Cold Weather Health: The TCM Way

The weather is turning ever colder, the days continue to shorten, while cold and flu season is fast upon us! Despite interacting with people of varying degrees of health, it has been years since my last bout with a flu. Colds yes; but rarely enough to stop me from my regular activity for more than a couple of days. I owe this health to years of trusting and nurturing my body’s natural immune system.

Several years ago, I began studies in Traditional and Five-Element Chinese Medicine. My studies, service to clients and personal life experience affirms my belief that Chinese Medicine holds keys to a more natural state of balance and health; I hope to share some of that wisdom with you here. In Chinese Medicine, we are eco-systems woven into the complex natural environment that surrounds us. The more we pay attention to how our own bodies respond to the natural environment and elements, the better luck we will have with staying healthy.

First, our external defenses communicate with the world around us, coming into contact with sources of health and illness. If our defenses (immune system) are healthy and appropriately strong, we will be best able to fight off disease before showing any signs of illness. However, we are not always at this optimal point of health; when this happens, we are likely to show signs of illness. This may manifest with headaches, fatigue, pain, or even the common cold. If our defenses are greatly weakened, then illness will move deeper into the system, such as with the flu, eventually impacting the organ system.

There are several techniques and strategies that can increase our chances of staying healthy during cold and flu season. The most simple of these are sufficient rest and appropriate exercise. If we look to the natural light of the season, our bodies know that this is a time to get more rest than we may have received in the summer months. Give yourself permission to slow down a little, rather than the more common routine of becoming busier for the holiday season. The necessary exercise may also look a bit different. Remember, our systems are already working a little harder to simply keep warm this time of year. Instead of running, try brisk walks or hikes. Yin building activities, such as yoga or qi gong are great, as well.

Other practices include dressing for the weather. Rather than short dresses, start thinking about slacks; if the weather is extremely cold, long-johns may be in order! To protect our lungs, we want to keep our necks warmer; keeping a scarf on and/or close at hand is invaluable until the weather starts to warm up again. A scarf will not only keep your neck warm, but you may also find it useful to wrap around your mouth periodically to help warm and filter the air you are breathing in.

Warm, cooked foods are also strongly recommended in Chinese Medicine, especially as the weather gets colder. This is a good time to start thinking about foods that will support the strength and health of the kidneys in the cold, dark days of winter. Dark foods, such as kidney beans, organ meats in limited quantities (especially if cholesterol is a concern), beets, and seaweed (try Kombu in a stew) are just a few great options.

May peace and health be upon you!

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