舒缓音乐以调神

大寒时节由于天气寒冷，人们容易感到心情低落或焦虑。而音乐作为一种有效的心理疗法，可以通过调节情绪来帮助人们缓解压力。根据《黄帝内经》，音乐可以感染和调节情绪，进而影响身体健康，促进身心和谐。五音疗法又称为“五音五行疗法”，是一种将音乐与中医理论相结合的自然疗法。它以五行学说为基础，将自然界的声音分为五音，即宫、商、角、徵、羽，分别对应着土、金、木、火、水五行。通过特定的五声音阶来调和人体内的五行之气，以达到平衡阴阳、调理脏腑的目的。

推荐音乐：大寒时节，避免情绪压抑，可听舒缓音乐，选用羽调式音乐，羽音与肾相对应，针对肾气不足的患者，有助于滋补肾气等相关的身体机能调节。羽音音调低沉、婉转、柔和，韵律悠长，如《梅花三弄》悠远、深邃，可舒缓情绪，滋养肾脏。配以轻快木管乐，如莫扎特《小夜曲》，疏发肝气，调和情志。结合早睡晚起（不超过日出后1小时），避免熬夜耗伤肝血，促进身体各脏腑之间的功能协调，帮助身体达到阴阳平衡的状态。

穴位按摩巧配伍

大寒节气是一年中最寒冷的时期，此时人体阳气更容易受损，因此养生的重点在于温阳驱寒、提升免疫力和促进气血畅通。大寒推荐的养生穴位如下：

疏肝理气揉太冲

位置：太冲穴为足厥阴肝经穴位，位于足背第一、二跖骨间凹陷。

方法：先用拇指指端在太冲穴上并施加一定的力度，向下按压十数次，以有得气感为度。再用拇指指腹按在太冲穴处进行揉按，力度适中，以微微疼痛感为宜，约3-5分钟。

作用：太冲穴的“太”意为“大”或“高”，“冲”则表示“要道”或“重要的地方”。因此，太冲穴被认为是肝经重要通道所在。作为足厥阴肝经的原穴和输穴，太冲穴具有疏肝理气、平抑肝阳、行气活血等功效，是调护肝脏的重要穴位。大寒时节人体易寒邪郁闭化火，出现烦躁易怒、头目晕眩等症状。研究发现太冲穴可调节神经-内分泌系统，从而改善抑郁情绪。主治肝郁气滞导致的眩晕、头痛、情志不舒、焦虑、抑郁、失眠、痛经等症状。

益肾助阳揉太溪

位置：坐位垂足，在足踝区，内踝尖至跟腱之间凹陷中。

方法：可自我按摩，用对侧手的拇指或食指指腹点按或按揉太溪穴3分钟。注意力量柔和，以有酸胀感为度。

作用：太溪穴为肾经原穴，“太”者，大也；“溪”者，沟溪也。该穴为气血所注之处，足少阴肾经脉气处于涌泉，至以聚留而成大溪。《灵枢·九针十二原》云:“五脏有疾，应出十二原。”肾系疾病均可选取太溪穴治疗，太溪可培补阳气，增强肾脏功能，既可滋补肾阴，又可益肾助阳，主治畏寒肢冷、腰脊痛、神疲嗜睡、头昏目眩、浑身乏力、小便频数、月经不调、咳嗽气喘等疾患。按摩太溪穴还能改善足部及下肢部血液供应，有助于缓解大寒时节手脚冰凉等问题。

Soothing Music for Major Cold

During Major Cold, the coldest period of the year, the harsh weather can lead to feelings of low mood or anxiety. Music, as an effective form of therapy, can help alleviate stress and regulate emotions. The Five-Tone Therapy, rooted in TCM theory, categorizes natural sounds into five tones—Gong (宫), Shang (商), Jue (角), Zhi (徵), and Yu (羽)—which correspond to the five elements (earth, metal, wood, fire, and water). By using specific musical scales, this therapy aims to balance the body's internal energies, harmonize yin and yang, and regulate organ functions.  

Recommended Music for Major Cold:  

1. Yu Tone Music: Nourishes the Kidneys 

Characteristics: Low-pitched, gentle, and soothing, with a long and flowing rhythm.  

Example: Mei Hua San Nong (Three Variations of the Plum Blossom) – A serene and profound piece that calms the mind and nourishes the kidneys.  

Benefits: Yu tone corresponds to the water element and the kidneys. It helps tonify kidney qi, regulate related bodily functions, and alleviate emotional stress.  

2. Light Woodwind Music: Regulates Liver Qi 

Example: Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, A lively and uplifting piece that helps soothe liver qi and harmonize emotions.  

Benefits: Balances liver energy, which is essential for emotional stability and overall well-being.  

Lifestyle Tips for Major Cold:  

1. Sleep Routine: Follow the principle of "early to bed, late to rise" (but no more than one hour after sunrise) to conserve energy and protect liver blood.  

2. Avoid Overexertion: Prevent excessive fatigue or staying up late, which can deplete liver blood and disrupt organ harmony.  

3. Emotional Balance: Use music therapy to release suppressed emotions and maintain a calm, balanced state of mind.  

By incorporating soothing music and mindful practices into your daily routine during Major Cold, you can support your emotional well-being, nourish your kidneys, and achieve a harmonious balance of yin and yang.

Acupressure Recommendations for Major Cold

During Major Cold, the coldest period of the year, the body's yang energy is particularly vulnerable. To support health, the focus should be on warming yang, dispelling cold and boosting immunity. Below are recommended acupressure techniques for Major Cold: 

Taichong (LV3) - Soothes the Liver and Regulates Qi

Location: On the dorsum of the foot, in the depression between the first and second metatarsal bones.  

Method:  

Use the thumb to press Taichong firmly for 10-15 times until a sensation of qi is felt. Then, use the thumb pad to knead the point with moderate pressure for 3-5 minutes, aiming for a slight soreness.  

Benefits:  

Taichong, is a key point on the Liver Meridian. It helps soothe liver qi, calm liver yang, and promote qi and blood circulation. During Major Cold, cold stagnation can transform into heat, leading to irritability, dizziness, and headaches. Taichong regulates the neuroendocrine system, improving mood and alleviating symptoms like anxiety, depression, insomnia, and menstrual pain.

Taixi (KI3) - Nourishes the Kidneys and Supports Yang

Location: In the depression between the medial malleolus (inner ankle bone) and the Achilles tendon.  

Method:  

Use the thumb or index finger of the opposite hand to press or knead Taixi for 3 minutes. Apply gentle pressure until a sore or distended sensation is felt.  

Benefits:  

Taixi, the "Great Stream," is the source point of the Kidney Meridian. It tonifies kidney yin and yang, enhancing kidney function. It addresses symptoms like cold limbs, lower back pain, fatigue, dizziness, frequent urination, irregular menstruation, and cough. Massaging Taixi also improves blood circulation in the feet and lower limbs, alleviating cold hands and feet during Major Cold.  

By incorporating these acupressure techniques into your daily routine during Da Han, you can strengthen your body, protect against the cold, and maintain health and vitality throughout the season.