How to
Boost Winter Energy with Traditional Chinese Medicine
The
season of winter is a time of slowing down and hibernation. According to
Traditional Chinese Medical theory, the winter months are the perfect time to
recharge your batteries and to start storing up the body’s vital energy
reserves. The ancient Chinese believed humans should be at peace and in harmony
with nature and follow the natural cycles of the seasons, while taking cues
from the surrounding environment.
Winter
is dominated by the water element in TCM theory. The water element is
associated with the kidneys, bladder and adrenal glands. The kidneys are
considered the source of all energy or Qi (pronounced “chee”) found within the
body. They store the reserves of Qi in the body for usage during times of
stress and change. This Qi also helps in healing, preventing illness and
graceful aging. Fundamentally, during the winter months, our bodies are
following the cues of nature, which include rest, reflection, storage and
conservation.
During
the winter months it is important to nourish the kidney qi, as this is also the
time when this energy is most easily depleted. Some things that can help
nourish the kidney qi include regular acupuncture treatments, moxibustion,
proper diet, increased sleep and light exercise.
TCM
utilizes numerous modalities and tools to help keep the body balanced and
prepped for the seasonal changes. Acupuncture and moxibustion are two of the
tools that are regularly used to boost the kidney qi. Moxibustion is a practice
where dried mugwort is burned very near the skin to warm and boost the Qi
within the body. There are certain acupuncture points that are essential for
boosting kidney qi. Most are located either on the lower abdomen, below the
umbilicus or on the lower back above the hip bones, in the areas of the
kidneys. Applying moxibustion to these areas is a wonderful way to boost the
kidney’s energy reserves.
Acupuncture
can do essentially the same thing as moxibustion, but on a deeper level and it
can physically affect the hormone levels of the adrenal glands, which sit just
on top of the kidneys. When the adrenals are supported, they allow for balanced
hormones throughout the body. This then helps the body use hormones properly
without over-expenditure, thus preventing depletion of the body’s energy
reserves.
As
the kidneys are closely associated and ruled by the water element, which is the
element associated with winter, it is important to remember that water is
essential. Drinking room temperature
water is a vital step to keeping the kidney qi sufficient throughout the winter
months. Eating darkly colored foods like
blueberries, blackberries and black beans are also recommended during the
winter months, as they boost the kidney qi.
Warming foods like hearty soups, whole grains and roasted nuts also keep
the body warm and nourished.
Keeping
the body warm, getting ample amounts of restful sleep and going to sleep early
are all recommended during the winter months.
Doing all of these things, getting regular acupuncture treatments and
eating according to the season, will keep everybody healthy throughout the
winter and when spring hits, energy reserves will be ample to take the body
into the warmer months ahead.
New York Sports Acupuncture
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