Embrace the Season with Traditional Chinese Medicine
Harness the wisdom of acupuncture and TCM to stay healthy, balanced, and vibrant during the winter months. Please click here to enjoy this guided meditation for winter, through the lens of TCM.
Understanding Winter in Traditional Chinese Medicine
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), winter is seen as a time to slow down, conserve energy, and focus inward. The season is associated with the Water element, which represents flow, adaptability, and deep reserves of strength. Just as water rests beneath a frozen surface during winter, our bodies need this time for preservation and restoration.
The kidneys and bladder are the key organs connected to the Water element in TCM. The kidneys are considered the foundation of vitality, storing what is known as jing, or our body’s core life energy. This jing is finite, meaning it’s essential to protect and nurture it, especially during winter. Overexertion or ignoring the body’s signals to rest can deplete this energy, leaving you feeling drained. Supporting your kidneys by staying warm, eating nourishing foods, and practicing gentle movement helps preserve qi—the vital energy that keeps us healthy and balanced. By aligning with the season’s natural rhythm, you can emerge from winter feeling rejuvenated and ready for spring.
Key Acupressure Points for Winter Wellness
1. Kidney 3 (Tai Xi): Nourishing Your Kidney Energy
- Location: On the inner ankle, in the depression between the tip of the medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon. Directly behind the big bump, on the inside of the leg.
- Benefits: Boosts energy, supports immunity, and strengthens the kidneys.
- How to Use: Apply gentle pressure with your thumb for 2–3 minutes on each side. Use a soothing circular motion to stimulate.
2. Bladder 23 (Shen Shu): The Gate of Vitality
- Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra (on your lower back).
- Benefits: Warms the kidneys, alleviates lower back pain, and supports adrenal health.
- How to Use: Massage the area with a heat pack or use acupressure with firm, gentle pressure.
3. Stomach 36 (Zu San Li): Boosting Immunity
- Location: About four finger-widths below the kneecap, one finger-width lateral to the tibia.
- Benefits: Strengthens digestion, enhances immune response, and increases energy.
- How to Use: Press firmly with your thumb for 2 minutes on each leg, daily.
4. Lung 7 (Lie Que): Guarding Against Colds
- Location: On the radial side of the forearm, about 1.5 cun above the wrist crease.
- Benefits: Prevents colds, supports lung health, and relieves respiratory symptoms.
- How to Use: Apply light pressure and gently rub for 1–2 minutes.
Daily Practices to Complement Acupressure
1. Nourishing Foods for Winter
•Embrace warming, kidney-tonifying foods like black beans, bone broth, sesame seeds, walnuts, and ginger.
•Avoid raw, cold foods that deplete yang energy.
2. Herbal Teas and Tonics
•Enjoy teas with herbs such as astragalus (Huang Qi), goji berries (Gou Qi Zi), and cinnamon bark (Rou Gui).
Enjoy our
Winter Vitality Tea Recipe! A warming and nourishing tea inspired by Traditional Chinese Medicine to boost your energy and support immunity during the colder months.
Ingredients
•1-inch fresh ginger root, sliced
(Supports digestion and warms the body)
•1 cinnamon stick
(Improves circulation and adds a sweet, warming flavor)
•3-4 whole cloves
(Supports immunity and aids respiratory health)
•1 tablespoon goji berries
(Rich in antioxidants and known in TCM for nourishing the blood and yin)
•1 teaspoon dried orange peel (optional)
(Adds a zesty flavor and helps clear phlegm)
•2 cups water
•1-2 teaspoons raw honey (optional)
(Adds sweetness and soothes the throat)
Instructions
1.In a small saucepan, combine the ginger slices, cinnamon stick, cloves, goji berries, and orange peel with 2 cups of water.
2.Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes.
3.Strain the tea into your favorite mug.
4.Stir in raw honey if desired.
5.Sip slowly and enjoy the warming, restorative benefits.
Optional Additions
•Licorice root: Sweetens naturally and supports respiratory health.
•Schisandra berries: Enhances energy and balances stress.
•A pinch of turmeric: Adds anti-inflammatory benefits.
How to Use It
Enjoy this tea daily during the winter months to keep your body warm, boost your immunity, and stay energized. Pair it with a relaxing session in the sauna or after a rejuvenating Vasper workout for an extra health boost!
3. Gentle Movement and Meditation
•Practice Qigong or Tai Chi to keep qi flowing without depleting your energy reserves. Join Dr. Cynthia Friday mornings on Zoom for Qigong here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8825566934. Every class is appropriate for beginners or advanced students alike! The first class is always free, so come on by!
•Meditate to nurture the water element and reflect inwardly during this season of rest.
4. Stay Warm
•Keep your lower back and feet warm to protect kidney qi. Use heat packs, warm baths, or infrared saunas.
How Acupuncture Can Enhance Winter Wellness
Regular acupuncture treatments during winter can:
- Fortify the immune system to prevent seasonal illnesses.
- Support kidney and bladder function for long-term vitality.
- Relieve winter-related ailments like joint pain and fatigue.
- Address emotional imbalances like fear or insecurity associated with the water element.
Bonus: At-Home Winter Routine
- Start your morning by gently massaging Kidney 3 to awaken kidney qi.
- Drink a warming tea mid-day to support digestion and circulation.
- Wind down with a short meditation or breathing exercise to align with the calm, introspective nature of winter.
Stay Connected with Longevity Wellness
For personalized treatments and more tips, visit us at Longevity Wellness. Our acupuncture, infrared sauna, and vibrational therapies are here to keep you thriving this winter.
CTA: www.TinyURL.com/LWCRebook –> Complimentary Consult or Initial Appointment or book your Follow up!