7 Winter wellness tips from a traditional Chinese medicine perspective
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) teaches that for optimal health and wellbeing, it is best to live in accordance with the seasons. By adjusting to your environment, you’ll stay in harmony with nature and retain your internal state of balance. By consolidating your Qi (vital energy) during the winter months, you are nourishing and strengthening your immune system and preparing your body for the outburst of new life and energy in the spring.
According to TCM philosophy, all aspects of life are seen to exist in an ever-changing balance of Yin and Yang. The season of winter is the most Yin of seasons: it is dark, cold and a time to preserve energy, turn inward, keep warm and slow down. Summer in opposition is the most Yang of seasons.
Each season belongs to a particular element and has unique correspondences. Winter corresponds to the element of Water and to the Kidney organs, considered the foundation of Yin and Yang in the body and the source of our most consolidated and essential form of Qi within the body, and the storehouse of Qi reserves. These reserves can be used in times of stress or change, or to heal or prevent illness and to age gracefully, but they are finite and therefore precious and need to be nurtured.
So how can you embrace the winter months while nourishing and caring for your Kidneys, keeping your Water element in balance and preserving your Qi?
Avoid raw and cold food. These tend to cool down the body. The less you direct internal warmth to digest cold foods, the more Qi is available to support other bodily functions. Keep those smoothies, ice creams and salads for the summer months.
Favour warm foods. It is time to bring out the slow cooker! Support your Kidneys with warm and hearty soups and slow-cooked stews.
Eat nourishing foods. These include walnuts, chestnuts, black sesame, kidney beans, black beans, figs, dates, dark leafy greens, seaweeds, root vegetables, whole grains, pears... And one of Chinese medicine’s elixirs: bone (or vegetable) broth. These will all help to supplement Qi, Yang, Yin and Blood during the cold winter months.
Drink herbal tea. Tea is a wonderful way of keeping hydrated while benefiting from the warming properties that some herbs and spices can offer, in mild and safe doses. Spices such as cinnamon, ginger, chai, cardamom, nutmeg, and star anise…are all delicious in a cuppa.
Take it slow. Willpower belongs to the Water element. Apply it, listen to your body and give yourself permission to stay in and rest. Make your exercise routines gentle and meditative such as Qi Gong and Yin Yoga. And get plenty of sleep.
Keep warm…especially your lower back/Kidney area and neck area. Scarves, gloves, beanies, and woolly socks are your best friends. For extra warmth use a hot water bottle or a haramaki body warmer. Keep your feet warm as the sole of your foot is where the Kidney meridian begins.
Lastly, I have to mention Acupuncture which can assist your body in finding harmony with the natural Qi of this time of year. Using specific points and channels, your Kidney Qi and the energy of the Water element in your body can be balanced.
There is also an important concept in Chinese medicine that we must “nourish our Shen (spirit)” - so allow yourself the guilty pleasures that bring you joy. I will certainly be indulging in a mince pie or three.