According to the Season of Winter

Huang Di Nei Jing, one of the inner classic texts of TCM, advises us to live according to the seasons. Living according to the seasons means to modify your lifestyle slightly to benefit your health condition in that particular season of the year. Living in harmony with your environment can keep you from being harmed by the climate, and can keep your body at its optimal health. Just as you would go swimming in the summertime and not plunge into the ocean during winter time (unless you are an athlete like Michael Phelps), it makes sense to stay warm and nourish your body during the colder seasons.

I would like to share a few example of how to live harmoniously with the seasons in winter time. Winter is season that is of the yin nature. It is cold and can injure yang easily. To prevent injuring the yang, it is wise to eat foods that are heavier and dense, such as meat and gravy. It is best to eat foods that are warming in nature, such as stews and hearty soups, root vegetables, whole grains and nuts. Avoid cold and raw foods such as salads and cold drinks, which can again easily injure the yang. Winter is a time of gathering and storage, it is natural for you to gain a few (holiday) pounds. Don't worry about it, it will come off when springs arrives, if your activity level keeps up with the season of spring.

In winter time, your body needs more sleep and rest, as there is less sun during the day. Decrease your activity level and allow your body to rest. Get up after the sun comes up, and go to bed earlier. Allow the sun to warm up the air before you get up, so you don't need to warm up the atmosphere with the yang of your body.

Winter is also related to the Kidneys, which is where your vital energy is stored in the body. This is your energy reserve, your back up battery, your savings account, your 401k. Kidney energy is very important in growth, maturation and reproduction. It is the source of all other energy in the body. Therefore, replenish your Kidney energy during winter time, stay warm and eat well, get plenty of rest and do not overly exert yourself. One particular substance to avoid in order to avoid draining of your Kidney energy would be coffee. I know how delicious that cup of coffee sounds in the morning, but in a long run, you are much better off without it. Instead, you may find Chinese herbs more nourishing to your body and giving you the energy that you need to get through the day.