The long nights and short days can make maintaining energy during the winter both frustrating and complicated---
But TCM has some solutions for you!
The season of winter is a time of slowing down and hibernation. According to Traditional Chinese Medical theory, the winter months are the perfect time to recharge your batteries and start storing up the body’s vital energy reserves. The ancient Chinese believed humans should be at peace and in harmony with nature and follow the natural cycles of the seasons while taking cues from the surrounding environment.
During the winter months, it is important to nourish the kidney qi(energy), as this is also the time when this energy is most easily depleted. Some things that can help nourish the kidney qi include regular acupuncture treatments, proper diet, increased sleep and light exercise.
Eating warming food also helps to nourish the body and keep it functioning properly, especially when the outside temperatures are low.
Acupuncture can help the body to support the kidneys, and in turn, help you to achieve higher energy levels and maintain them throughout the day.
Physically, Acupuncture helps to balance the hormone levels of the adrenal glands, which sit just on top of the kidneys. When the adrenals are supported, they allow for healthy hormone levels throughout the body. Your hormones are responsible for almost everything in the body, including energy levels. By supporting and balancing hormones you help your body to use hormones properly without over-expenditure, thus preventing depletion of the body’s energy reserves.
As the kidneys are closely associated and ruled by the water element, which is the element associated with winter, it is important to remember that water is essential. Drinking room temperature water is a vital step to keeping the kidney qi sufficient throughout the winter months.
Eating darkly colored foods like blueberries, blackberries, and black beans are also recommended during the winter months, as they boost the kidney qi. Warming foods like hearty soups, whole grains, and roasted nuts also keep the body warm and nourished.
Keeping the body warm, getting ample amounts of restful sleep, and going to sleep early are all recommended during the winter months. Doing all of these things, getting regular acupuncture treatments, and eating according to the season, will keep everybody healthy throughout the winter and when spring hits, energy reserves will be ample to take the body into the warmer months ahead.
Yours in Health & Wellness,
If you or someone you know is struggling to maintain their usual levels of energy this winter, try our New Patient Special and see if Acupuncture can help you regain control.
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