The theme for Winter is STAY WARM and here’s why:

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, we know that cold and dampness (hello, Maryland!) can enter the body suddenly or seep in slowly over a long period of time through the wei qi (protective qi) layer, specifically via the skin and lungs. It can also enter after eating cold, raw foods or adding ice to drinks.

The kidneys (the organ of winter) are the source of warmth (Ming Men fire) in the body, kind of like a furnace. This “fire” diminishes as we age and can be damaged by improper diet, overwork, and cold exposure. It may be useful to know that the function of the kidneys in TCM is very similar to the function of the Endocrine System in Western Medicine. So you see, staying warm is important not just for feeling cozy, but to restore vitality and youth! 

Here are 3 tips to help you along this quest for warmth during the cold Winter months.

#1 – Keep your feet warm!

You have probably heard your Acupuncturist tell you this before, or perhaps you have experienced our new TPD lamps warming your feet during a treatment. The importance of keeping one’s feet warm is well documented in TCM, and especially important for fertility. It is said that “the temperature of the feet is equal to the temperature of the uterus.” This makes sense because of the channels found on the legs and the reality that “cold contracts,” meaning that cold indicates poor circulation. 

Warm feet are important for everyone, though, especially in winter.  Feeling your muscles tense up? Warm your feet! Treating a hormonal imbalance? You’d better keep your feet warm! You could double up on your socks, place a heating pad over your feet in the evening, or do this therapeutic and luxurious foot soak with a warm cup of ginger tea:

Foot Soak recipe

  • 1 cup baking soda
  • 1/4 cup mustard powder 
  • 6 drops wintergreen or peppermint essential oil
  • 6 drops rosemary essential oil
  • 6 drops eucalyptus essential oil

Mix ingredients in a mason jar for storage. To use: add 1-2 Tbs to foot bath. It is especially beneficial to soak up the Acupuncture point Spleen 6 – the crossing point of the Spleen, Liver, and Kidney channels. 

# 2 – Blend your greens in soup

It can be difficult to get your greens during the Winter, especially when your Acupuncturist is imploring you to avoid smoothies and cold, raw salads. Here is a solution and I’m sure that once you see the positive change in digestion and overall feeling of warmth and grounding, you will never go back to that cold, morning smoothie!

Get creative with your soup and add any green vegetables you want!  Here is an example of a basic recipe:

  • 1 bunch asparagus
  • 2 zucchini
  • 2 heads broccoli
  • garlic 
  • 1/2 avocado
  • Salt, pepper, or any spices/herbs you prefer

Steam the greens, then blend with avocado and spices. Reheat each morning to feel light, hydrated, and warm from the inside out!

#3 – Get Outside

Every day, if possible! Bundle up and never negotiate on getting out under the open sky, even if it’s just for a quick walk. Walking outside is great exercise, but it also calms anxiety, enhances creativity, and improves sleep cycles. Walk for your alone time or make it social, listen to a podcast or the birds, there is no wrong way to get outside and walk!

Check out our blog Winter Walks What? for longer hikes outside this winter.

Photo: Jessica Lewis

Aubrey Lewis, L.Ac., Mend Acupuncturist
Aubrey is devoted to helping others feel empowered through their own healing process. She is drawn to treating pain, migraines, digestive issues, women’s health, and insomnia, with a particular passion for leveraging the benefits of nutrition, herbal medicine, biohacking.
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