How to survive Winter with some TCM tips

Winter Berries

Winter brings with it cold ,damp, short days and it can be challenge to stay fit and well.

Winter however is a time of rest and stillness and hopefully peace within us .

In Traditional Chinese Medicine Winter is the time of the year when the Kidney/ Bladder energy system comes to the fore and is associated with the "Ming Men" the gate of vitality.

The colour associated with the Kidney is blue/ black, the taste salty, the emotion is fear, the sense organ is the ear and the spirit residing in the kidney is "Zhi" which is our will, ambition and drive.

Kidney stores Jing which translates as our essence which is yin in nature, the brain is the sea of Essence and is supported by the Kidney.

Our Kidney energy needs to be nurtured and kept strong and is important for fertility, bone health, hearing, and a healthy nervous system.

Winter is also a time when we need to support our immune system known as "Wei Qi" in TCM. If the Wei Qi is week then one or more of the six pathogenic factors can invade and cause illness.

In winter time we can be susceptible to invasion of wind, cold and damp. The following

points are used with warming moxabustion to rid the body of wind , cold and damp and to support Wei Qi and Ying Qi. Ren 8 , Ren 4, St 36, Bl 23, Kid 3/7.

We can keep our selves warm by wearing appropriate clothing and avoiding exposure to excessive cold such as cold water swimming!.

We should get plenty of rest and sleep at this time of year,

Foods that should be eaten are warming such as soups, stews, roasted and baked foods.

Foods such as lamb, turkey, pork, fish, shellfish (high in zinc) ,aubergine , black Beans Gogi Berries, Turmeric, Black Pepper.

Avoid cold iced drinks and avoid ice cream.

Herbs that are useful are Chen Pi (orange peel) this boosts circulation, is high in superflavanoids, fights high cholesterol and boosts eye health, it is high in Vit C.

Ginger Tea is warming and boosts lung and stomach function

Black Tea contains methylxanthines which dilate the pulmonary bronchi .

Ginseng is also useful (avoid if you have high blood pressure)

By looking after your Kidney energy - the seeds of our potential - it allows the body to support the next stage in the year - Spring, the time of the new green shoots of Liver energy.

In the mean time enjoy a little feasting on warming nourishing foods and enjoy a time of relaxation and rest in the Festive Season.