Traditional Chinese Medicine states that people should live in harmony with their environment.

During winter, this means slowing down in the colder months, deeply nourishing yourself, and keeping warm and well rested in order to plant the seeds for renewed vitality in the new year.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the different seasons are associated with the five elements: Fire, Earth, Wood, Metal and Water.

The winter season is connected to the Water element.

Winter is the season for inward reflection; a time to replenish ones mind, body and spirit.

With busy schedules and hectic lives we cannot expect our bodies to keep up without giving it the time and rest it needs.

The organ systems associated with water are the Kidneys and Bladder.

The kidneys are said to spark the energy of the entire body. To keep the kidneys healthy, it is important to keep them warm and well hydrated. When outside, make sure your lower back is kept warm. Avoid drinking ice water.

I recommend eating warming foods, while cooking them longer and at lower temperatures with less water. Emphasize soups and stews, root vegetables, plenty of dark leafy greens, kidney and black beans, walnuts, black sesame seeds, whole grains, and seaweeds. These specific foods help to fortify the kidneys, uplift the emotions, nourish the body, keep you warm and help you to conserve energy.

The bladder is a reservoir where the waters in the body collect. When the bladder is not functioning properly, the entire system is in danger of filling up with toxic wastes. Depression, fatigue, or difficulty adapting to new circumstances are considered symptoms of an imbalance in this organ.

People are more susceptible to colds and flu during the winter season, as the cold weather challenges the immune system.

How To Keep Happy And Healthy This Winter

1. Take time to Listen and Recharge: Use this time to rediscover more about yourself through reflection, reading, paying attention to your dreams, meditation and/or keeping a journal.
2. Nourish yourself well: Drink plenty of water. Winter sucks moisture out of your body so it is very important to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water daily. Eat warming foods.
3. Keep warm: Dress according to the weather. Chinese medicine says it is important to protect the neck, shoulders and back from the wind. Be sure to wear a scarf.
4. Get more Rest: Winter is the time for us to recharge and in order to do so, we should do our best to go to bed earlier in the evenings.
5. Practice Fluid Movement: Tai chi, qigong, yoga and dance mimic the flow of water and are great for the winter months. These fluid exercises allow you to become more centered, aware of your breathing and aware of what’s going on within yourself.
6. Get treated with Chinese Therapies: Acupuncture, Moxibustion, Tui Na and herbal remedies: All of these therapies have great value during the winter, as they help to relieve stagnant energy caused by a lack of activity and the cold weather and strengthen your immune system to ward off colds and flu and recover faster if you have a cold or flu .

Acupuncture, Moxibustion, Tui Na and herbal remedies, attention to diet, exercise and meditation can be used to revitalize the organ functions.

CONSULTATION

Call to make an appointment for a Consultation and let us help you set up a program for you to be proactive in maintaining your health the CHINESE MEDICINE WAY! Chatsworth (818) 280-9133