There are two types of people when it comes to winter.
- Those who hate the long nights, chilly mornings and low light, and;
- Those who look forward to cosy knitwear, a slower pace of life and evenings in front of the fire.
Whichever side of the fence you sit on, you need to be looking after yourself during these cooler months. In terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there are a couple of extra things you should be doing to keep yourself happy and healthy. So, how can TCM help you in winter? What is acupuncture for immune support? And what are some great, nourishing TCM winter foods?
How Does TCM Relate to Winter?
Chinese Medicine was founded thousands of years ago and is based on the theory that your body is made up of many meridians. These meridians (or channels) allow for your body’s energy (Qi) to flow to the corresponding organs. When these channels get blocked, you may experience discomfort or disease.
In addition to the meridians, another fundamental element of TCM is that everything in the universe can be divided into yin or yang – including the seasons.
- Yin is typically cold and slow-moving (like us in winter)
- Yang is hot and fast.
Because winter is classified as a yin season, there are certain things you can do during these months to help support your overall health and immune system. After all, TCM is all about living in harmony with nature.
Which Organ Is Associated With Winter in TCM?
According to TCM, each season is associated with a vital organ and seasonal changes can affect these organs. In winter, you should be thinking a lot about your kidneys and renal health. Your kidneys are located in your lower back so it’s important you listen to your acupuncturist (and your nan) and keep this area covered in the colder months. Spring is all about your liver, summer your heart and Autumn your lungs.
So, What Can You Do To Stay Healthy in Winter?
Whether you’re trying to avoid the common cold or beat back the winter blues, TCM has a number of solutions and treatments that can really help boost your immune system and well being, including:
- TCM Winter Foods
- Take Time to Relax
- Move Your Body
- Limit Alcohol and Sugar
- Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture
TCM Winter Foods
What you eat is important all year long, but especially in Winter. According to TCM, you should be packing your meals with plenty of veggies and plant-based foods such as beans, nuts, whole grains, fruits and seeds. A variety of different plant-based foods can really help to strengthen your immune system, increase energy, improve your mood and balance blood sugars – the perfect combination for cold weather and all the bugs it brings!
Salty foods are also important in winter. Take some time to make homemade bone broth, soups and stews to keep you warm and energised throughout the months.
Take Time To Relax
Winter is a yin season, meaning you should be taking things slow and allowing the time to think about you and your well-being (and preparing yummy, nourishing food). It’s the perfect time to journal, meditate, and make plans for spring (the upcoming yang season).
Move Your Body
Exercise is really important to boost your immune system but you need to make sure you’re doing the correct type of exercise for winter. Walking and yoga are two great ways to move your body, increase endorphins and give your T cells a boost.
Limit Alcohol and Sugar
I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say the last two years have been stressful for the whole world. Leaning on alcohol and sugar, however, isn’t the answer. According to TCM, stress can lower your immune system and have a large impact on your body. Alcohol and overly sweet foods just mask the stress, rather than actually dealing with it.
Try to mix more natural sugar into your diet (such as fruit) and use naturally sweet spices like cinnamon. Swap alcoholic drinks for healthier mocktails and keep hydrated with plenty of water and tea.
Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture for Immune Support
One of the best ways to really help your immune system with acupuncture. According to TCM, your immune system is made up of a special type of Qi called the Wei Qi (a protective energy). This energy acts as the gateway for viruses and bacteria to enter your body. So, if the Wei Qi is weakened, you’re more likely to feel ill. Acupuncture can help to strengthen this energy and resolve any blockages to allow your immune system to function at its best.
Acupuncture is also a great way to address other conditions that may be affecting your immune system. Things like stress, pain and insomnia can all negatively impact your immune system and weaken it. According to the WHO, acupuncture can help support over 100 conditions – some of which may be affecting your immune system.
And whilst acupuncture is great for immune support, it’s not all your TCM practitioner will offer. Chinese Herbal Medicine supports the body based on exactly what it needs (and what time of year it is). Each combination of herbs is uniquely put together based on an extensive diagnosis of each client and what would work to up their immune system and beat the winter blues.
Ready To Visit Your Melbourne Chinese Medicine Practitioner?
At The Which Doctor, we offer acupuncture for immune support, Herbal Medicine and plenty of advice on how to support your wellbeing during the long, dark, cooler months. Book an appointment with us today and ensure that you’re healthy and recharged by the time Spring comes around!