TCM Experts Share Winter Health Regimen Tips
TCM Experts Share Winter Health Regimen Tips
November 7th marked the beginning of winter according to the traditional Chinese calendar. There is a custom of “winter tonic” after this date, but blind supplementing can be harmful. Here are some tips from TCM experts for healthy winter regimen:
Less Salt, More Bitter – Stay Calm for Healthy Supplementing
The cold weather arrives as winter begins. TCM believes this time is good for nourishing the body, but diet should focus on “less salt, more bitter”.
In TCM theory, winter strengthens the kidneys which prefer salt. The heart prefers bitter. From the five elements perspective, salt weakens bitter and the kidneys control the heart. Too much salt further strengthens the kidneys and weakens the heart. More bitter foods will strengthen the heart and counter the kidneys. Vegetables like bitter melon, celery, asparagus and lettuce not only benefit the heart but provide amino acids, vitamins, alkaloids and minerals which boost immunity, cognition and reduce fatigue.
Nourishing the Spirit
TCM says “Food supplements less than spiritual supplements”. How can we supplement the spirit? Reading books this season or practicing yoga, tai chi, standing pole can nourish the spirit like the ancients.
Youth Restores, Middle Age Regulates, Elders Maintain
Winter supplementing also depends on age. Youth should focus on restoration, middle age on regulation, and elders on maintenance.
Youth are growing and likely need little or no supplements. Middle aged should supplement based on recent health, like replenishing after fatigue. Elders with chronic diseases should focus on protection by keeping warm, taking medicine regularly, and avoiding sweating. Those with spinal issues should keep the area warm and do gentle exercises like tai chi. Seek TCM diagnosis before supplementing to avoid complications.
Regional Differences - South Clears, North Warms, Highlands Moistens
China's vast territory has diverse climates. The north sees heavy snow while the south still wears light jackets. TCM Winter Regimen follows regional guidelines - south clears, north warms, highlands moistens.
The north's cold winter suits supplementing with hot, warming foods like lamb. The south is relatively warmer so clearer, gently warming foods like poultry, fish are more suitable. Highland areas with drier climates should focus on moistening fruits, vegetables, wood ear mushrooms, rock sugar.
However, individuals should also consider their living environment and health conditions instead of just following outdoor climate. With heating indoors up north and dry air conditioning down south, supplements may also need slight adjustments. When supplementing regionally, it's best to consult a TCM practitioner for personalized diagnosis.
November 7th marked the beginning of winter according to the traditional Chinese calendar. There is a custom of “winter tonic” after this date, but blind supplementing can be harmful. Here are some tips from TCM experts for healthy winter regimen:
Less Salt, More Bitter – Stay Calm for Healthy Supplementing
The cold weather arrives as winter begins. TCM believes this time is good for nourishing the body, but diet should focus on “less salt, more bitter”.
In TCM theory, winter strengthens the kidneys which prefer salt. The heart prefers bitter. From the five elements perspective, salt weakens bitter and the kidneys control the heart. Too much salt further strengthens the kidneys and weakens the heart. More bitter foods will strengthen the heart and counter the kidneys. Vegetables like bitter melon, celery, asparagus and lettuce not only benefit the heart but provide amino acids, vitamins, alkaloids and minerals which boost immunity, cognition and reduce fatigue.
Nourishing the Spirit
TCM says “Food supplements less than spiritual supplements”. How can we supplement the spirit? Reading books this season or practicing yoga, tai chi, standing pole can nourish the spirit like the ancients.
Youth Restores, Middle Age Regulates, Elders Maintain
Winter supplementing also depends on age. Youth should focus on restoration, middle age on regulation, and elders on maintenance.
Youth are growing and likely need little or no supplements. Middle aged should supplement based on recent health, like replenishing after fatigue. Elders with chronic diseases should focus on protection by keeping warm, taking medicine regularly, and avoiding sweating. Those with spinal issues should keep the area warm and do gentle exercises like tai chi. Seek TCM diagnosis before supplementing to avoid complications.
Regional Differences - South Clears, North Warms, Highlands Moistens
China's vast territory has diverse climates. The north sees heavy snow while the south still wears light jackets. TCM Winter Regimen follows regional guidelines - south clears, north warms, highlands moistens.
The north's cold winter suits supplementing with hot, warming foods like lamb. The south is relatively warmer so clearer, gently warming foods like poultry, fish are more suitable. Highland areas with drier climates should focus on moistening fruits, vegetables, wood ear mushrooms, rock sugar.
However, individuals should also consider their living environment and health conditions instead of just following outdoor climate. With heating indoors up north and dry air conditioning down south, supplements may also need slight adjustments. When supplementing regionally, it's best to consult a TCM practitioner for personalized diagnosis.
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