WINTER & CHINESE MEDICINE

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is rooted in the philosophy that people should live in harmony with their environment – which means slowing down during the cold winter months to replenish our energy and conserve our strength.  Winter represents stillness and allows us to reflect introspectively on our lives and health in order to prepare for new life, energy and vitality for the New Year.

Winter is considered Yin in nature and is at its peak, drawing energy inward with less activity, warmth, and heat.  In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the seasons energetically influence our organs, emotions, diet, and lifestyle.

Winter is ruled by the Water element and is associated with the kidneys, adrenal glands, and urinary bladder.  The kidneys are the primary source of “Qi” or energy or vitality as well as heat, where all the essential reserves are stored.  Energy is drawn from this source during times of high stress, anxiety, or when the body requires healing.  During this season, it is highly critical to maintain healthy kidneys and adrenal glands through proper diet, good hydration, as well as energetic movement and practices to help keep your body’s core warm at all times to prevent energy depletion.

Emotionally, this season can bring about feelings of fear and depression.  Winter is cold, dark, and inactive in nature.  This type of environment can influence people’s moods, energy, and weight gain due to overeating.  Get as much sunlight as possible!  Take daily brisk walks, breathe in fresh air, and open up the curtains or blinds during the day to improve circulation and blood flow.

During this season, pay close attention to the amount and type of food eaten to avoid unhealthy weight gain.  According to TCM, avoid cold raw foods during this season as they tend to cool the body and deplete our digestive “fire” – the energy and power to digest and assimilate food efficiently. Eat warming foods like soups, stews, root vegetables, dark leafy greens, kidney and black beans, nuts (walnuts), black sesame seeds, whole grains, and seaweeds.  These foods help strengthen the kidneys and kidney energy, nourish the body, and keep the body’s core warm in preparation for the New Year.

How To Stay Healthy This Winter

• Get Some Sleep.  Go to bed early (ideally before 11pm).  Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time, as the body likes routine and regularity.  An ideal routine is to take a warm bath with calming essential oils one hour before bed, followed by a calming tea.  Sleep preserves your own energy or “Qi” or vitality to prevent you from catching a cold or flu.

• Wash Your Hands.  Wash your hands regularly.  Studies have shown that one of the main reasons we may catch a cold and flu in the winter season is that we are indoors and in closer vicinity to others in cold weather.  Also, do not touch your face.

• Manage Stress.  Find an outlet to alleviate your stress.  High stress causes inflammation in the body—which can deplete your energy and affect your immunity.  Yoga, meditation, prayer, deep breathing, stretching, brisk walking, light cardiovascular exercise etc. can help manage stress.  These methods increase blood flow, which then delivers oxygen more rapidly and effectively to our body tissues.

• Drink plenty of water daily.  Drink at least 8 glasses (64 oz.) per day.  You can add some peppermint, slice of lemon, lime, or cucumber.  Hydration is key to maintaining healthy kidneys and adrenal glands.

• Always eat breakfast!  Consume moderate to high levels of protein, vegetables, fruits, healthy oils and whole grain foods.  Avoid processed foods, fast foods, and limit sugar intake.  The immune system depends on adequate nutrition.

• Skin brushing.  Get a natural bristle brush and gently brush over your entire body to stimulate the lymphatic system and promote skin health.  Include this into your morning hygiene routine to invigorate your day!

• Get Acupuncture For Prevention.  Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help prevent colds and flu by building the immune system.  Acupuncture builds the body’s defenses by strengthening the circulation of blood and energy.  This treatment is very effective for health prevention.

Herbal Food Recipe:  Cold/Flu Season Soup

This recipe is especially good for those who have the cold or flu, who want to maintain general good health, or who are concerned about the effects of aging (i.e. hair loss, grey hair, poor memory).  This helps to restore balance to the body, strengthen the energy or vitality or “Qi”, and especially supports the kidney qi.

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup pearl barley
• 3 ½ cup water
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• ½ medium size onion, cut into ½ inch pieces
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 2-3 med size celery stalks, cut into ½ inch slices
• 1 cup azuki beans, kidney beans, or black beans
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 leek, cut ¼ inch slices
• ½ cup fresh or frozen green peas
• black or white pepper
• salt
• a handful of arugula, roughly chopped into 1-2 inch pieces

Directions:

1. Combine barley and water in a large pot, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and cook, uncovered, at a gentle simmer for 30 min.
2. Heat the cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat, then add onion and garlic.  Cook, stirring, until golden brown.
3. Add celery, beans, thyme, and broth to the pan.  Cook, covered, for 15 min.  Gently stir the beans to the side to break them open. (If the mixture becomes too thick or sticks to the bottom of the pan, add water).
4. Add the bean mixture to the pot of barley, along with the leeks and peas, and season with pepper.
5. Simmer for another 15 min. or so, until the barley is soft.
6. Add salt to taste (if needed).
7. Sprinkle the arugula on top of the dish as a garnish.

*If you are using dried beans, soak for 8 hours or overnight.  Drain and place them in a pot with 1 cup of water.  Cover pot, boil, and then lower the heat to simmer.