According to Chinese Medicine, it’s very important to live in accordance with nature, so in winter, its important to allow both our body and mind to slow down and rest.
During winter, its best to avoid mental and physical over-exertion if possible: don’t undertake any activity that you don’t need to if you are feeling tired.
In Chinese Medicine, the organ that corresponds to winter is the kidney. We thus need to nourish and protect our kidneys throughout winter. To protect your kidneys during winter, always make sure your lower back is well covered and warm, always keep your feet warm (time to get out those ugg boots and thermal socks) and avoid working or over-taxing yourself at night.
To nourish the kidneys, try eating lentils, oats, millet, wheat, black soy beans, walnuts and black sesame. A very small amount of alcohol can be warming and can promote circulation. As we need to nourish and warm the body to counteract the cold of winter, its very important to avoid eating raw, cold and frozen foods and drinks, citrus and tropical fruit and salads. Its also a good idea to avoid the excessive consumption of liquids and refined sugar. Warming, nourishing soups and stews are very beneficial in winter.
Acupuncture, meditation, qigong and tai chi can also assist to nourish your kidneys and support you throughout winter.
