The Wisdom of Winter
Our body is always interacting with the world around us. We are constantly assessing relationships, analyzing risks and benefits, and adapting to stressors. Each season encourages our body to behave differently. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Winter is a time of quiet and stillness. It forces us to slow down, rest and relax. As opposed to the buzzing activities of Summer, this hibernation period allows us to listen more and hear what our world is telling us. It is an opportunity to learn from our past experiences, recalibrate, and begin planting our "Garden of Health" for a beautiful Spring.
During Winter, Nature demonstrates for us how to go within. For example, the energy of the tree goes into its roots. So does our own energy go into the body, calling us back to interospection and reflective thinking. The Kidneys represent the "roots" of our body, containing our inheritance, wisdom and irreplaceable essence that TCM refers to as "Jing". To protect this energy during the Winter months, it is important to keep the lower back warm. This insures that our "leaves and fruits" will exhibit robust strength and vitality, demonstrated by emotional harmony and proper energy levels as Spring arrives.
Because Winter can cause stagnation in our Qi, or energy flow, be kind to your body and support it with warm foods and activities. A lowered immune system is a sign of this stagnation.
Activities to avoid in Winter:
Strenuous Exercise or HIIT Routines.
Detoxification
Weight loss
Major dietary changes
Activities to complement Winter:
Easy exercises like walking, yoga, qigong, or tai chi
Meditation
Extra rest
Warm foods, like brothy soups
The Wisdom of Winter encourages us to get to know ourselves again, to step inside ourselves and look around at the state of our physical, chemical and emotional health.
I encourage you to embrace the opportunity to rest, reset, and regenerate so you are fully energized for the coming of Spring!
~Beverly Lynch, Dipl. OM., L.AC.
