The Human is intertwined with nature. We know this intuitively because when winter arrives and the seasonal energetics shift into a condensed yin state, we too go inward. In Chinese Medicine 5 Phase Theory, Winter corresponds to the water element, the spirit of willpower ("zhi"), the root emotion of fear, and the Kidneys and Urinary Bladder paired organs. It is especially important to live in accordance with the seasonal energetics in the wintertime to protect the Kidneys, which are damaged by cold, and which store our essential/source energy. In order for us to experience the birth of renewed yang energy in Spring, we must respect the dormancy and stillness of Winter and the opportunity for rebirth it provides.
If you spent the entire year up until now grinding away at your job, sleeping at inconsistent hours, eating foods that aren't really nourishing you at suboptimal times, or "burning the candles at both ends", and basically not engaging in self-care or wellness, you are probably feeling it most right now. Maybe you're feeling tired but wired at night, maybe you feel exhausted all day no matter how much caffeine you drink. At this point you are probably experiencing some disharmony in the Water Element AKA Kidney [Yin or Yang] Deficiency. Functional Medicine Doctors have coined a term for this: "adrenal fatigue". Not-so-coincidentally the adrenal glands sit right on top of the anatomical kidneys. Thankfully Chinese Medicine has some acupuncture and lifestyle solutions for you...
Chinese Medicine regards food as medicine, so knowing which foods to eat when and how to cook them can be a powerful tool in improving your health and wellbeing. Please consult your licensed Acupuncturist or Chinese Medicine practitioner for guidance on which dietary changes are right for you. The 5 Phases' (wood -> fire -> earth -> metal ->water->) also have color and flavor correspondences. Water and the Kidney organ correspond to the color black and the salty flavor. Incorporating dark colored foods such as black lentils and sesame seeds, seaweed, shiitake mushrooms, or black garlic would be beneficial to support your transition to winter and protect the Kidneys-Urinary Bladder.
In general, slow cooked soups (eg. bone broth!) increase Yang warming energy.
If you eat meat, warming meats that boost Qi, Yang, and Blood include lamb, beef, and poultry.
If you don't eat meat, you can still make a stew out of legumes such as kidney beans and black lentils, and be sure to add some warming spices!
Raw fruits and vegetables are cool/cold in nature and are inappropriate for consumption in the winter, but can and should still be consumed if lightly cooked/boiled with warming spices (eg. clove, ginger, black pepper, cinnamon).
Coffee damages Kidney Yin, so if you are feeling tired but wired, try drinking matcha which protects the yin more
And, please take the following general nutritional recommendations to heart:
high quality unprocessed ingredients make for more nourishing meals and more energy all year round
eating seasonally means the foods that grow now heal and protect you now
eat with pleasure and relaxation
eat breakfast like a king (between 7-11 am is best), lunch like an emperor, and dinner like a beggar
no cold drinks, they weaken your digestive fire!
At Kavanah Acupuncture, we hope you will learn how to heal with intention and leverage seasonal transitions for your health according to Chinese Medicine. Stay warm this winter, cover your neck when going out, wear wool socks or slippers around the house, and don't go out with wet hair. Protect your health and wellbeing by getting aligned with the seasonal energetics- do not over-extend yourself. Adopt self care rituals such as yin yoga, naps, gua sha, and visits to your local acupuncturist for more tips specific to your constitution. Happy Healing :)
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