Winter – how to come out healthier on the other side
Winter well and truly arrived this Monday afternoon at 2 PM. Well, at least that is what it felt like earlier this week in Sydney. Tomorrow 1 June marks the first official day of winter and therefore I thought it timely to share some of the Chinese medicine views on going through winter in a healthy way. Chinese medicine is all about living in harmony with nature and that includes living in harmony with the seasons. The season of winter is a season of Yin; nourishing, restoring and resting. In winter, we have longer darker nights and cooler temperatures, prompting us to turn inwards, spend more time at home. It can be likened to the phase of storage after the harvest in nature, which was autumn. Each organ relates to a season and the season of winter is of the kidney. The kidneys, in Chinese medicine, are said to be the source of our primal Qi, our Yin and our Yang, the energy given to us by our parents, the life force that we are born with. We want to make sure not to squander it. In winter, we are meant to go back to this source, nurture our original Yin. There are many ways to do so.
Looking at lifestyle, it is recommended to go to bed early and sleep late; basically, spending more time resting than during the other three seasons of the year. In terms of activity it is the most passive of seasons: when in summer we are out and about during all hours of the day, enjoying the pure Yang nature of summer; in winter, the reverse is true. Of course, nowadays we have heated houses and electricity and we can turn night and day around at any time of the year as we wish. However, if health and longevity is what we strive for, we are well advised to look back at the wisdom of the ancient Chinese. We can focus on restoring our physical energy, as well as refining our spirituality with more focus on deep meditation. Activity levels may be limited to more gentle movements and keeping our joints subtle.
Food; food is a major part of life. Most of us eat at least three meals a day; giving us the chance to nurture anew every time. The colour of the kidney is black and therefore black foods are generally considered nourishing to the kidney energy. Examples are black sesame seed or black and adzuki beans. As it is cold outside, food should be warming and sustaining; meaning warm hearty soups and stews are preferable to cold salad; and steamed winter greens nourish the kidneys more than a quick stir-fry of summer vegetables.
The flavour of the kidney is salty. This flavour, energetically, has a downwards movement and therefore can help bringing body heat deeper and lower into the body in line with the concept of storage. While we are probably all aware of the modern health warnings of too much salt in our diet, the addition of healthy natural unprocessed salt that is rich in minerals, such as sea salt or Himalayan salt, can greatly enhance the qualities of a nourishing stew. I think you would be hard pushed to add too much to your diet with a home-cooked meal and in my mind this is more of a concern with premade store-bought food. Salty foods also include miso, soy sauce and seaweeds; all healthy additions to your winter cooking cupboard if used moderation.
The kidneys are the water element. They govern water metabolism and control the bladder. On the other hand, kidney yang is also a source of heat and warmth in the body. In this way the kidneys functionality is greatly involved in sexual function and reproductive organs. Therefore, a balanced kidney provides both Yin and Yang functionality. So how do you know if your kidney is providing your body with what you need? Kidney Yin deficiency signs often include dizziness, dry throat, dry mouth, lower back pain and weak legs, or spontaneous sweating. Foods that can nurture Yin include but are not limited to millet, barley, tofu, most beans, blackberries and blueberries, seaweed, spirulina, chlorella, black sesame seeds and pork. Some of these, such as spirulina or chlorella, can be very cold and diminish the digestive fire. They are therefore to be consumed with caution and not for long periods of time.
Kidney yang deficiency on the other hand, often present with symptoms of cold. If you frequently wear two more jumpers than everyone else in a room, you likely have yang deficiency. Other signs include pale complexion, lack of sexual desire, irregular menstruation cycles, frequently unclear urination, and a tendency to be inactive or indecisive. It is recommended to add some warming spices to food, but again, caution is recommended as too much warmth added to food can create pathologic heat in the body. A choice of possible spices includes: cloves, fenugreek seeds, fennel seeds, black peppercorn, ginger, cinnamon and onion. Cinnamon, for example, can easily be added to a bowl of hot porridge in the morning. Add some blackberries and blueberries and you are nourishing your Yin element as well.
Rather than self-diagnosing, it is best to see a qualified Chinese medicine practitioner. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are both great ways to nourish and supplement Yin and Yang and balance disharmonies. I would be more than happy to talk to you over the phone for a free no-commitment 20-minute consultation. I can also provide you with more tips on how to put together easy and nourishing meals. Call me now on 0450455263 or email bookings@theacupuncturehaven.com.au
Watch out for updates on seasons as we go into spring. To book an appointment now click here.
References
Maciocia, G. (2005). The foundations of Chinese medicine. Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.
Pitchford, P. (2009). Healing with whole foods. Berkeley, Calif: North Atlantic Books.