Exploring the Winter Season through the Lens of Chinese Medicine

Feb 10

4 min read

Here at the Society, we find ourselves in the heart of winter. In Seattle, the sun might be shining depending on your location, yet snow still covers the ground. In Chinese medicine, winter is a time of deep yin and introspection. Energy is stored and accumulated beneath the surface, preparing for release to encourage new growth in spring. Chinese medicine advocates living in harmony with the seasons, which, according to its theory, number five: winter, spring, summer, late summer, and fall. Each season has various associations that guide us to alter our habits as the seasons change, fostering balance between our bodies and the external environment.

Winter in Chinese Medicine

In Chinese medicine, winter embodies the most Yin aspect, characterized by darkness, cold, slowness, and inward energy. Chinese medicine suggests that winter diets and activities should focus on enriching yin and subduing yang. In Chinese medicine, winter is linked to the Kidneys, which contain our body's fundamental energy. Harmonizing with the seasons is believed to promote health and prevent illness, making winter an ideal time to strengthen the kidneys. Rest is crucial for revitalizing the kidneys, explaining why some animals hibernate in winter. It's also a time for introspection through meditation, writing, or practices like Tai Chi and Qi Gong. These activities help us connect with our inner selves and support kidney energy, relaxing the mind, calming emotions, and uplifting the spirit.

The bones are the body part associated with the kidneys, so it's important to care for them during winter, addressing any issues. This is why Chinese medicine often recommends bone broths in winter as nutritional therapy; they are warming, nourishing, and beneficial for the bones. Bone broths are also potent Jing tonics, as Jing is produced by the bones. Jing is depleted by stress, insufficient sleep, long work hours, and excessive behaviors like heavy drinking and drug use. Winter is the best time to replenish the body's Jing, and bone broths are ideal for this purpose.

Activities in Winter

Many people enjoy winter, feeling invigorated by the cold and engaging in activities like snowboarding, skiing, and snowy walks. For others, winter prompts withdrawal, staying indoors, and can lead to sadness or depression due to reduced light and activity. The good news is that winter can be enjoyable for everyone if we adapt our living, eating, and exercising to the season and heed our body's preferences. Winter activities should reflect the season with introspection, self-reflection, quiet time for writing, meditation, reading, and other soul-nourishing pursuits. It's a time to slow down and nourish ourselves physically and spiritually. Internal martial arts and meditative practices are especially beneficial during this season. One should go to bed earlier and sleep longer to fully benefit from sleep's healing effects.

Winter Foods

Many foods are beneficial during winter. These include those naturally growing in the season: squashes, potatoes, root vegetables, winter greens, carrots, cabbage, mushrooms, apples, and pears. Our bodies need warming foods in winter, like soups made with hearty vegetables and rich stocks cooked with animal bones. Foods nourishing and warming to the kidneys include black beans, kidney beans, bone broths, lamb, chicken, walnuts, chestnuts, black sesame seeds, and dark leafy greens. A small amount of unrefined sea salt is helpful since the kidneys' associated taste is salty, but moderation is key. Cooking should involve longer times with low heat and less water, infusing foods with warmth to keep the body warm in winter. Hearty soups, whole grains, and roasted nuts are ideal on cold days, nourishing the body and tonifying the kidneys in winter.

Living in harmony with nature respects the cyclical nature of the seasons and is always accessible to us, regardless of our location or activities. It takes just a moment to shift your awareness. After a recent acupuncture session, I rose from the table and instantly experienced that shift. I stood still for what seemed like an eternity. When I was finally ready to leave, I remember my acupuncturist saying, "take all the time you need." That resonated with me. I hadn't thought about giving myself time, let alone all the time I might need at any moment. I hope you grant yourself more time this winter, all the time you need.

How do you make time for yourself? We would love to hear about it! Leave a comment below.

The SAMMA Benevolent Society is dedicated to providing access to Martial Arts and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for everyone, especially those in need. We accomplish this through our Scholarship Program, partnerships with businesses and organizations, educational programs, and community events. Established by Kung Fu and Tai Chi students of Seattle Asian Medicine and Martial Arts in Seattle, we are completely volunteer-run, and every dollar donated to the SAMMA Benevolent Society directly funds our Scholarship Program. This initiative transforms lives by granting access to martial arts training, fitness, and traditional Chinese medicine therapies such as acupuncture, tuina, Chinese herbal medicine, and moxibustion. We couldn't do this without you. Essentially, "Your support is invaluable!!! To donate, visit https://www.sammabenevolentsociety.org/donate or use the PayPal link below. To get involved, email us at sammabenevelonentsociety@gmail.com. We would love to hear from you!