Winter Solstice Wellness Tips
Winter is the most Yin time of the year according to Chinese Medicine theory. Yin energy is grounding, quiescent, and inward as opposed to the outward, dynamic, and expanding energy of Yang. Winter is also associated with the water element and related to the Kidney organ.
冬藏 - means "storing in winter" - TCM advocates protecting Qi during the Yin season, particularly Kidney Qi, as it is the source of prenatal or primordial Qi. When the body is feeling spent, the Kidney works like an energy reserve to supply Qi to the rest of the organs. It's easy to feel exhausted and overwhelmed with all the festivities, parties, and travels when we should be slowing down and resting more during this time of the year.
If you are feeling spent and anxious, here are 5 winter wellness TCM tips to help preserve Qi and keep the body in a state of balance this season.
Cultivate JOMO
Find joy in spending intimate time with your inner self, significant other, or loved ones. Winter is a time of rest and reflection. This means that it's okay to say "No" to events and gatherings that doesn't bring you joy or if you're too exhausted for another party. Instead, draw yourself a nice warm bath, treat your body to a full gua sha massage, journal your feelings and goals, and nourish yourself in whichever ways you desire.
Food for your skin and soul.
Incorporate good, healthy fats in your diet. Try coconut oil the next time you make carrot ginger soup. We are currently obsessed with pomegranates, satsuma tangerines, and butternut squash. Winter is the time to load up on root vegetables, nutrient dense squashes, dark leafy greens, and citrus when they taste their best. Your skin will thank you! Roasted brussel sprouts and butternut squash with ghee is super delicious, satisfying, and great for the skin! Check out this WINTER PRODUCE GUIDE . Do be mindful about what you drink as well; instead of a second kir royale at the holiday party, opt for a pomegranate juice + sparkling water instead.
Get your beauty sleep.
While we're not suggesting that you go into deep winter hibernation mode, it’s imperative to get enough sleep. Skimping on sleep leads to dark circles, wrinkles, and a lifeless complexion. Your body goes into repair mode while you are in deep restful state. During sleep your body increases blood flow and rebalances hydration back to your skin. Which means when you get enough sleep, your complexion will be plump and glowing. We also recommend getting your 40 winks regularly. Check out sleep evangelist, Arianna Huffington's sleep tips HERE.
Be Contemplative.
Winter season is nature’s way of slowing down and being quiet. The ancient world viewed wintertime as the season to go inward, rest, and be reflective; a sharp contrast to our modern world of revved-up social calendars, busy shopping expeditions, sleep deprived schedules, and celebratory parties. If Oprah can make time to meditate, so can you. Stress wrecks havoc on your skin. Regular meditation leads to better sleep, boosted immune system, and improved moods. Schedule some daily quiet time for yourself, because glowing spirits will lead to glowing skin.