Now that Winter has officially arrived it is time to utilize the knowledge and wisdom of Chinese Medicine that has been honed and tested for over 4,000 years. The ancient Chinese believed that human beings should live in harmony with the natural cycles of their environment. The cold and darkness of Winter leads us to slow down. This is the time of the year to reflect on our health, replenish energy, and conserve our strength.
If you feel tired and drained your are not alone. “Lack of energy” is one of the top three complaints that doctors hear in their offices. According to Oriental Medicine, the cold months of Winter are the perfect time to recharge your battery and generate vital energy, what the Chinese refer to as “Qi”, in order to live, look, and feel your best.
Winter is ruled by the Water element, which is associated with the Kidneys, Bladder, and Adrenal glands. The Kidneys are considered the source of all energy or Qi within the body. They store all of the reserve Qi so that it can be used in times of stress and change, or to heal, prevent illness, and age gracefully.
During the Winter months it is particularly important to nurture and nourish our Kidney Qi because this is the time that it can be most easily depleted. Our bodies are instinctively expressing the fundamental principles of Winter-rest, reflection, conservation, and storage.
The Nei Ching, and ancient Chinese classic, advises people to go to sleep early and rise late(good luck explaining this to your boss)after the sun’s rays have warmed the atmosphere a bit. This preserves your own Yang Qi for the task of warming the body when presented with a cold environment.
Winter Diet:
- Stop drinking ice drinks and coffee. Choose instead warm herbal teas. Coffee increases “dampness” in our bodies which leads to feelings of fatigue and sluggishness.
- Eat more root vegetables, such as potatos and yams. They are a great base for soups and stews. Whole grains an nuts help to warm the body’s core and to keep us nourished.
- Water-Drink plenty of it at room temperature; no ice please…
- Kidney shaped foods:Black beans and kidney beans are excellent examples of kidney shaped fods that benefit Kidney Qi.
- Blue & Black foods: The colors blue and black correspond to the Water element of the Kidneys and are thought to strengthen the Water element. Include blueberries, blackberries, mulberry and black beans in your diet.
- Seeds: Flax, pumpkin, sunflower and black sesame seeds relate to fertiliy and growth which is governed by Kidney Qi.
- Nuts: Walnuts and chestnuts have been found to be especially effective for increasing Kidney Qi.
- Vegetables: Dark, leafy green vegetables are th best choice for Kidney Qi. Other Kidney Qi boosting veges include asparagus, cucumber, and celery.
Seasonal acupuncture treatments in Winter are directed toward nurturing and nourishing Kidney Qi which can greatly enhance the body’s ability to thrive in times of stress. Points are chosen to keep the immune system strong and keep your energy in a balanced state.
If you do catch a cold the formula “Not So Well” by Get Well Natural is the best cold formula I’ve ever taken. If caught early many times it will completely knock out that cold. If it includes a sore throat try zinc lozenges. I actually like “cold eeze” which you can purchase at you local drug store. Zinc kills viruses in the throat and also stimulates the thymus gland which is the master immune gland of the body.
Staying happy, healthy, and energetic is possible in the winter.
Happy Winterizing, Rick J Bernard, L.Ac.
