With a vast drop in temperature, darker skies and rainy days, winter is the most yin of all the seasons. It is associated with the kidney and bladder organs, the color black, the element water, the emotion fear, and salty and bitter flavors.
According to Daoist philosophy, disease can be prevented by living within the laws of nature. When the seasons change, our routine should change to match the season.
If we don’t adapt to change now, we may face health problems in the future. In other words, how healthy you are now is a direct result of how you behaved in the past.
As it gets colder protect your body with warm clothing, warm foods and warm beverages. Pay extra attention to your head, neck, low back and feet. These areas are susceptible to winter’s wind and cold. Even in modest climates, it’s important to keep these areas covered.
Bitter flavored winter greens cooked with a little salt will keep your kidney energy strong.
As the nights become longer retreat indoors, wind down, go to bed early and wake up later.
Winter is a good time to start a meditation practice, journal, write down your dreams and spend more time alone. Be still, exhale and meditate.
Goji berries are one of the most well known Chinese herbs in the US. Used for over 2000 years in China, they were first mentioned in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, the oldest known book on Chinese herbs in 200 BC. They are prized for their ability to tonify blood and yin without causing stagnation. Consumed daily in China as a food and herbal medicine, goji berries are revered for their anti-aging properties. They are used in many beauty tonics.
From pumpkins and spooky Halloween decorations to Hanukkah candles, Christmas lights and hot cocoa, the holiday season is a lively time of year. Traditionally this is the time to spend with loved ones, give thanks for all that you have and indulge in comfort food. As a child, my excitement came from watching holiday cartoons and anticipating the arrival of Santa and presents.
