What Winter Means For the Body According to TCM.
WHAT WINTER MEANS FOR THE BODY ACCORDING TO TCM.
We’ve officially reached winter and it’s time to make those lifestyle adjustments to adhere to the changes of nature. There’s a reason we naturally fall into hibernation during this time of year. Winter is all about Yin. The energy of yin tells us to slow down and not to overbook ourselves. Yin represents the dark and cool qualities of winter. Before the earth transforms into the bountiful and energetic presence of spring, it has to sleep, rejuvenate and prepare. Taking these months to go to bed a little earlier, and sleep in a little later can help us conserve the energy we will need once spring has arrived. Shifting your habits with the seasons can help you stay healthy and energized all year long.
WATER: THE ELEMENT OF WINTER
In Chinese Medicine, each season is associated with an element and each element is paired with specific organs. Winter’s element is water; which represents the kidneys and the bladder. The kidneys are the root source of energy, and the vital force behind the action taken in life. Although winter’s energy is yin, the kidneys possess a special relationship with both yin and yang within the body. According to Chinese Medicine, they are the foundation of our strength and our reproductive system. Kidney Qi being in harmony means that the two opposing qualities of yin and yang can coexist equally. Having a calm yet active state of mind, or handling life’s stressors without being quickly overwhelmed or depleted are signs that your Kidney Qi is in a good place.
Guidelines for Winter Health
1. STRETCH IT OUT
Vigorous exercise and over-exercising during winter months isn’t advised in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Instead, its recommended to focus more on staying limber and not over-exerting your bodies Qi. You can achieve this by incorporating slower movements such as Yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Pilates, and walking into your work-outs.
2. STREGNTHEN THE IMMUE SYSTEM
Between traveling, the change in weather and the emotional stress that sometimes comes with the holiday season, our immune system can be easily impaired. There’s a handful of things to keep in your health-toolbox when you feel like you might be catching something.
Keep your neck, back and feet warm and cozy - at all times!
Get a healthy sweat going in a sauna, a hot bath or eat a spicy soup.
Rest! If you think sleeping10 hours is too much, think again. The body will tell you exactly what it needs, you just have to listen.
Stay hydrated! Brownie points if you incorporate mineral water, such as Gerolsteiner.
Avoid the bad stuff: Milk products, refined sugar and too much processed foods can impair the immune system and create more phlegm.
Drinking bone broth every day is extremely healing. Try adding in some herbs and spices listed below in “WHAT TO EAT.”
In your medicine cabinet: Elderberry syrup, Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, Quercetin, Zinc, oregano oil, Probiotics and grapefruit seed extract are a few great supplements to have on hand to keep your immune system strong. Bee Keepers throat spray is a great product to have on hand to avoid getting sick. It has anti-microbial properties that can help kill viruses and bacteria in the throat.
3. LET THE LIGHT IN
Fear and depression are common emotions that can arise in the winter. These emotions are also closely associated with the kidneys and a bladder in TCM. If you live in a place that has darker winter months, or you feel that you’re easily susceptible to low moods, you might want to invest in a light therapy lamp to help with symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Acupuncture can also help regulate and boost moods with continuous treatments.
4. WHAT TO EAT
Since physical activity is at its lowest point of the year, reducing food intake is usually recommended. Food therapy is so important, not just in winter but all year round. In colder months, the body needs warming foods like stews, soup and cooked vegetables to keep the energy at its best. It’s also advised to cook your food for a longer period of time, on a lower heat. Herbal stews and broth help the body’s digestive and immune system.
Try adding in spices to chicken or veggie stock: Fennel seed, star anise, garlic, ginger, black pepper, cumin, turmeric, coriander and mustard seed.
Incorporate salty and bitter foods: Watercress, endive, turnip, celery, asparagus, alfalfa, carrot top, rye, oats, quinoa, amaranth, chicory root, burdock root, miso, soy sauce, seaweed, salt, millet and barley.
5. GET POKED
One of the best way to keep your kidney Qi balanced and strong is regular Acupuncture sessions. Acupuncture is a natural way to help boost your mood, energy, and immune system all at once. One of my favorite kidney points is KD 3, also called, “Tai Xi.” This point is located between the tip of the medial malleolus and the achilles tendon. It can help tonify the kidneys yang, qi, & yin. It boosts fertility, strengthens the lower back and knees, helps with insomnia, ringing in the ears, night-sweats and thirst. Are you ready to give acupuncture a try?