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August 11th marks a very unique national holiday in Japan called Yama no Hi (Mountain Day). While many countries dedicate their holidays to historical events or figures, Japan has a holiday solely to express gratitude for the blessings of mountains. Today, I would like to share why this deep respect for nature is not just a cultural tradition, but the very foundation of Eastern Medicine.

Mountain Worship in Japan In a country where over 70% of the land is covered by mountains, the connection between nature and people has always been profound. Historically, mountains were not merely places for hiking or sports. They were considered sacred realms where gods and spirits reside. Mountains bring rain, supply pure water through their rivers, and nurture the soil that feeds the people. This ancient belief of finding divinity in nature is known as animism.

Eastern Medicine and the Microcosm This concept is deeply shared by the philosophy of Eastern Medicine, including acupuncture. In ancient Eastern wisdom, the human body is considered a "microcosm" that mirrors the natural world. Nature itself is the macrocosm, and our body is the microcosm.

Imagine your own body as a beautiful landscape, like a mountain. Your blood vessels and the pathways of Qi (energy) are like the streams and rivers flowing through the mountain. Your digestive organs, such as your stomach and intestines, are like the rich soil that absorbs nutrients. When the rivers flow smoothly and the soil is warm and full of nutrients, the mountain thrives beautifully.

Restoring Your Natural Rhythm This Summer However, modern city life often disconnects us from this natural rhythm. During the summer, we constantly move back and forth between the 35°C (95°F) blazing heat outside and freezing, heavily air-conditioned rooms inside. To heal the physical exhaustion caused by these extreme temperature differences, please use this Mountain Day to truly check in with your body. Take your time, slow down, and rest.

It might be a little surprising for expats and visitors, but this week is also the "Obon week" in Japan, meaning many shops and businesses will be closed. Please don't push yourself too hard. Heal your body, and let's prepare for the upcoming shift in the autumn air.