The fourth lunar month of the year belongs to si, sixth in the twelve earthly branches, and in addition corresponds to the Pericardium Channel of Hand-Jueyin in the jingluo system and qian in the sixty-four hexagrams. Qian stands for vigor, strength and pure yang. What you have to bear in mind in this month is that qi arises at 5 a.m. and you' d better face east, and with the union of heaven and earth all things are pro-duced. Be sure to go to bed and get up early so as to absorb fresh and pure qi.
(1) Lixia (the Beginning of Summer)
The time between 3 and 7 a.m. every day in this month is good for the following exercise. Sit on bed with legs bent and eyes closed. Hold breath and pull one knee with hands towards chest. Return to the starting position and repeat the pulling movement 35 times on each side. Then, sitting upright with legs crossed, click teeth and inhale and exhale before swallowing saliva.
This exercise may cure diseases caused by pathogenic wind-dampness and blockade of channels as well as dysphoria with heat sensation in the limbs and chest.
(2) Xiaoman (Grain Full)
The time between 3 and 7 a.m. every day in this month is also good for the following exercise. Sit upright on bed with legs crossed and one hand raised and the other pressing against bed. Stretch out both arms and look at the hand above. Return to the starting position and repeat the whole process 15 times on each side. Then, with body remaining upright, click teeth and inhale and exhale before swallowing saliva.
This exercise will help get rid of pathogens in the internal organs, fullness and discomfort in the chest and hypochondrium, dysphoria, flushed face and the yellow discoloration of the sclera.