7 Ways To Stay Healthy This Winter

Portland's Park Blocks in Winter!

In Chinese Medicine Winter is dominated by the Water element which governs the Kidneys and the Bladder.  The transition from one season, or element, to the next is the most delicate time for your health and the time when the most care needs to be taken if you want stay well.  


This last week before the official start of Winter, therefore, is an especially important time to be minding your Winter health P’s and Q’s if you want to avoid winter colds and flu’s.

Fall, the season we are leaving, is dominated by the Metal element which governs the Lungs and the Large Intestine, so we are currently leaving the Metal season and moving into the Water season.  The Lungs are connected to the skin in Chinese Medicine while the Kidneys are connected to the ears.  If either organ is having trouble energetically with the seasonal change, viruses that include skin rashes and ear symptoms are more likely to be present.

Its especially important, therefore, to take care of both of these energetic systems right now, and I’m happy to provide you with some acupuncture tips on staying healthy through the change of seasons!

---

Acupuncture Health Tips for Staying Well into Winter

Staying well through the transition of seasons is dependent upon caring for both the Metal and Water elements in the body, primarily the Lungs and Kidneys which are the Yin or “substantive” organs in the pairs listed above.  A few simple tips can go a long way to helping you maintain the best health possible as Fall makes its final turn to Winter this week:

1. Hydrate!  Its no surprise the Water element (Winter - Kidney) needs you to stay well hydrated for optimal function.  Ever notice how Winter weather seems to dry out your skin?  Try to drink 1/2 your body weight in ounces per day for optimal hydration.
2. Sleep well! Sleep is your body’s natural time to rest, rejuvenate and repair.  In Chinese Medicine, it is when the Protective Qi of the Lung circulates internally to protect the organs and boost immunity.  Its especially important to pay attention to your sleep habits this time of year.  Try to be consistent about getting to bed in time for a good nights sleep.  If you’re having trouble sleeping, this is the time to see your Acupuncturist, ND or PCP to rectify it before low sleep leads to low immunity and a rough Winter season.

1. Skin Brushing - Skin brushing is an ancient technique for health that involves brushing dry skin with a dry brush from the extremities towards the heart.  The skin is your largest detox organ - and its part of the Lung system in TCM - so keeping the skin healthy goes a long way to keeping YOU healthy.  It moves lymph, increases circulation, encourages detoxification, and strengthens the Lung meridian.  Read more here.
2. Keep the Neck Covered Turns out mom telling you to wear a scarf if you’re going out ties in to ancient Chinese medical wisdom.  The back of the neck and the upper back area are called the “wind gate” in TCM and this is the area where colds and flu’s energetically enter the body and make you ill.  If you’re going to be exposed to cold and wind, be sure to keep these areas covered with a high neck sweater, jacket or scarf.
3. Ban Lan Gen Chong Ji - a natural antiviral.  Ban Lan Gen is the Chinese name for Isatis Root, a general antiviral herb with many applications.  In Chinese medicine it is used for colds, flu’s and cancer interestingly enough.  Ban Lan Gen Chong Ji is a simple Isatis root combination that is powdered into an instant tea for ease of use - its an over the counter staple for kids and adults alike in Mainland China.
4. Elderberry - Elderberry is another simple and natural antiviral herb.  Used primarily in naturopathic medicine, it is sweet and easy to find!  I use a dropperful of glycerin-based elderberry syrup for myself and my kids in the Wintertime.  Its also great - and safe - in pregnancy.
5. Yin Qiao Jie Du Pian - Stop Colds Now! This herbal remedy is an amazing formula to stave off the early stage of a cold, especially one that starts with a sore throat.  I ALWAYS keep it at home, take it before I get on an airplane and bring it with me whenever I travel.  Feel a tickle?  Someone coughing next your desk at work?  Take a little Yin Qiao and be amazed at the results - can be used preventatively.

Remember that a little bit goes a long way.  Try to incorporate one of two of these tips into your regime the next few weeks and give yourself a great immunity boost as the weather turns.

Happy Winter Solstice!

~Rebecca