Traditional Chinese Medicine and Winter

Winter is one of those unavoidable facts of life. For many Canadians it represents a time of year characterized by darkness, bone-deep chills, and frequent colds, but in TCM it represents a time of year to rest and replenish internal energies. Every season has a role to play in our health. While winter may seem like the harshest season to adapt to, it doesn’t have to be. Traditional Chinese Medicine provides us with guidance on where to focus our energies during this time of year. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient medical system that has evolved over thousands of years and is used to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness and disease. There are many branches of TCM, like acupuncture, tai chi, and herbal medicine. The foundational principle in TCM is that vital energy called Qi flows through our bodies. When Qi becomes imbalanced or stagnates, this causes us to become sick. Each branch of TCM employs techniques designed to restore balance and activate our bodies’ natural healing processes.  

How does Traditional Chinese Medicine differ from western medicine? 

The fundamental difference is in TCM’s holistic approach to medical treatment. Traditional Chinese Medicine treats all systems and organs in the body as being deeply interconnected. This interconnectedness is how modalities like acupuncture, which is non-invasive, treat conditions affecting deep tissue and internal organs. Further, TCM practitioners tailor their treatments to their patients’ individual needs, rather than rely on statistical models for how a condition should be treated. Put more simply, the goal is to restore you to good health rather than simply treat a collection of symptoms. 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the body is viewed as a microcosm of the larger surround universe. Each season corresponds with one of the five natural elements – fire, earth, metal, water, and wood. These elements also exist within us. The abundance of a season’s element can cause imbalance that disrupts our health. To maintain good health, TCM councils that we pay close attention to the bodily system’s most influenced by each season’s element, to nourish our bodies with foods that promote balance, and to engage in activities that harmonize with that season’s energy. 

Winter is a time of recovery and rejuvenation. This season is associated with the water element. It’s also associated with Yin energy, which is receptive, cool, and dark. Winter presents us with the opportunity to foster a sense of calm as we turn our attention inward. 

During winter, it can seem like the whole world is taking a pause, but this is a time for nature to replenish itself. Under the blanket of snow, fallen leaves and plants decompose to nourish the soil in preparation for the explosion of new growth in the spring. Likewise, we should slow down and allow our deep energy reserves to be replenished. 

Why is the water element important? 

Without water, life cannot flourish. As winter is ruled by water, it is important that we don’t deplete the water element in our bodies. Not only does water represent our deep energy reserves, but it also represents our ability to flow though life’s challenges without getting caught up or dragged down.  

Things like overwork and lack of sleep can cause water imbalance, which makes us less resilient to adversity. This can manifest in depression, fatigue, dry skin, and chronic colds, among other wintertime symptoms you may have experienced. 

The kidneys and urinary bladder 

Both the kidneys and urinary bladder play important roles in fluid regulation in our bodies. As such, they fall under the domain of water. The kidneys are the storehouse for Jing, which is the TCM concept of “essence” and is comprised of Yin and Yang energy. As the storehouse, the kidneys are responsible for sparking or igniting the energy that flows through our bodies. 

The urinary bladder is a reservoir where water in our bodies collects. When the bladder is not functioning properly toxins accumulate causing depression, fatigue, and difficulty adapting to new circumstances. 

For many, winter is seen as the most miserable time of year, but it doesn’t have to be. There are a number of things that can help us take advantage of the restorative nature of winter – and avoid the worst of wintertime symptoms. 

Rest and contemplation 

Winter is a time to gather our strength and to repair and replenish our mind, body, and spirit. Whether this means curling up with a book somewhere comfy, or reprioritizing habits that have fallen to the wayside during the hectic holiday season, winter presents us with the opportunity for self-reflection. Meditation is highly recommended during the winter as it helps us be more introspective and receptive. This is also an ideal time to focus on building better sleep habits and to work on sleep issues you may be struggling with. 

Kidney and urinary bladder health 

Tending to the health and optimal functioning of your kidneys and urinary bladder is exceptionally important during winter. Ensure that you keep your lower back and the back of your neck warm and dry when you venture out into the cold weather. Winter tends to pull moisture from your body so be extra mindful to stay hydrated but avoid anything cold like iced coffee or tea.  

During this time of year, your acupuncturist will recommend paying special attention to kidney and urinary bladder meridians to ensure that there are no blockages or stagnations that could reduce defensive Qi. 

Nourish the body 

This is the time of year to eat lots of hearty, warming foods that are packed with nutrients and energy. Soups and stews, root vegetables, beans, whole grains, ginger, and garlic are all staple foods of winter. Other things to add to your diet in winter are black sesame seeds, black berries, sea salt, kidney beans, blue berries, kelp, chia seeds, black beans, and seaweed. Avoid eating raw foods as they tend to cool the body. Drinking ginger or cinnamon tea can also help keep you warm, as well as support your immune system. 

The Canadian winter has a reputation for being harsh. It can feel like nature is out to get you, but it doesn’t have to. Traditional Chinese Medicine offers us wisdom and guidance to find and maintain balance that may otherwise feel illusive this season.