Health Preservation During Winter Solstice: Emphasizing Yin-Yang Balance

The Winter Solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year, marking the turning point where Yin reaches its peak and Yang begins to emerge. Health preservation during the Winter Solstice not only emphasizes the concept of “storing” in winter and nurturing Yin but also stresses the importance of achieving a balance between Yin and Yang.

Dietary Health

Winter is a peak season for “internal heat”. Consuming excessive Yang foods can accumulate in the digestive tract, potentially leading to a condition known as “food heat”. Irregular sleep patterns, especially staying up late from 11 PM to 1 AM, can cause the Yang energy in the body to remain overly active, resulting in symptoms of internal heat in the organs, referred to as “emotional heat”. At this time, drinking barley tea or he huan hua (Mimosa flower tea) can help alleviate dietary heat and promote emotional well-being.

When the body is not experiencing “internal heat”, it is advisable to consume moderate amounts of warming foods to nourish the liver and kidneys, such as walnuts, peanuts, and chestnuts. It is important to limit the intake of cold and raw foods and avoid overly greasy meals. Due to the dryness of indoor air in winter, many people may experience chapped lips; thus, increasing water intake is beneficial. Additionally, incorporating ingredients that moisten the lungs, such as adding bai he (lily bulb), shan yao (Chinese yam), and lian zi (lotus seed) to porridge, can help nourish Yin and support lung health.

Herbal Health

As the saying goes, “Supplement in winter, and you can conquer the tiger in spring”. According to TCM theory, winter is a season of storage, during which the body’s essence and Qi are preserved and not released, allowing nutrients to be fully absorbed, utilized, and stored, thereby maximizing the potential for improving health and preventing diseases.

From a modern medical perspective, the gastrointestinal absorption capacity is stronger in winter, and the metabolic rate slows down, allowing more nutrients to be converted into bodily substances.

Gao fang (tonic pastes) are tailored to individual needs, used for nourishment and the management of chronic diseases, particularly suitable for individuals with stable chronic conditions, post-illness weakness, or those with insufficient Qi and blood, as well as those in sub-health states. Elderly patients often suffer from multiple concurrent diseases; thus, using gao fang can address various health issues comprehensively, promoting overall health and longevity.

Daily Living Health

In winter, it is essential to prevent cold and maintain warmth. Engaging in appropriate cold-resistance exercises, such as washing the face with cold water, can enhance the body’s adaptability to cold and improve cold tolerance. Regularly rubbing the hands to stimulate important acupoints such as Lao Gong (Pericardium 8), Yu Ji (Lung 10), and He Gu (Large Intestine 4) can promote the flow of Qi and blood, strengthening the body. The duration of hand rubbing can vary, but consistency is key.

Exercise Health

During the Winter Solstice, Yin energy is at its peak, and Yang energy begins to rise. The principle of “movement generates Yang, while stillness generates Yin” suggests that exercise should primarily consist of gentle aerobic activities, with moderate intensity to avoid excessive stimulation of Yang energy.

Emotional Health

As Yang energy begins to emerge during the Winter Solstice, it is important to protect this Yang energy and avoid extreme emotions that could disturb it.

Preventive Health

Preventing Wind and Cold: When cold enters the body, it first affects the lungs, impairing lung Qi and leading to symptoms such as colds, coughs, fever, pneumonia, and asthma. Therefore, individuals with weak constitutions should take precautions against the cold in winter and consume foods that tonify lung Qi to enhance their constitution. It is also important to ensure proper ventilation indoors to allow fresh air circulation, but this should be done during warmer, sunny weather, and one should avoid standing directly in front of the window to prevent exposure to cold winds.

Preventing Damage to the Heart, Lungs, and Kidneys: TCM holds that winter is the season of the kidneys, which serve as the body’s energy reservoir. When energy is insufficient in other areas, the kidneys will draw from their reserves to support them, often leaving the kidneys in a state of deficiency. For cardiovascular health, Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) can help improve heart and coronary artery function, promoting overall vitality.

Source:Learning Power

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