During the winter it is natural to feel a little sleepier, slower and possibly less motivated.
It’s the season of stillness and conservation. It’s a period of hibernation and our time to
rest, slow down and revitalize our reserves. Winter is a great time of year to reflect on our
health, replenish our energy, conserve our strength and heal on a deeper level.
During the winter, it is important to conserve our battery reserves. Our bodies are
instinctively expressing the fundamental principles of winter: rest, reflection, conservation
and storage. The “downtime” that winter provides gives us an opportunity to slow down,
check in and take account as to how our lifestyle supports or detracts from our health,
and to recharge our battery.
It is always healthy to get some form of exercise daily, but during the winter months it is
best to participate in gentler, less exerting exercises, such as, yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates,
swimming, walking, and other low impact sports. Save the extreme exertion activities for
the spring and summer months.
Here are a few easy pointers on how you can support and promote your own health this
time of year:
• Sleep. Early to bed, early to rise, makes a person healthy, wealthy and wise. Go to bed
early and if possible, wake up after the sun appears in the morning. Extra sleep will also
benefit you if feel as though you are coming down with something. If you do become ill,
naps may help you recover faster.
• “C” it. Load up on Vitamin C and other multivitamins. These can help support your
health.
• Water, water everywhere. Drink water. Every cell of your body requires this liquid gold
to keep it lubricated and running smoothly.
• Avoid the consumption excessively cold foods such as ice cream and iced
beverages. If possible, drink liquids at room temperature. Too many colds foods,
especially during the colder months, can disrupt your digestion.
• Take herbs that support immune function. Astragalus, Osha root, Reishi and Shitake
mushrooms are helpful. These have been used for thousands of years by acupuncturists
to keep people healthy and strong.
• Come in for acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture works extremely well when you
have a cold, and also as a tune up to stimulate the healing capacity of your body. If you
begin to get the sniffles, body chills, or feel under the weather, give me a call. I may be
able to help!
