Heal Naturally with Acupuncture Wellness Care

Winter, a season of rest and restoration, holds profound significance in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). As the coldest season of the year, winter is seen as a time when nature slows down, and this rhythm is mirrored in human life. In TCM, winter is associated with the element of water, the kidneys, and the energy of yin, which represents stillness, reflection, and conservation. Understanding the principles of winter within TCM can help us harmonize with the season and support our health.

Winter and the Water Element

In TCM, each season corresponds to one of the five elements. Winter is linked to water, which symbolizes wisdom, fluidity, and adaptability. Just as water can be still or flowing, winter invites us to embrace moments of stillness while remaining flexible in our daily lives. The water element governs the kidneys and bladder, which are considered the body’s energy reservoirs. Proper care of these organs during winter is essential for maintaining vitality throughout the year.

The Role of the Kidneys

The kidneys are the foundation of life energy (jing) in TCM. They store our essence, govern growth and development, and regulate reproduction and aging. Winter is the ideal time to nourish the kidneys, as the cold and yin energy of the season can challenge their strength. Practices such as consuming warming foods, getting adequate rest, and protecting the lower back from cold can help support kidney health.

Yin Energy and Restorative Practices

Winter embodies the peak of yin energy, characterized by darkness, coolness, and introspection. Unlike the active, expansive yang energy of summer, winter’s yin energy encourages us to slow down and conserve energy. Engaging in restorative practices such as meditation, gentle stretching, and qi gong aligns with the season’s energy. Adequate sleep is also crucial, as it allows the body to replenish its energy stores and fortify the immune system.

Nourishment Through Food

In TCM, diet plays a crucial role in harmonizing with the seasons. During winter, warming and nourishing foods are recommended to support the kidneys and enhance the body’s yang energy. Foods such as soups, stews, root vegetables, black beans, walnuts, and ginger are ideal choices. Avoiding raw and cold foods helps prevent the depletion of internal warmth.

Embracing the Stillness of Winter

Winter’s quiet and reflective nature offers an opportunity for self-discovery and renewal. TCM emphasizes aligning with the rhythms of nature, which means embracing this period of stillness. Taking time to reflect on personal goals, journaling, and nurturing relationships can provide a sense of grounding and purpose during the colder months.

Practical Tips for Winter Wellness in TCM

1. Protect your body from the cold by dressing appropriately, especially around the lower back and feet, which are linked to the kidneys.
2. While water is the element of winter, it’s essential to drink warm or room-temperature fluids to maintain balance.
3. Herbal Support: Incorporate kidney-tonifying herbs like goji berries, astragalus, and rehmannia, but consult a TCM practitioner for personalized advice.
4. Engage in low-impact exercises like tai chi or yoga to keep the body’s energy flowing without overexertion.
5. Prioritize sleep and establish a calming evening routine to optimize restorative rest.

Over the last few years, there has been a dietary shift toward consuming more fats. If you are like me and try to follow the latest trends, you may have some questions. I grew up during the time when the thinking was, if you consume too much fat in your diet, it will make you, well, fat. We had skim milk, margarine, low fat this, fat free that. Then came the Atkins diet which went against all the dietary guidelines of the time. Fast forward to 2024, we now embrace the Keto Diet and the Paleo Diet.

If you are making a shift toward one of these diet’s, or just a general cooking oil user, it is important to understand how to store your fats/oils and how to use them. The fats we consume in our diet produces many benefits for the body. They digest slowly, help us to feel full, helps with the absorption of vitamins D, E, A, and K, provides warmth for the body, protects our organs, provides the cholesterol which i the building block of our hormones. But, a diet high in the wrong kinds of fat can lead to tumors, cancer, obesity, heart disease, gall bladder and liver disorders.

There are 4 categories of fats, saturated, polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, and trans fats. Saturated fats can be found in animal products and a few plant products such as coconuts, peanuts, and palm kernel. These fats are solid at room temperature. Polyunsaturated fats can be found in nuts, seeds, grains, and vegetables. These fats are liquid at room temperature and may start to solidify when chilled. Monounsaturated fats can be found in nuts, seeds, and vegetables and are considered the most stable and best used for cooking. These oils are liquid at room temperature and may solidify when chilled. Trans fats are a type of unsaturated fat and can be lab created to make liquid oils solid like margarine and shortening. This type of fat is extremely unhealthy and can lead to heart disease.

Choosing how you store your oils is very important due to their unique composition of fatty acids, which impacts stability and shelf life. Light, heat, and air exposure can break these oils down causing them to become rancid. Rancid oils taste bad and also contain free radicals which are detrimental to our health. Nut oils, once opened, should be stored in the refrigerator to keep fresh. Olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, and other cooking oils should be stored in a cool dark area.

Some common cooking oils and the temps you should use them are as follows:

Avocado Oil- 520 degrees, best used for grilling, roasting, searing, and stir frying

Canola Oil- 400-475 degrees, good for deep frying and other high heat cooking

Coconut Oil- 350-450 degrees

Corn Oil- 400-450 degrees and good for high heat frying

Olive Oil- 325-375 degrees good for drizzling, low heat sautéing and salad dressings

Refined Sesame Oil- 410 degrees

November 13, 2024

Introduction

Acupuncture, a practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of ailments. In recent decades, it has gained popularity in Western medicine, especially as a method for managing pain. This post explores how acupuncture can be effective in alleviating pain and what you should know if you are considering it.

How Acupuncture Works

Acupuncture involves inserting into specific points on the body, known as acupuncture points, to stimulate the body’s own natural healing processes. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, these points are linked to energy pathways, or meridians, that influence health. Western science suggests that acupuncture may work by stimulating nerves, muscles, and connective tissues, which can enhance the body’s pain-relieving chemicals and promote blood flow.

Types of Pain Treated

Acupuncture has shown to be effective for various types of pain, including:

1. Chronic Pain: Conditions such as arthritis, back pain, and fibromyalgia often respond well to acupuncture. Studies suggest that acupuncture can help reduce inflammation and improve function.
2. Acute Pain: Injuries and acute conditions like muscle strains can also benefit from acupuncture, which may help accelerate the healing process.
3. Headaches and Migraines: Regular acupuncture sessions have been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of headaches and migraines for many individuals.

What to Expect

During an acupuncture session, you’ll lie down while I insert needles at specific points. The procedure is generally painless, with many people describing a slight tingling or sensation of warmth. Sessions typically last 60min, with the first session being 90min.

August 14, 2024

May 28, 2017