Winter belongs to the Yin energy. Yin is represented through cold, darkness, dampness and inactivity. This is compared to the Yang energy of summer whose energy is extroverted, light, hot and quick. Winter is a time for relaxation and restoration. Early to bed and late to rise. Taking time for you to go inward and reflect on what your body needs to feel nourished.
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The organ systems associated with the winter are the kidneys and bladder. In Chinese medicine, the kidney is the root or source of all the energy in the body. The kidneys store the energy that keeps us going during times of stress, illness, and dictates how we age. In the winter, it is important that we nourish the kidney energy to rebuild.
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In the winter, it is important to focus on warming foods. Soups and stews are a wonderful way to nourish the body. Foods to include in the winter to nourish the Kidney energy include:
Bone broths, lamb, chicken, oats, quinoa, rye, forbidden rice, whole grains, chestnuts, walnuts and roasted nuts, steamed winter greens, seaweeds, goji berries, black sesame seeds, & dark colored beans.
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From a Chinese Medicine perspective it is best to change up the way you engage in the winter. Long, slow movements are best. The kidney channel begins in the feet. It is important to be mindful of your feet. Give yourself some extra foot rubs and reflexology during your down time. Stretching, yoga, and Qi Gong are great options to balance the mind and body uring the winter. Consider shorter walks and exercises that strengthen the lower body. Creating a strong base strengthens how grounded one feels on the earth.