Winter From A Traditional Chinese Medicine Viewpoint
by Eric Snyder, Registered Acupuncturist

The ancient Chinese believed that human beings should live in harmony with the natural cycles of their environment. The cold and darkness of winter urges us to slow down. This is the time of year to reflect on our health, replenish our energy, and conserve our strength.

“The wise nourish life by flowing with the four seasons and adapting to cold or heat, by harmonizing joy and anger in a tranquil dwelling, by balancing yin and yang, and what is hard and soft. So it is that dissolute evil cannot reach the man of wisdom, and he will be witness to a long life.” – Huangdi Neijing Suwen

Element: Water
Nature: Yin
Organs: Kidney, Urinary Bladder, Adrenal Glands, Low Back, Ears, and Hair
Taste: Salty
Emotion: Fear and Depression

Winter is ruled by the water element, which is associated with the kidneys, bladder, and adrenal glands. According to the philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine, the kidneys are considered the source of all energy (Qi) within the body.  They store all of the reserve Qi in the body so that it can be used in times of stress and change, or to heal, prevent illness, and age gracefully.

During the winter months it is important to nurture and nourish our kidney Qi. It is the time where this energy can be most easily depleted. Our bodies are instinctively expressing the fundamental principles of winter — rest, reflection, conservation, and storage.  Resting, storing and conserving Qi in the winter will giving the energy to fully embrace spring and all types of growth.

As the Kidneys govern the low back, it is especially important to be mindful when exerting yourself. With the snow and cold of winter low back injuries are common. By conserving your Kidney Qi you lessen the risk of injury. It is also important to treat low back injuries quickly as they will tend to persist longer in the winter.

Foods for Winter

Winter is a time when many people tend to reduce their activity. If that’s true for you, it’s wise to reduce the amount of food you eat, too, to avoid gaining weight unnecessarily. Avoid raw foods during the winter as much as possible, as these tend to cool the body. During winter you should emphasize warming foods:

* Soups and stews
* Root vegetables
* Beans
* Miso and seaweed
* Garlic and ginger
* Lamb

Eating warm hearty soups, whole grains, and roasted nuts help to warm the body’s core and to keep us nourished.  Sleep early, rest well, stay warm, and expend a minimum quantity of energy.

Staying Healthy This Winter

Seasonal changes affect the body’s environment. With the wind, rain, and snow comes the colds, flu, aches, and pains.  Here are a few tips to staying healthy this winter:

Wash your hands regularly. Studies have shown that one of the main reasons that we catch colds and flu in the winter season is that we are indoors and in closer proximity to others in cold weather. Protect yourself by washing your hands regularly and try not to touch your face.

Get plenty of sleep. The Nei Ching, an ancient Chinese classic, advised people to go to sleep early and rise late, after the sun’s rays have warmed the atmosphere a bit. This preserves your own yang Qi for the task of warming in the face of cold.

Reduce stress. Find a way to relax and release stress on a daily basis. Such methods may include acupuncture, t’ai chi & qigong, yoga, meditation, biofeedback, simple relaxation therapy, or whatever method you use to release the stress and pressures of modern life.

Get your vitamin D levels checked. As we all know there is very little sun light in North East Ohio. A lack of sunlight can lead to a vitamin D deficiency.  As vitamin D is fat soluble too much is harmful.

Ear Rub

The ears are considered a microcosm of the physical as well as energy bodies.  This means that by stimulating the ears you are effectively treating all the internal organs and body systems.  Many acupoints are located on the ears and are often used by TCM practitioners to treat a variety of health conditions.  This simple technique is very beneficial for strengthening Kidney Qi and promoting longevity.

Cup each of your hands over your ears (the entire ear) and rub them vigorously.  Continue rubbing until the ears are red and warm.  Do this every day or as often as possible. As always, if there is any pain or discomfort in the action, discontinue immediately.

If you have any questions please call me.
Eric Snyder L.Ac. 330-620-0865