In the Five Element System of Correspondences, which is a way to understand all things as interrelated pieces of a dynamic whole, we have:
Winter-Water-Kidneys-Adrenals-Bones-Fear-Essence-Cold-Dark-Yin-Salty-Sinking-Darkness
The list can go on, but in Chinese cosmology, the season of winter is related to all of these other “wintery” things. In winter, we are drawn inward and our physiology, as in nature, focuses on storage, resting, and refining.
We can support our bodies by considering the energetics of Winter in our body, in nature, and in our mind/emotions/spirit. To be in harmony with the winter energetics we:
slow down
meditate
go with-in
spend more time Being than Doing
Nutritionally, we eat to support the bones, kidneys, and adrenals. We do this by eating mineral rich and naturally salty foods (think of the sea), animal products (what was historically most available in winter), and bones themselves (like treats like). We also want warming, nourishing foods, and avoid things like ice water and ice cream.
Foods to Eat in Winter
Seaweed
Bone-broth
Soy sauce, Parsley,
Cabbage
Walnuts
Feeling REALLY Cold?
If you are feeling really cold in the winter, use warming spices, but avoid dispersing hot peppers that can release heat from the body.
Chai tea spices and pumpkin pie spices are excellent for winter, and include ginger, black pepper, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom.
Try acupuncture this winter.
If you have “winter” or Kidney related imbalances in your body, this is a great time to address them. These include:
Fertility issues
Fatigue
Bone problems
Loss of sex drive
Premature aging
Excessive fear and insecurity
If you’d like to talk about any of these issues, contact me.
Helpful Links
Bone Broth Recipe Weston Price Foundation
Bone Broth Recipe Dr. Mark Hyman
Caffeine-free Homemade Chai Tea Recipe[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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