your discomfort. During the Frost's Descent season, Yin energy is strong, while the body's Yang energy is relatively insufficient. Cold pathogens can easily invade the spleen and stomach, thus affecting their normal digestive function. But we can use the special energy of Frost's Descent, combined with the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine, to nourish your bodies and dispel your pain." Hearing Lin Qing's words, a spark of hope ignited in the villagers' eyes—a hope of seeing dawn in the darkness. They gathered around Lin Qing and his companions, their eyes filled with expectation and trust.
Jasmine stepped forward with a warm smile and said to the villagers, “Regarding diet, you can eat more foods that nourish the spleen and stomach. For example, yam and red date soup. Yam can nourish the spleen and stomach, promote body fluid production and benefit the lungs, while red dates can replenish qi, nourish blood and calm the mind. When combined and stewed into a soup, it can warm the body and nourish the spleen and stomach. Another good option is pumpkin and millet porridge. Pumpkin is rich in pectin, which can protect the gastric mucosa, while millet can strengthen the spleen and stomach. When blended into a porridge, it is easy to digest and absorb, and is especially beneficial for people with weak spleen and stomach. In addition, pork stomach and lotus seed soup is also a good choice. Pork stomach can replenish deficiencies and strengthen the spleen and stomach, while lotus seeds can nourish the heart and calm the mind, benefit the kidneys and astringe essence. When stewed into a soup, it is rich in nutrients and has a very good conditioning effect on the spleen and stomach.” The villagers listened attentively, nodding from time to time, remembering these dietary suggestions as if they had grasped a lifeline, their eyes revealing a desire to improve their situation.
To better help the villagers improve their health, Lin Qing decided to teach them a set of "Frost's Descent Stomach-Strengthening Exercises." Standing in the village's open space, he loudly proclaimed, "Now, I'm going to teach you a set of 'Frost's Descent Stomach-Strengthening Exercises' specially designed for the Frost's Descent season. This set of exercises, through unique abdominal massage and breathing coordination, can effectively unblock the stomach meridian and promote digestion. Follow along with me and carefully feel the changes in your body brought about by each movement."
Lin Qing slowly stood up, feet shoulder-width apart, arms hanging naturally at his sides, his posture upright like a pine tree. He took a deep breath and gently placed his hands on his abdomen, massaging it lightly in a clockwise direction. "When you inhale, place your hands on your abdomen and feel the slight rise, as if you are absorbing the essence of heaven and earth; when you exhale, massage your abdomen in a clockwise direction, the movements should be gentle and slow, like gently soothing your stomach. This movement can promote gastrointestinal motility, aid digestion, and allow food to be better broken down and absorbed in the stomach." Lin Qing demonstrated and patiently explained, paying attention to every movement and every detail, as if performing a sacred ritual. The villagers followed suit, slowly massaging their abdomens in rhythm with Lin Qing. A focused and determined expression gradually appeared on their faces, as if they were having a deep dialogue with their bodies, every movement filled with a desire for health.
Then, Lin Qing slowly sat down, straightening his legs, placing his hands on his knees, and straightening his back. He took a deep breath, then slowly exhaled, leaning his upper body forward as close to his legs as possible, feeling the stretch in his abdomen. "This movement can stimulate the stomach meridian acupoints in our abdomen, which can help strengthen the spleen and stomach. When doing this, pay attention to the coordination of your breathing. When inhaling, prepare and feel the energy gathering in your body; when exhaling, lean forward to expel the turbid and pathogenic qi from your body. Feel the stretch and relaxation in your abdomen, allowing the qi and blood in the stomach meridian to flow more smoothly," Lin Qing said. The villagers followed his instructions carefully, their bodies rising and falling slightly with the movement, as if dancing to the rhythm of nature, each forward lean feeling like a small step towards health.
After performing abdominal massage and forward leaning exercises, Lin Qing began guiding the villagers in deep breathing. He instructed them to close their eyes, slowly inhale, feeling their abdomen rise as if absorbing the essence of heaven and earth; then slowly exhale, feeling their abdomen contract as if expelling stale air and worries. “When you breathe deeply, pay attention to every subtle change in your body, making your breathing even, deep, and slow. Through deep breathing, we can regulate our body's energy and strengthen the function of our spleen and stomach. Imagine yourself in a peaceful field, breathing fresh air, with sunlight on your body, feeling the warmth and embrace of nature, letting all your worries and ailments dissipate in this moment,” Lin Qing said. The villagers followed his rhythm, slowly taking deep breaths, as if engaging in a silent and profound dialogue with the Frost's Descent solar term. Each breath felt like a reconciliation with their inner selves, and the air was filled with tranquility and peace.
Ye Lan played her jade flute beside them, its melodious notes flowing like a clear spring through every corner of the village, adding tranquility and peace to the focused atmosphere. The flute music echoed in the air, seemingly encouraging the villagers and also telling tales of the beauty and mystery of nature. Accompanied by the music, the villagers moved more fluidly, their bodies and minds more relaxed, as if all their worries and ailments had been swept away by the beautiful sound. The flute music was sometimes like a gentle spring breeze, soft and soothing; sometimes like a babbling brook, lively and vibrant; sometimes like the sound of pine trees, deep and powerful, as if engaging in an intimate dialogue with the villagers' hearts, guiding them towards inner peace and well-being.
Qin Feng activated his spatial perception ability, carefully observing the energy changes around the villagers' bodies. He focused intently on the energy field around each villager, as if deciphering a mysterious energy code. He discovered that as the villagers performed the "Frost's Descent Stomach-Strengthening Exercise," the previously chaotic energy fields around their bodies gradually became stable and orderly. The chaotic energy flows, under the miraculous effects of massage and breathing, began to return to normal, resonating with the frost energy of heaven and earth, forming a harmonious resonance. "You've all done very well. Through this exercise, your bodies are perfectly merging with the energy of nature, and the function of your spleen and stomach is gradually recovering. Keep going, and you will definitely feel a tremendous change in your bodies, regaining that long-lost health and vitality. Every movement, every breath, is communicating with nature, drawing strength from nature, and making yourself stronger and more confident." Qin Feng encouraged the villagers. His words were like warm sunshine, illuminating their path to health, allowing them to see the dawn of hope in the darkness. A determined light shone in the villagers' eyes, filled with anticipation for the future.
Jasmine activated her microscopic energy perception, deeply observing the changes within the villagers' cells. She felt as if she were in a microscopic living universe, witnessing with delight how the mitochondria damaged by indigestion gradually regained their vitality during the "Frost's Descent Stomach-Strengthening Exercise." The mitochondria, the cell's energy factories, began to operate efficiently again, providing ample energy to the cells and filling them with life and vitality. Cellular energy metabolism also became more stable, as if they had rediscovered their rhythm of life. "Keep going, everyone! The cells in your bodies are becoming healthier and stronger, which will greatly help alleviate your discomfort. If you persevere, you will definitely overcome the discomfort brought by the cold and embrace a better life. Every cell is like a little warrior; with our efforts, they are regaining their strength and fighting for our health and happiness," Jasmine said, her tone full of encouragement and confidence, as if injecting a powerful spiritual force into the villagers, making them believe that they could overcome difficulties and move towards a bright future. Hearing this, the villagers all showed confident smiles, filled with confidence in their recovery.