Xiao Xue
Xiao Xue is the second solar term after the onset of winter, during which the temperature in most parts of the country gradually drops below 0°C, marking the initial signs of winter across China.
During the Xiao Xue solar term, the weather rises while the earth’s energy descends, indicating a closure of heaven and earth as we transition into the cold winter. At this time, the human body is in a state of excess Yin and declining Yang, making it essential to focus on protecting Yang energy for health.
Health Preservation During Xiao Xue
Daily Routine: Early to Bed, Late to Rise
In winter, Yang energy is hidden and Yin energy is at its peak, leading to a cessation of activity in nature. Daily routines should emphasize going to bed early and rising late, ensuring exposure to sunlight and adequate sleep to preserve Yang energy in preparation for the spring.
Winter is inherently a season for quiet nurturing and conservation, making effective rest a priority for health maintenance. It is recommended that “late rising” does not equate to “lying in bed”; rather, it should be based on sunrise. The best time to get up in winter is after the sun has risen, when the cold air on the ground has dissipated, preventing cold evils from harming Yang energy.
Walking in the sun during winter can also help strengthen Yang energy and warm the meridians.
Clothing: Pay Attention to Keeping Warm
“To be comfortable, one must frequently adjust clothing.” During the Xiao Xue solar term, it is important to adjust clothing according to the temperature, avoiding excessive bundling in warm indoor environments to prevent sweating. When going to colder places, it is essential to add clothing promptly to avoid rapid temperature changes.
Focus on protecting these four areas:
Prevent cold in the feet: Soaking the feet before bed can help dilate blood vessels in the lower limbs, leading to corresponding blood flow to the head, which aids sleep.
Prevent cold in the head: The head is where all Yang meridians converge and is most susceptible to wind and cold, so wearing a hat is essential.
Protect the chest and back: The front and back of the chest house the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Exposure to cold in these areas can easily trigger coronary heart disease.
Protect the lower back and abdomen: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) holds that the kidneys are the foundation of pre-natal essence, while the spleen is the foundation of post-natal essence. Therefore, in winter health preservation, it is crucial to protect the kidneys located in the lower back and abdomen.
Diet: Moderately Consume Bitter Foods
Moderately consuming bitter foods can nourish the kidneys.
Just as the waters of the earth must have a source, and towering trees must have roots, the kidneys are the foundation of pre-natal essence and the root of life. The kidneys correspond to winter energy, making it the best time to nourish the kidneys to consolidate essence and restrain Yang.
The Huang Di Nei Jing states: “To strengthen the kidneys, one must urgently consume bitter foods to fortify them, using bitterness to nourish them.” TCM believes that the bitter flavor enters the heart, belongs to Yin in terms of Yin and Yang, and corresponds to fire in the five elements. Therefore, bitter flavors belong to Yin fire, and bitter foods can help lower heart fire to nourish kidney water, achieving a balanced state of mutual interaction between Yin and Yang and the harmony of water and fire.
Bitter foods can be divided into two categories: one is warm bitter, such as black tea and almonds, which can warm the spleen and dry dampness; the other is cold bitter, such as green tea and lotus seed cores, which can clear heat and dampness from the heart and small intestine.
In winter, Yang energy tends to be inward, and those with a strong constitution or who consume a lot of spicy and meaty foods may easily experience symptoms of internal heat, such as mouth sores, dry mouth, sore throat, chest heat, yellow and red urine, and insomnia with vivid dreams. In such cases, it is advisable to drink green tea and consume foods like pomelo, grapefruit, water chestnuts, bitter melon, bitter lettuce, and asparagus, which help clear heat, drain fire, and promote urination and bowel movements.
Conversely, individuals with cold hands and feet, a preference for warmth, loose stools, and clear, frequent urination tend to have a constitution leaning towards deficiency and cold, and should avoid excessive consumption of cold bitter foods, as this may exacerbate Yang deficiency.
Warm bitter foods such as black tea, almonds, mustard greens, mugwort leaves, white cardamom, dried tangerine peel, and polygala can both warm the spleen and dry dampness while also warming the kidneys and strengthening Yin, and can be incorporated into tea and dietary therapy.
