06/08/2024
Acupuncture during winter is one of the best ways you can boost your immune system during the colder months here on the Gold Coast.
Winter represents the most Yin aspect in Chinese Medicine. Yin is dark, cold, slow, inward energy. The time to gather strength, repair and replenish your physical and mental being. The kidney is the organ system that shares the power of Winter. Just as the bear survives upon accumulated reserves, the Kidney harbours our essence that feeds and renews our life force. The Kidney is vulnerable to damage by exposure to physical cold–cold weather or air conditioning and by the ingestion of iced or refrigerated foods and beverages. Inadequate intake of water and too much bitter, salty, or spicy foods may also be harmful. Likewise, too little sleep, excessive exercise, sexual activity, or work undermines the Kidney.
Things we recommend to keep your health on track this winter;
-Conserve and store your energy and vigour, matching the characteristics of the season. Try swapping running and the gym to more gentle movements such as walking, tai Chi, and yoga.
-Exposure to sunshine is recommended, so try these outside.
-This principle also means that you should try to keep a placid mind in winter. Try to control your mood, try to avoid getting angry and having big turbulences in emotion.
-During winter go to sleep early at night and get up after the sun has risen in the morning.
-Indoor temperature should be kept stable, somewhere between 18-22 degrees. Opening windows and ventilating rooms should not be neglected.
-To help prevent the common cold, your back needs to be protected. If the back becomes cold, you could contract an infection of the upper respiratory tract or suffer a recurrence and worsening of some lingering illnesses. It is especially important for seniors, children and people who suffer from cardiovascular diseases to keep their backs warm.
-Keeping your feet warm is important too, as they lose heat quickly. Acupuncture points on the sole of one’s feet are closely related with the internal organs, so if the feet become cold, you could a catch cold or get pains in the abdomen, waist or legs.
-Avoid food that is physically cold, this includes things straight out of the fridge such as drinks or with ice added, or ice cream. In the case of water, warm or hot water will be absorbed more effectively.
-Avoid food that are fried, greasy or sugary, including food that has been deep fried, or food with a high amount of oil, or sugar content, such as chocolate.
-Eat warming foods. Soups, slow cooked stews, cooked vegetables, squash, peas, beans, root vegetables such as potatoes, garlic and carrots.
-Surround yourself with warming colours, candles and curl up next to the fire/heater.
If you would like more information or to book in for an appointment with one of our practitioners, please call us on (07) 5531 6461 or you can book online via our website.
