While the winter solstice is officially still over a month away, we can certainly feel that the weather is changing and the winter season will be here sooner rather than later. On the Chinese Medicine calendar, winter officially starts on November 8th- which is right around the corner!
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) there is much attention given to the changing of the seasons as these changes in nature can produce changes in our bodies. For example; Autumn specifically correlates to the Lungs*, which play a huge role in immune function. (Did anyone struggle with coughs and colds this fall?) Winter, on the other hand, corresponds to the Kidneys*. The kidneys are responsible for our vitality in life, they keep us grounded and nourish our bodies. Being proactive during these transitional times can help our bodies move smoothly through them and avoid dis-ease. Interestingly, as the temperatures shift, the everyday issues that I see in clinic are shifting as well. Where I’ve been seeing a lot of cases of chronic cough or low- immune function, I’m now beginning to see more anxiety, depression, and chronic pain flare-ups. Other common symptoms that can creep in during the winter include: chattering teeth, achy bones, sensitive nerves, an increased need to urinate, lots of yawning, fighting off feelings of fear or depression.
So how can you be proactive in keeping your health on track this winter? Very simply, the symptoms that we experience are the body’s way of telling us exactly what it needs during the winter: more warmth, more rest, more calm.
Stay Warm
The kidneys love warmth and thrive best in warm conditions. During this season, not just for reasons of practicality, but also to take care of our kidneys, it’s important to bundle up, as much as is comfortable, indoors and out. Keep those feet and ankles covered. Wear a scarf, even a light one when indoors. Wrap in a blanket when you have the opportunity. Cover your head and ears when going outside. Because we have forced-air in our homes, offices, shops, and vehicles, we often forgo the extra layers knowing that we’ll enter a warm space soon. However, remember that these practices are about more than just avoiding frostbite, they are distinctly nourishing to your kidney health and will help keep your body in the best form possible to combat any illness that tries to attack.
Incorporate Nourishing Foods
Some great winter foods that help support the kidneys include: root vegetables, garlic, black soybeans, black sesame, apples, tangerines, bone broth, lamb, beef, black and purple rice, miso, spices, and black tea (a definite black theme to the foods that benefit the kidneys!). Soups and stews are amazing at this time of year, as are roast meats and vegetables. There are also some key foods to avoid during the cold months of winter. Stay away from; cold or iced drinks, raw foods, and cooling herbs. This means it’s time to lay off the smoothies and salads for a bit. Your digestion will thank you. However, if you’re a die hard smoothie fan and can’t get by without one, try adding in some warming herbs such as ginger and/or cinnamon to your daily drink. (If you’re really brave- use warm water and no ice.)
Keep Moving!
It’s easy to get our of a regular exercise routine once the snow starts flying, but keeping our bodies active is key to overall health. Even our movement can change with the seasons. It’s OK for your exercise routine to look a bit different, to be a bit slower and more intentional. Qi Gong and Yoga are excellent practices as they are challenging, yet involve a lot of stretching- which the kidneys like.
Work with Your Team of Health Care Providers
Make sure you’re getting regular massages, seeing your Naturopathic Doctor, going for routine acupuncture, chatting with your Counselor, taking your recommended supplements, etc. All of these help to keep your body functioning at its best.
Embrace the slower pace and Stay Cozy Friends!
See you soon!
*Please note: when we name organs such as the Lungs or Kidneys, we are talking moreso about the function that organ is seen to play in the body from a TCM perspective. This may or may not correlate to the acutal function we typically discuss in Western Medicine.
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