12/11/2025
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), winter is a time of rest, conservation, and stillness, aligned with the water element which is associated with the Kidneys and Bladder.
Lì D**g marks the beginning of winter in the Traditional Chinese solar calendar.
Your digestion slows down. In colder months, your body directs energy toward maintaining core temperature.
This means slower digestion and circulation, switch to warm, cooked foods that support your Spleen and Stomach.
Your mood can dip as sunlight lessens.
With less protective Yang energy at the surface, your body is more vulnerable to wind and cold.
Ensure to keep your head, neck, lower back, and feet warm to protect your Qi and prevent seasonal imbalances.
When the day’s grow shorter, your Yin energy rises. As daylight shortens, the body’s active, outward Yang energy turns inward and your Yin energy rises.
This helps conserve warmth and rebuild strength, but can also make you feel slower or more tired.
You become more sensitive to cold. With less protective Yang energy at the surface, your body is more vulnerable to wind and cold.
Keep your head, neck, lower back, and feet warm to protect your Qi and prevent seasonal imbalances.
You crave more sleep. Winter is nature’s time of rest, and your body follows suit. Your body begins storing energy for the months ahead and you may crave more sleep, heavier foods, or quiet time.
This is your body replenishing Kidney energy, the root of vitality in Chinese medicine.
