It is a new year, a collective sigh of relief to be moving on, yet we are still very close to the winter solstice, the deepest darkest day of winter. In 2020, we all experienced a massive slow down, halting social gatherings and various hobbies or activities. For many, like me, this has been difficult on the psyche, challenging our beliefs about what forward momentum and success looks like. We live in a society that congratulates us for doing more and pushing harder; it is the measure of who we are, or is it?
In eastern traditions, winter is the time of the year that is the most yin, we call it yin within yin. Yin is likened to darkness, quiet, night, rest, regeneration and stillness. It is the time when we restore, when our body does its deepest healing and regenerating. We are at the most opportune time of year to conserve energy and slow down. Overdoing during this time of year can be counterproductive and actually cause the release of the stress hormone cortisol. By honoring the winter season annually, it sets us up for a more successful year mentally and physically. This is the time of year that sets the stage for the other seasons to follow: the spring when we want to move, plant a garden and have extra energy for new projects, the summer when we have long days, tend the garden and often sleep less, as well as the fall with the continued momentum from the year, the harvest and finishing up of various projects.
This is the time of year when best practices include the following:
Get more sleep. Deep sound sleep is restorative and feels amazing but can sometimes be illusive. Sleep could also mean a nap or a rest in the middle of the day.
Consider your movement. Just because its winter and maybe we feel less motivated to exercise doesnt mean we shouldnt. This is a time when slower, more fluid movement is vital to lubricate the joints, stretch the connective tissue, allow for proper circulation throughout the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems.
Habits that restore and replenish are important as we have become so deeply embedded in electronic entertainment. Finding things to do that truly invoke cellular restoration provide a formidable response that can be felt within. Some suggestions include: epsom salts bath, reading a book, meditation, get out in nature, journaling, breath work, gratitude practice, drink a cup of tea, take a nap.
Hydration: Almost everyone can drink more water. Especially if you are noticing that your skin is dry, your hands or feet or your lips are cracked, this means you are dehydrated. We should each be getting approximately half of our bodys weight in ounces daily. If you are having any caffeine or alcohol, or if you are sweating more than a little, you will need even more water daily. Its best to drink water earlier in the day, which is not a habit many of us are into; however, it ensures the daily intake is more, and we are not up in the night too often. Starting your day with a large warm glass of lemon water, you can add cinnamon or ginger for an even more warming drink, aids in eliminating toxins, ensures daily bowel flow and sparks our metabolic fire.
Food therapy: Choose foods that grow naturally during the winter. Items such as squash, potatoes, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, root vegetables such as beets, greens, carrots, mushrooms, apples, pears and cabbage, are great. During the winter months, cold foods like salads and raw foods should be avoided as they can deplete the immune system because their thick cellulose wall causes them to be difficult to digest. There are foods that specifically target and nourish the organ system in eastern medicine that is working the hardest for us during this time of year the kidneys. These foods include kidney and black beans, beef, goose, duck, lamb, chicken, dark leafy greens, garlic, ginger, walnuts, quinoa, asparagus, celery, onion, fennel, scallions, cloves, watercress and turnips.
Stay warm: Keeping our skin specifically, feet, hands, head and lower back covered and warm this time of year increases our bodys ability to fight off viral infections and supports the balance of flexibility versus contraction in the musculature. This allows for ease of physical movement in the spring and summer months.
Creating healthy habits this time of year will support you as the seasons progress. By honoring the current season and your body, you are enabling innate healing to occur.
Dalite Sancic, DAOM, L.Ac, MS, is a doctor of East Asian Medicine at Rutland Integrative Health.
See the original post:
Rutland Integrative health: Winter survival guide | Weekend Magazine | rutlandherald.com - Rutland Herald
- Turmeric and Amla Health Remedies [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 4th, 2010]
- Turmeric and Amla Health Remedies [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 4th, 2010]
- Sunlight May Help Protect Men From Kidney Cancer [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2010]
- Weak Kidneys Cause Weak Bones [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 15th, 2010]
- Weak Kidneys Cause Weak Bones [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 15th, 2010]
- High Red Meat Consumption Linked to Colon Cancer [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2010]
- High Red Meat Consumption Linked to Colon Cancer [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2010]
- Beetroot Juice May Boost Stamina [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 27th, 2010]
- Beetroot Juice May Boost Stamina [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 27th, 2010]
- Health care reform bill dooms America to Pharma-dominated sickness and suffering [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2010]
- Health care reform bill dooms America to Pharma-dominated sickness and suffering [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2010]
- Baking soda can clean your teeth, clear your complexion [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 9th, 2010]
- Baking soda can clean your teeth, clear your complexion [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 9th, 2010]
- Preventing Heart Disease [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2010]
- Aspirin May Increase Risk of Crohn's Disease [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2010]
- Aspirin May Increase Risk of Crohn's Disease [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2010]
- Aspirin May Increase Risk of Crohn's Disease [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2010]
- Sweet and Natural? [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- Vinpocetine shows promise for chronic inflammation [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- A not so rare but frequently disregarded Metabolic Disorder - Pyrroluria [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- Acupuncture May Trigger Natural Painkiller [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- Neurological and Immune Reactive Conditions Affecting Kids [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- McDonald's threatened with lawsuit over toys in Happy Meals [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- Vinpocetine shows promise for chronic inflammation [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- Acupuncture May Trigger Natural Painkiller [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- Neurological and Immune Reactive Conditions Affecting Kids [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- Sweet and Natural? [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- A not so rare but frequently disregarded Metabolic Disorder - Pyrroluria [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- McDonald's threatened with lawsuit over toys in Happy Meals [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- McDonald's threatened with lawsuit over toys in Happy Meals [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- Brown rice and other whole grains can prevent type 2 diabetes [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 17th, 2010]
- Brown rice and other whole grains can prevent type 2 diabetes [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 17th, 2010]
- GHC's Dr. Ed Group joins Natural News Talk Hour [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 22nd, 2010]
- GHC's Dr. Ed Group joins Natural News Talk Hour [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 22nd, 2010]
- GHC's Dr. Ed Group joins Natural News Talk Hour [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 22nd, 2010]
- Secrets Your Dentist Doesn't Want You To Know [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 28th, 2010]
- Secrets Your Dentist Doesn't Want You To Know [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 28th, 2010]
- Secrets Your Dentist Doesn't Want You To Know [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 28th, 2010]
- Molecule Discovery Might Help ALS Patients [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 3rd, 2010]
- Molecule Discovery Might Help ALS Patients [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 3rd, 2010]
- Hydrogen Peroxide Cures Disease [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 14th, 2010]
- Hydrogen Peroxide Cures Disease [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 14th, 2010]
- Positive Brain Changes Seen After Body-Mind Meditation [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- Eating meat may cause severe allergic reactions in some people [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- Herbs Help Treat Diabetes: Bilberry, Gymnema, Ginkgo and Salt Bush [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- Bacteria May Predict Chances of Colon Cancer [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- How People With Type 2 Diabetes Can Lose Weight, Keep It Off: Study [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- Eating meat may cause severe allergic reactions in some people [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- Positive Brain Changes Seen After Body-Mind Meditation [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- Colloidal silver to boost immunity and overall health [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- Herbs Help Treat Diabetes: Bilberry, Gymnema, Ginkgo and Salt Bush [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- Bacteria May Predict Chances of Colon Cancer [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- How People With Type 2 Diabetes Can Lose Weight, Keep It Off: Study [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- Severe Low Blood Sugar Won't Harm Brain [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2010]
- Severe Low Blood Sugar Won't Harm Brain [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 17th, 2010]
- Severe Low Blood Sugar Won't Harm Brain [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 17th, 2010]
- Western medicine teams up.. [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2010]
- Experimental Treatment Could Fight Muscular Dystrophy [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2010]
- Chinese mushroom found to have powerful anti-aging benefits [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2010]
- Exercise in Adolescence May Cut Risk of Deadly Brain Tumor [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2010]
- Chinese mushroom found to have powerful anti-aging benefits [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2010]
- Western medicine teams up.. [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2010]
- Exercise in Adolescence May Cut Risk of Deadly Brain Tumor [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2010]
- Amino acids are latest in growing list of nutrients shown to extend life span [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 14th, 2010]
- Liver diseases identified as Europes silent killers [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 28th, 2010]
- Vitamins and Good Sense [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 28th, 2010]
- Malpractice Fears Can Influence Medical Practice [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 28th, 2010]
- Dangerous Fungus Now Endemic in Pacific Northwest: CDC [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: December 11th, 2010]
- Tobacco firms bypass marketing restrictions with clever web campaigns [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: December 19th, 2010]
- Vitamin B6 Cuts Colon Cancer Risk [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: December 27th, 2010]
- Drink your sleep troubles away: tart cherry juice helps beat insomnia [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: January 12th, 2011]
- Mercury-Caused Endocrine Conditions Causing Widespread Adverse Health Effects [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2011]
- The downfall of science and the rise of intellectual tyranny [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2011]
- Toxic chemical carcinogen found in water supplies nationwide [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- Alcohol more dangerous than cocaine or heroin [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- Drink your sleep troubles away: tart cherry juice helps beat insomnia [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- The downfall of science and the rise of intellectual tyranny [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- Woman finds cancer cure in dairy-free diet based on anti-cancer plants [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- Mercury-Caused Endocrine Conditions Causing Widespread Adverse Health Effects [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- Alcohol more dangerous than cocaine or heroin [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]