☯️ Welcome back to the Acupuncture by Kim (ABK) newsletter
The shift into winter and December is supposed to be about cosiness, dinner parties and sparkly Christmas lights, but for some of us including myself. We’re running around finishing projects, a lot of administration, battling colds, pains and stressing about gifts for our family and friends.
If you’ve happen to relate with that, let’s look into what Taoist and TCM wisdom says about winter and find out how to draw inspiration from it to survive this December.
The TCM Perspective on Winter
In TCM winter is associated with the element of water and the Kidney organ system. The Kidneys are considered to store and distribute the Jing Qi and are responsible for growth, reproduction, sexual functioning and they store the Jing Qi. The Jing Qi is very interesting type of qi, it’s a type of qi we are born with. We use this throughout our life and it is easily depleted by stress, hard work and even sexual activity and that all leads to lower backpain, infertility, sexual dysfunctioning and more.
During winter the body’s yang energy is at its lowest and the yin energy is highest. So even with the December madness it is the time to look inward and respect the calmness of the yin energy. Try to avoid things like overworking, excessive stress, and little sleep. They are extra harmful this time of year.
Your TCM Winter Survival tips
So with the body’s natural state in December to be in deep Yin (rest), these tips, are helpful to nourish that state Yin state.
Prioritize Deep Rest: having a full december and stressed about deadlines and buying gifts? Really set your boundaries and priotize your peace. Whether it is by finding deep rest in your bed or meditation or acupuncture. It is all to nourish the yin state of your body. Take a step back, rest well.
TCM Herbs: Incorporate TCM herbs into your food and drinks like ginger and turmeric for warmth and hawthorn to support circulation and indigestion.
Nourishing Foods: Focus on slow-cooked stews and broths to easily build Qi and Blood without taxing your digestion. Don’t eat cold raw foods as well as be mindful about that excessive alcohol intake.
Targeted Warmth: Ask your acupuncturist to apply external heat (like Moxa) and acupuncture (ST 25, SP 15) to protect your vital center from the cold.
When december is being difficult I personally take out all measures to make it easy. For me especially doing moxa and cooking nice food helps. Hopefully you’ll find a way and are inspired to incorporate these to survive this December as well. Hope to see you soon in the clinic.
X Kim
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