Winter and Chinese Medicine
“The wise nourish life by flowing with the four seasons
and adapting to cold or heat, by harmonizing joy and anger in a
tranquil dwelling, by balancing yin and yang, and what is hard and
soft. So it is that dissolute evil cannot reach the man of wisdom, and
he will be witness to a long life.” Huangdi Neijing Suwen
Winter is ruled by the Water element, which is associated with the
kidneys, bladder and adrenal glands. According to the philosophy of
Chinese medicine, the kidneys are considered the source of all energy
or “Qi” within the body. They store all of the reserve Qi in the body
so that it can be used in times of stress and change, or to heal,
prevent illness, and age gracefully.
Our bodies are instinctively expressing the fundamental principles of
winter – rest, reflection, conservation and storage. During the winter
months it is important to nurture and nourish our Kidney Qi. Remain
introspective, restful, and consolidate your Qi through the season.
Staying Healthy this Season
Sleep In - The Nei Ching, an ancient Chinese classic,
advised people to go to sleep early, rest well and rise late, after the
sun's rays have warmed the atmosphere a bit. This preserves your own
Yang Qi for the task of warming the body.
Comfort Food - Eat warm hearty soups, whole grains, and roasted nuts help to warm the body’s core and to keep us nourished.
Stress Less - Find a release valve for your stress. According to
Chinese medicine, stress, frustration, and unresolved anger can play an
important part in throwing the immune system off and allowing pathogens
to affect the body. Find a way to relax and release stress on a daily
basis. Such methods may include yoga, meditation and exercise.
Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in the treatment of stress,
anxiety and depression.
Seasonal Tune-Up - Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can prevent
colds and flu by building up the immune system with just a few needles
inserted into key points along the body’s energy pathways. These points
are known for strengthening the circulation of blood and energy and for
consolidating the outer defense layers of the skin and muscle (wei Qi) so that germs and viruses cannot enter through them.
Seasonal acupuncture treatments just four times a year also serve to
tonify the inner organ systems and can correct minor annoyances before
they become serious problems. Call us to see how we can help you stay
healthy this winter!
|
|
In This Issue
Winter and Chinese Medicine
Staying Healthy this Season
Defensive Qi - Du 14
Defensive Qi - Du 14
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, disease
prevention begins with a protective layer around the exterior of the
body called wei qi or defensive energy. If you catch colds easily, have
low energy and require a long time recuperating from an illness your
wei qi may be deficient.
Point: Du 14
One particularly important point to attend to is Du 14. Located below
the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebrae, approximately at
the level where the collar of a T-shirt sits on the neck.
Du 14 activates the circulation of blood and Qi to strengthen the outer
defense layers of the skin and muscle (wei qi) so that germs and
viruses cannot enter through them.
This point is often used to ward off as well as shorten the duration colds and flu.
This would be a great point to place an acupuncture needle or pellet
before going on a flight. Ask your acupuncturist for more information.
|
