03/11/2025
November 7 – Beginning of Winter Health Guidance
Nourish in Harmony with the Seasons: Protect the Kidneys and Strengthen the Heart
The Beginning of Winter (Lidong) marks the start of the winter month, when all things withdraw and store their essence. During this time, yang energy retreats inward while yin energy dominates externally. Winter corresponds to the element Water, governing storage and conservation. The Kidneys are most active in this season—they belong to Water and correspond to the salty flavor; the Heart belongs to Fire and corresponds to the bitter flavor.
Since Water controls Fire, the key to winter health lies in reducing salty flavors and increasing bitter ones to nourish Heart energy and maintain the balance between Water and Fire.
1. Winter Climate and Health
As temperatures drop sharply—especially in the early morning—this is the period when hypertension and cardiovascular diseases are most likely to occur. It is also the peak season for strokes.
People with weaker constitutions should take extra care to keep the limbs, head, and neck warm, and avoid exposure to cold wind or rain. Keeping the feet warm is especially important: when the feet are warm, the whole body stays warm—the foundation of winter wellness.
2. Dietary Principles
During the three months of winter, diet should follow the rule: less salty, more bitter.
“Less salty” helps protect the Kidneys and prevents excessive fluid retention.
“More bitter” nourishes the Heart, clears internal heat, and supports the storage of yang energy.
This wisdom—to protect the Heart through dietary balance—has been passed down from our ancestors.
After nightfall, it is best to reduce both salt and fluid intake to minimize nighttime urination.
Those who experience cold hands and feet are more prone to frequent nighttime urination and should keep warm when getting up.
Before bedtime, a warm bath or foot soak can gently promote sweating and improve circulation. If you feel thirsty, sip a small amount of warm water to moisten the throat.
3. Home Remedy for Nighttime Urination
To improve nighttime urination, try soaking dried longan (桂圓) in yellow wine or rice wine, and eat a few slices before bed.
This remedy warms the Kidneys, replenishes qi, calms the mind, and aids sleep.
However, those who tend to feel hot or have excess internal heat should use it sparingly and increase gradually according to tolerance.
4. Seasonal Food Recommendation – Chestnuts
Chestnuts are an excellent winter food to nourish Kidney qi.
They are warm in nature, sweet and mild in flavor, and enter the Spleen, Stomach, and Kidney meridians.
Chestnuts strengthen the spleen and stomach, tonify the kidneys, fortify the tendons, and promote blood circulation.
They are particularly beneficial for elderly individuals with weak digestion.
Classical References:
Shí Liáo Běn Cǎo (Food Therapy Materia Medica): “Chestnuts replenish qi, strengthen the stomach and intestines, nourish Kidney energy, and increase endurance.”
Qiān Jīn Fāng (Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold): “Chestnuts are the fruit of the Kidneys and are beneficial for Kidney-related ailments.”
Note: Overeating chestnuts may cause bloating or constipation; those prone to constipation should consume them in moderation.
5. Recommended Bitter Foods for Winter Balance
Incorporate moderate amounts of the following foods to harmonize the body’s winter energy:
Dark chocolate
Black tea
Morning coffee (in moderation)
Bitter melon
Wild greens (such as mountain bitter gourd and nightshade)
November 7 – Beginning of Winter Health Guidance
Nourish in Harmony with the Seasons: Protect the Kidneys and Strengthen the Heart
The Beginning of Winter (Lidong) marks the start of the winter month, when all things withdraw and store their essence. During this time, yang energy retreats inward while yin energy dominates externally. Winter corresponds to the element Water, governing storage and conservation. The Kidneys are most active in this season—they belong to Water and correspond to the salty flavor; the Heart belongs to Fire and corresponds to the bitter flavor.
Since Water controls Fire, the key to winter health lies in reducing salty flavors and increasing bitter ones to nourish Heart energy and maintain the balance between Water and Fire.
1. Winter Climate and Health
As temperatures drop sharply—especially in the early morning—this is the period when hypertension and cardiovascular diseases are most likely to occur. It is also the peak season for strokes.
People with weaker constitutions should take extra care to keep the limbs, head, and neck warm, and avoid exposure to cold wind or rain. Keeping the feet warm is especially important: when the feet are warm, the whole body stays warm—the foundation of winter wellness.
2. Dietary Principles
During the three months of winter, diet should follow the rule: less salty, more bitter.
“Less salty” helps protect the Kidneys and prevents excessive fluid retention.
“More bitter” nourishes the Heart, clears internal heat, and supports the storage of yang energy.
This wisdom—to protect the Heart through dietary balance—has been passed down from our ancestors.
After nightfall, it is best to reduce both salt and fluid intake to minimize nighttime urination.
Those who experience cold hands and feet are more prone to frequent nighttime urination and should keep warm when getting up.
Before bedtime, a warm bath or foot soak can gently promote sweating and improve circulation. If you feel thirsty, sip a small amount of warm water to moisten the throat.
3. Home Remedy for Nighttime Urination
To improve nighttime urination, try soaking dried longan (桂圓) in yellow wine or rice wine, and eat a few slices before bed.
This remedy warms the Kidneys, replenishes qi, calms the mind, and aids sleep.
However, those who tend to feel hot or have excess internal heat should use it sparingly and increase gradually according to tolerance.
4. Seasonal Food Recommendation – Chestnuts
Chestnuts are an excellent winter food to nourish Kidney qi.
They are warm in nature, sweet and mild in flavor, and enter the Spleen, Stomach, and Kidney meridians.
Chestnuts strengthen the spleen and stomach, tonify the kidneys, fortify the tendons, and promote blood circulation.
They are particularly beneficial for elderly individuals with weak digestion.
Classical References:
Shí Liáo Běn Cǎo (Food Therapy Materia Medica): “Chestnuts replenish qi, strengthen the stomach and intestines, nourish Kidney energy, and increase endurance.”
Qiān Jīn Fāng (Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold): “Chestnuts are the fruit of the Kidneys and are beneficial for Kidney-related ailments.”
Note: Overeating chestnuts may cause bloating or constipation; those prone to constipation should consume them in moderation.
5. Recommended Bitter Foods for Winter Balance
Incorporate moderate amounts of the following foods to harmonize the body’s winter energy:
Dark chocolate
Black tea
Morning coffee (in moderation)
Mustard greens
Bitter melon
Wild greens (such as mountain bitter gourd and nightshade)
Lotus Plumule
Tyre-shaped eggplant
