09/07/2024

The art of living according to the four seasons – winter

Winter months are a time for energy conservation and cultivation, with the weather cooling and days shortening.

To maintain a healthy lifestyle, sleep earlier and get up later, eat warm and wholesome foods, and avoid overindulging. To aid digestion, cook foods longer, at lower temperatures, and with less fluid.

Winter is also flu season, and Chinese medicine emphasizes strengthening the Wei Qi or defensive energies to fend off viruses and bacterial infections. To maintain a healthy seasonal change, rest more and stay active through gentle exercise like walking, tai chi, or yoga.

Protect yourself from rain, wind, and cold with warm clothing, a scarf, beanie, and gloves. Eat fresh, balanced meals and snacks, stay hydrated, get plenty of sleep, and consult with an acupuncture and herbal medicine consultation.

Maintain basic hygiene by using antimicrobial handwash, launder clothes, and replace toothbrushes if unwell.

In winter, it is common to experience discomforts such as coughs, colds, aching joints, or tummy upsets. Overworked or run-down individuals may find winter months more exhausting as yin dominates yang.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help with these conditions.

Foods and home remedies to nourish and protect in winter include hearty soups, stews, casseroles, whole grains, root vegetables, kidney tonics, and cold remedies.

Feel free to chat more with one of our practitioners on this topic.

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