Almost every patient lately says "I'm not feeling rested in the morning." "I'm tired." As the winter energy comes in, our energy withdraws deep inside. It is a time of rest and rejuvenation. There are shorter hours of daylight. Everything signals that it is time to slow down. It is also a good time to dream. It is a time for beginning new cycles.
Imagine a seed. It sprouts and grows in the Spring, matures over the Summer and comes to harvest in the Fall. That harvest in the Fall is a new seed. What does that seed do in the Winter? It lies dormant. It waits for the energy of Spring to grow.
Imagine a person in harmony with nature. This person changes their diet in the Winter to warmer, heartier foods like thick stews and roasted root vegetables. Things are cooked or left simmering in the crockpot. This person goes to bed earlier and sleeps later. This person thinks about the Spring and what they want to accomplish. They go deep within to evaluate what they like or dislike in their life. They SLOW DOWN!
In our culture a person is on one setting for the whole year and that setting is BUSY or STRESSED or OVERDRIVE. We all try our best to compensate and keep up the pace. There are different ways to drive this false energy. One of the biggest is caffeine. But too much caffeine overloads the adrenal glands, milking them for their precious cortisol. This substance is important in our bodies and has other jobs to do. Check out the article at http://stress.about.com/od/stresshealth/a/cortisol.htm to see some of the functions it has in your body.
Winter Do's and Don'ts
DON'T
1. Over commit. Keep your schedule reasonable.
2. Drink too much caffeine. Limit it, save it for emergencies.
3. Skip meals. You would be surprised how much more energy you have if you eat a good meal at regular times!!
4. Drink too much. Alcohol really is a depressant. Use it judiciously. Watch getting into the habit of drinking it every night.
DO
1. Sleep!!
2. Eat warm, cooked foods at regular times.
3. Drink plenty of water
4. Rub your lower back each day to warm your kidneys and help strengthen them.
5. Put your palms over your ears and rub the whole ear. The Kidney opens to the ears and this will strengthen the kidney as well as loosening up any phlegm or junk in there.
6. Wear socks to bed if your feet are cold and keep your lower back covered and warm.
7. Dream. Sit and stare. Journal about what you want in your life, or don't want in your life.
8. Come up with goals for yourself, however, remember that you need a certain amount of energy and will power to accomplish those goals. Think Spring. Planning for the future. Not tension and to do lists!
9. EXERCISE and do it outdoors in the sun if you can. Keep off those winter blues with natural sunlight. Consider a full spectrum bulb for the house and vitamin D supplements as well.
Always consider Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine or other alternative therapies to keep you happy, healthy and sane during the holidays!! I am accepting new patients and am happy to help you feel your best. Call me to schedule a free consultation in person or on the phone.
