As winter approaches and the days get shorter, we find ourselves more inclined to stay at home and hunker down in the warmth of our homes. Traditional Chinese Medicine associates winter with the kidney and bladder meridians, and thus the water element. Theses meridians are known as “energetic reservoirs”, so it is very important to listen to your body in order to protect your Qi, especially during the colder months.
Winter Affects Your Qi
The winter season can affect your body and mind in many ways, more so when your Qi is depleted or out of balance.
- Colds and Flu: your body is more susceptible to outside pathogens known as “Cold” and “Wind” which can present as chills, congestion, and sore throat.Joint
- Pain/Stiffness: TCM attributes exacerbated joint pain during winter to Cold and Dampness entering the body.
- Fatigue: due to your body wanting to conserve resources during winter, you might notice your energy levels dropping and may feel sluggish.
- Emotional Changes: the short, dark, and cold days that come with winter can lead to feelings of isolation and sadness.
- Respiratory Irritation and Dry Skin: the lungs are very sensitive to seasonal changes, and winter brings dry air that can be hard on the lungs and skin.
Thriving In Winter
Making simple changes to your diet and lifestyle can help you conserve and replenish your Qi to keep you feeling healthy and well.
In TCM practices, winter calls for a focus on rest, warmth, and nourishment. Start by listening to your Qi as it tells you to focus inward and replenish your resources during this time of “stillness and preservation”.
- Swap out your high intensity exercise for something gentler like yoga, walking, or weightlifting.
- Increase your sleep by a few hours if possible. This is going to fill up your energy reservoir and reduce those afternoon slumps.
- Favor warm and nourishing food and drink to help with digestion and to promote internal heat. Think soups, stews, warming spices, and tea.
- Eat to nourish your kidneys. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the color black is associated with the kidneys, and consuming black colored foods such as black beans, dark berries, and black rice are thought to support kidney function.
- Cover your skin to prevent exposure to drafts. The kidney meridian is centered in the feet; keep your lower extremities covered and warm.
Winter is a time to focus inward, conserve, and protect your energy and resources. Protect yourself against illness and discomforts using these tips. Acupuncture is a great tool during winter to help your body feel better and to replenish your energy. If your Qi becomes stagnant due to the darker, shorter days, and more present cold and flus, acupuncture can help restore balance and maintain a good energy flow.
