Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Traditional Chinese Medicine Winter Health Tips for the New Year



happy new year holiday excitement is over and now we move into the silence of the winter season. This is the perfect time to be more introspective, set new goals and to feed the whole being in accordance with the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM is rooted in the philosophy that people should live in harmony with the environment - so that in winter, this means a slowdown in the colder months, deeply nourishes itself, and keeping warm and well rested in order to plant the seeds for a renewed vitality in the new year. As nature slows down and hibernates during winter, the process of new growth and regeneration has already begun for the spring inside.

Meditation
Winter time is an excellent time to review, meditation and exploration of deeper problems. To do this, we need to slow down. In fact, we are usually so busy that we did not realize how neurotic our thoughts and actions. When we slow down through meditation, relaxation, or just taking some time off, I May be overwhelmed by the recognition of how quickly and filled our lives really are. If we take the time to truly relax and slow, winter season could provide an opportunity for deep inner insight and deep introspection. This process, of course, can lead to "things" that are stuck below the surface of our mundane activities, questions, thoughts or behavior, we might have avoided the course of our busy-ness. Simply allow these problems to arise, develop and slip away as you calm your mind with simple meditation and breathing practices. Allowing this process to develop during the winter season can have a much different quality than the peeling process that we engage in during our spring and fall clean. The end result may be similar, but different body systems, emotions and patterns are included. This level of mind / heart medicine is an integral part of integrative health and rights of the winter season is a great way to experience the holistic benefits of meditation.

Organs
According to the principles of TCM, winter is associated with the element water and affects the health of the kidneys, bladder, adrenal gland, bone (including bone marrow) and teeth. In TCM, the kidneys are the main source of vitality, energy and heat, and the life essence. The energy is drawn from that source in times of stress and anxiety, or when the body requires treatment. During cold winters, it is important to maintain healthy kidneys and adrenal glands through proper nutrition and supplementation, good hydration, and energy practices such as yoga and Tai Chi, which helps keep your core warm and well fed.

Emotions
According to TCM, a dormant winter, cold and moisture in nature, which is related to emotions such as fear and depression that tend to make a greater impact during the season. In Western medicine, many people are diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a special form of depression / anxiety that occurs in the dark for months, primarily due to lack of sun exposure. Women often experience this condition more than men, resulting in a bad mood, lack of energy, irritability, weight gain due to overeating and fatigue. In addition to supplementing with vitamin D-3, I recommend opening your curtains during the day would be to get the sun and taking a brisk walk (in the sun, if possible) to improve circulation and blood flow. Meditation practices that help to calm the mind and heart are also very valuable during the winter season.

warming, Nourishing Foods
In the icy winter months, people tend to exercise less, and still crave more sedentary and calorie dense foods comfort. It is, however, pay close attention to the amount and type of food you eat during that time, in order to avoid unhealthy weight gain. According to TCM, it is also important to avoid too much raw food during the winter because they tend to cool the body and can deplete our digestive "fire", which is the ability to assimilate food efficiently. I recommend eating warm food, while more and cooking at lower temperatures with less water. Emphasize soups and stews, root vegetables, plenty of dark greens, kidney and black beans, walnuts, black sesame seeds, whole grains, and seaweed. These specific foods help to establish the kidneys, elevated emotions, nurture the body, keep you warm and help you save energy.

supplements
Botanicals and nutrients that support immune health during winter are important adjuncts to survive cold and flu season. High quality of medicinal mushrooms have strong immune modulators, along with vitamin C, zinc and vitamin D-3. Another powerful immune supplements include modified Citrus Pectin and Tibetan herbal formula with more than 3 decades of clinical research. Purified Honokiol (Magnolia bark extract) can help you in the mood of support and a comprehensive digestive formula can retain strong support digestion and absorption of nutrients for optimal nutrition. Other plants are stressed TCM winter root tonifying herbs, for their warm, grounding and strengthening properties.

treatment practices
People are more susceptible to colds and flu during the winter and cold weather causes the immune system. The main treatment in TCM are acupuncture and moxabustion (burning Moxa herb, mugwort, on certain acupuncture points), Qi Gong (precision exercises to improve the flow of vital energy), specific dietary recommendations, as well as extensive Pharmacopeia of herbal medicine. All these therapies are of great value during the winter, as they help to ease the stagnant energy caused by the lack of activities and cold weather. TCM practitioners also advise resting as much as possible during the winter, which helps strengthen the kidneys and restore basic energy. Getting to bed early to rise even after the sun rose will help you preserve your warmth and vitality.

Traditional Chinese medicine reflects the intrinsic connection with nature, each season presents opportunities for transformation, healing and rasta.Zimska season allows deeper introspection and feeding, so that the seeds of our intentions and can develop from the inside before they flower in spring. So stay warm, hydrated and nourished, and give yourself extra space and time to slow down, relax and think in this season of deep sleep.

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