Health & Wellness During the Winter Season
It is easy to get caught up in the craziness that this time of year brings. Between travel, social obligations, end of the year deadlines, and the kids being out of school, there is little time to spend on ourselves or to take to savor the moments that come.
According to TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), the slow, introspective yin energy is at its peak in the winter which makes it a time for rest, turning inward, and practicing self care. Here are some tips to stay healthy and aligned with this energy during this time of year.
ELEMENT: WATER
In TCM, winter is the season of the water element. Water is essential to life so this element represents the storing of energy. I don’t know about you, but I’ve been much more sleepy lately. This is because hibernation isn't just for animals. TCM emphasizes the need for rest as we're more prone to feeling tired and overworked in the winter. Try going to bed earlier and creating a bedtime ritual that will help you ease into restful sleep. TCM also recommends embodying the water element by practicing fluid movements like yoga, breathwork, and dancing.
ENERGY: YIN / COLOR: BLACK
In TCM, winter is the peak of yin energy - the black side of the yin and yang symbol. Yin represents a dark, slow, inward energy. In the winter, nature is at rest and there's little activity around us. This energy applies to us too. According to TCM, this peak yin energy can manifest as depression and loneliness, but it can also provide an opportunity for deep reflection. Take advantage of the yin energy to look inward. Meditate, journal your thoughts, and pay attention to your dreams.
EMOTION: FEAR
In TCM, each season is associated with an emotion and winter's emotion is fear. With less sunlight and more time indoors, this seasonal emotion can get amplified pretty easily. This makes winter a time to be more compassionate and nurturing towards ourselves. Make self-care a daily practice and explore practices and rituals that can help you relax. If you find yourself feeling unsettled, a hot cup of tea can be an effective way to naturally relax the body and mind.
Organ: Kidneys
Our kidneys play an important role in fluid regulation, which is related to the water element of winter. In TCM, the kidneys store 'qi' - the vital life force energy in our bodies. Since the kidneys can easily experience imbalance in the winter, it's important to drink lots of fluids, preferably at room temperature or hot teas. The Kidneys also like warming foods during the winter such as roasted meats and vegetables and hot soups. To really up your winter health game, take a peek at these medicinal herbs to add to your soup for extra nourishment.
I hope you find these TCM tips helpful for a healthy winter. Please embrace the slow, introspective energy and take time to listen to your body. Make the most of this restorative period so that you're recharged and ready for the warmer seasons ahead.