Turning within in winter
The days are shorter, the sun is lower, and there is less time to get out and absorb some of those rays into our skin and eyes. Today I spent the afternoon out in the garden just to get those rays. I pulled up my dahlia bulbs, raked some leaves and turned my face to the sun. Dark by 44:30 is tough. Many of us feel the lack of light viscerally in our body and may feel sad or tired. It is good to get out and get some sun throughout the winter if possible, to prevent seasonal affective disorder. There is something about the “hugge” side of winter that is appealing to me, though. Cozy, blankets, holiday lights, book reading, movies, and fires in the fireplace, (if there is one).
From a Chinese medicine perspective Winter is the time to rest, restore, and turn within so we can recharge our body, mind, and spirit for the energetic time of spring. With regard to the theory of yin and yang, winter has the yin energy of cold, dark, damp, and inactivity. Getting extra sleep and expending minimal energy is key to restoring our whole being.
The organ system associated with the winter are the kidneys and bladder which represent the water element. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, the kidneys are the source of all the energy in the body, also known as “Qi”. The kidneys store this vital essence as a reserve so that it can be used in times of stress and illness. It is best not to “burn the candle at both ends” in general, especially in the winter.
Acupuncture is a great way to support your kidney energy. It unblocks stuck Qi in the pathways that can be caused by stress, bad diet, injury, or environmental factors, etc. A loose, western translation would be to support our adrenal glands which can be drained from overwork, stress and being always on the go.
Nourish your qi and stay healthy this winter by following these guidelines and tuning into nature.
Exercising during the winter is best with slow movements like those in yoga, Tai Chi, and Qi Gong which balance our physical, mental and spiritual aspects.
In winter it is important to focus on warming soups and stews and other cooked foods as opposed to salads and other raw foods. People who have weak immune systems could benefit from herbal formulas that protect the body from pathogens by boosting the immune system or “protective qi”.
Pay extra attention to keeping your back and feet warm. The low back is tied to the strength of the kidney Qi. Cold enters the body from the feet and low back, and wind enters the body from the neck, ( our wind gates) so keep these areas warm. Sleep like one of the best ways to heal and restore so think of it as medicine. Go with the flow of nature.
For those of you who are local, I am in the office this month but less available through the winter in person. I will be available for coaching by phone. I will also be teaching qigong and meditation on Zoom regularly.
Thing about your health this season. Acupuncture to nourish the body and strengthen your immune system as well as a some health coaching sessions to make sure you are preparing properly for your individual health concerns. How is your diet? Are you missing some vitamins or minerals? Could you use an herbal formula to support you and give you more energy? Please feel free to reach out to discuss and I always appreciate referrals if you know anyone who could use my help.
Donna Bunte Whole Health
www.donnabunte.com
health@donnabunte.com
203 253 9885
Here is a link to my online dispensary at Wellevate.com where you can order what vitamins and herbs you want from a huge inventory. I can also make suggestions for you if it is overwhelming!
https://wellevate.me/donna-bunte
