TCM Winter Wellness

“The winter months are the time for closure and preservation,” according to the Yellow Empire’s Internal Classic. It’s the season of all things closed and hidden. It’s the womb we return to where parts of ourselves die so that we are born anew in the Spring. Chinese Medicine teaches us that winter is a time to conceal and protect our vital energy. We can help our bodies lean into the nature of winter and store essence and absorb vital qi. It is said that “if you do not hide essence in winter, you will get sick in spring.”

Winter is the ultimate Yin, so we must preserve our Yang. Here’s some tips:

• Your head is the most yang part of your body so wear a hat or cover your head when going outside. In general, it’s best to stay warm overall and wear more layers.

• Practice exercise daily, but do not sweat too much as this will leave your pores open and vulnerable to cold invasion.

• The front of your body is Yin, the back is Yang. When going outdoors, face your back towards to sun to absorb essential yang qi from the sun.

• Your feet are the furthest from your heart so ensure your feet are ALWAYS warm.

• Adjust your diet to include warm, slightly oily, well spiced nourishing meals and steer clear of sticky, hard, raw and cold foods during the winter season.

• Visit your acupuncturist and herbalist to recommend a winter tonic to suit your constitution.

During the winter, it’s also important to protect your essence stored in your kidneys (likened to your savings account; your reserves). Here’s some tips:

• Warm your hands and massage Kidney 1, your hips and lower back for 3-5 minutes per day.

• Moderate your energy and opt for more yin types of activities.

• Massage both of your feet before bed.

• Rest more. Sleep earlier and wake up a little later.

We must always balance yin with yang. Even though we are protecting our yang during these colder months, during the winter season is a great opportunity to restore our yin that has been depleted from previous seasons; especially the autumn season where the air becomes drier. Here’s some tips to help nourish yin:

• Stay hydrated with fluids but also yin rich foods and herbs such as pears, licorice, porridge, squash, goji berries, mulberries, tremella, nuts & seeds.

• Eat root vegetables and sustainably sourced animal proteins such as eggs, chicken, turkey, duck, lamb and fresh water fish.

• Incorporate rejuvenation practices such as whole body oil massage

• Visit places with bodies of water such as lakes, rivers & the ocean. If you don’t have a body of water nearby, opt for forests or wooded areas, mountains and valleys. Breathe in the qi.

Enjoy your winter season by embracing yin, preserving your yang and protecting your essence!

Deep bows & blessings.