Winter is Here!

The Winter Solstice on December 22 marks the official beginning of the winter season and the longest night of the year.  For many of us though the chill of winter-time as well as the increased darkness began weeks ago and it is only now that the difference between the darkness and light has reached its peak.

The ancient Chinese believed that we should harmonize  our lives with the natural cycles in our environment.   The cold and darkness of winter urges us to  conserve our energy, slow down, rest and reflect on our lives and our health.
The Chinese Element

In Chinese medicine there are 5 elements considered in out internal and external environments- Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water.  The Winter season is associated with the Water element and relates to the Urinary Bladder,  Kidneys, and the Adrenal Glands. Other associations connected to the Water element are : emotion- fear; sound or tone- groaning; color-dark blue/black; taste-salty. Active time- 3-7pm.

The Urinary Bladder and the Kidney meridians control the “waterways” in the body.  We are physically, three quarters fluid.  Everything that  protects, nourishes, lubricates, grows, eliminates, or other-wise moves within us, does so  with the help of the Water element.  Water is equally important for the mind and spirit- without the cleansing flow of the Water element , the mind loses its flexibility. Not only is the  memory  impaired, its ability to clear itself of old negativity and habitual patterns is effected.    According to Chinese medical philosophy, the kidneys are considered the source of all energy or 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.  Have you ever felt as if you were pulling your energy up from some-where deep inside just to push through the day? Or perhaps you regularly feel the “rush” of adrenaline? If you feel this way often it could indicate your adrenals are stressed  and overworked and you are using the Qi reserve in your kidneys.

Staying Healthy this Winter…

• Seasonal Changes affect the body’s environment.  With the wind, rain and snow comes the colds, flu and aches and pains.
• Wash your hands- Studies have shown that one of the main reasons we catch colds and flu in the winter season is that we are indoors and in closer vicinity with others.
• Sleep- In the ancient Chinese Classic, the Nei Ching, we are advised to sleep early and rise late, after the suns rays have  warmed the earth.  This preserves our “warming” Qi in the face of the cold.
• Stress-  Chinese Medicine considers stress, frustration and unresolved anger a major player in weakening our immune system and allowing pathogens to affect the body.  Find a way to release stress on a daily basis  for example with Yoga, meditation or simply just breathe.  Check in with your-self- are your shoulders up around your ears? If so then bring them down and breathe deeply into your belly- if you spend 5-10 minutes at various times throughout the day, it will help tremendously in how  you manage your stress.
• Acupuncture for Prevention- Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can prevent colds and flu by building up the immune system. Specific points along the energy pathways or meridians are known for strengthening the  circulation of blood and energy and for consolidating the outer defense layers of the skin (Wei Qi) so that germs and viruses cannot enter through them.

Seasonal Acupuncture treatments just four times a year  also serve to strengthen the organ systems in the body and prevent  minor annoyances from becoming more serious problems.
Acupuncture for a Rapid Recovery -  If you’ve already managed to catch that cold or flu, acupuncture and herbal medicine can help with the chills, sniffles, scratchy throat, fever and digestive upsets in a very safe and natural way that doesn’t overwhelm your system with antibiotics.  Too many courses of antibiotics within short periods of time can also have a weakening effect on the body’s natural immunity.

Drink Water- Staying hydrated is one of the most important and simplest things we can do for our bodies.  It is especially important during the Winter months as this is the “water time”.  When we are properly hydrated - our energy is better, elimination is better, aches and pains are felt less intensely- overall everything just feels better.  Oftentimes when a person experiences the sensation of hunger- it is actually thirst!  So the next time you reach for something to eat, drink a glass of water first.

Keep Laughing- Surround yourself with people that make you smile as often as you can.  Studies have shown that just as negative emotions can weaken the immune system- positive emotions keep it strong.  So “lighten up” and try to see the humor and blessings in difficult situations as much as possible and your body will thank you!

A Final Ounce of Prevention- Pro-biotics (acidophilus, Bifidus) on a daily basis, increase Vitamin C daily to at least 500-1000 mg, Stay away from sugary and processed foods, increase whole grains, and fresh seasonal produce purchased from the local Farmers Market is best.  Eating warm and hearty soups and roasted nuts help to warm the body’s core and keep us nourished. During the winter months, drink ¼ teaspoon sea salt in 2-8 ounces water daily which supports the energy of the kidneys. Minimize television,  cell phones and computer use; take frequent breaks while working and get outside and walk around. Sleep early, rest well, stay warm, conserve your energy.  Think of nature and how many of the animals are hibernating through the winter months.  Create your own version of hibernation and do less.

Happy New Year!

In our modern Western culture, the idea of rest and inactivity is not a popular one.  We are constantly encouraged to do more and produce more, in the shortest time possible.  Multitasking is almost an epidemic and extremely unhealthy for people on all levels- from the physical to the emotional.  Use this time of year to reflect on your life and health, connect to the very essence of who you are, restore your energy reserves and prepare for the energy of Spring to put those New Years resolutions into action.  Let’s use this time wisely so that we may embrace the bounty of the coming year.