WINTERTIME – A REPAIR AND RESET

Here we are midway through Winter already.. and it’s been pretty chilly!

However, one thing I have found for myself, during this time of uncertainty around movement and travel, is just how good it feels to be outdoors, rugging up in beanies and scarves and going for walks – cold, rain, wind, whatever.. I’ll take it!

Winter in Chinese Medicine, is a time to focus on the Kidney Qi. In TCM theory, the Kidneys are often referred to as the ‘gate of life’ and are the source of our energy reserves and the foundation that we draw strength from.

With the colder weather comes a feeling of contraction as we naturally want to move inwards. And whilst it can be tempting at this time, to try and push ahead with all our regular routines around diet and exercise, going with this natural flow, can yield great benefits.

The Kidney energy benefits from quiet time, reflection and rest. Therefore, taking some time out for more gentle activities, offers an opportunity for repair and nourishment. This is also a good counterbalance for the outward expansion of the warmer months, providing a necessary reset.

Food wise, it’s the time to add more warming and slow cooked foods into your diet. Think root vegetables, legumes, soups and stews.

It’s important to find the things that ‘fill you up’ and that you enjoy. Whether that be nature walks, journal writing, reading, drawing, painting or making a yummy slow cooked meal for yourself or to share with others. These are all ways to boost the Kidney energy and also warm the heart, in the Wintertime.

  • Here are a couple of Winter recipes from the recipe section of my website. To view full details – just click on the text over images xx

THE ENERGY OF SPRING

The arrival of Spring, brings with it some welcome sunshine, new growth and optimism.

The energy of Spring is one of upward expansion and movement. This is a time when we naturally want to expend more energy and become more active.

It can be a particularly challenging time health wise, as we emerge from the colder months feeling sluggish and fatigued. There can also be chronic health issues carried forward from the previous season. Particularly this year, as many have had to forego their regular exercise routines and health care practices that usually sustain us over the Winter time.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this is the season of the Liver and the Gallbladder. An imbalance in this area can show up as allergies, anxiety, insomnia, digestive issues and muscle and tendon tightness – particularly through the diaphragm, thoracic area and across the top of the shoulders.

When the Liver energy is out of balance, we can feel pent up, irritable and generally out of sorts. To move some of this stagnation, it is helpful to stretch through the sides of the body, rolling and shrugging the shoulders to release tension, breathing deep into the belly and finding an activity that brings you joy, such as dancing, singing or whatever it may be for you.

Whilst many think of undertaking an extreme Spring detox at this time, in Traditional Chinese Medicine we focus instead on gently harmonising the Liver to aid its cleansing and detoxifying function.

A good way to support the Liver in Spring is to make some simple changes to the diet.

To view recipes – click on link in the images above or go to the ‘Recipes’ section of my website.

To compliment the dynamic energy of the season, add some lighter foods into your meals. Seasonal green veggies such as asparagus, broad beans, watercress and small amounts of sour flavors, such as lemon or lime can help move the Qi.

In addition, foods that are naturally bitter or pungent can be beneficial during Spring. These include foods such as broccoli, cabbage, papaya, watercress, cardamom, dill, radish and also the use of fresh herbs such as mint, chamomile, rosemary and coriander.

We all have different needs depending on our health care concerns and constitution. During a TCM consultation, dietary and lifestyle advice is tailored specifically to the individual’s particular circumstances and health requirements.

If you would like to discuss how Chinese Medicine may be of help to you, feel free to send me a message through the contact form or phone the clinics: Williamstown 93999 659 Yarraville 9689 7901. I would be happy to discuss treatment options with you.

Elisabeth

A SEASON TO BOOST OUR ENERGY RESERVES

There is a contraction of our natural energies in Autumn, as the weather cools and the days become shorter.

A time for gathering stores and re-evaluating what we need to let go of both in our physical environment and also in our ways of thinking – our habits, beliefs and ways of being.

This is kind of a strange metaphor for the times we find ourselves in. Required to limit our movements and stay close to home where possible, we have to dig deep into our reserves and find ways of balancing this inward shift in other ways.

Autumn offers us an opportunity to nourish ourselves and boost our energy reserves for the colder months ahead. Taking time to eat nourishing foods and incorporate mindful breath work and movement can strengthen our systems leading into Winter.

Now is a key time to focus on immunity. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this is the season of the lungs and large intestine. Both organs function to take in what is necessary and to eliminate what is not. The lungs act as an interface between us and our environment, through respiration, the skin and our immune system. Our large intestine functions to absorb fluids, salts and cellulose and excrete waste and toxins.

Focusing on breathing practices to expand the lungs and release pent up energy is necessary, especially at this time when our movements may be more restricted. During these times of stress, shallow breathing and constraint through the neck, shoulders and diaphragm is common. Walking in nature and spending time each day to stretch our bodies and focus on deep, slow breathing will help to keep the chest open and expanded.

The addition of some pungent foods can also be of benefit to the lungs at this time. Consider adding foods such as spring onion, peppermint, coriander, chives or watercress into your diet.

Eating seasonally with a focus on well -cooked foods with lots of moisture (soups and stews) is a good general rule for this time.

Due to the dryer conditions of Autumn, symptoms such as dry nasal passages, flaky skin, allergies and constipation may occur. Seasonal foods such as pears, mushrooms, pumpkin, pine nuts and root vegetables can be of benefit.

In the recipe section of this site I have included a couple of recipes that are perfect for this time. Congee with Mushrooms and Miso Baked Pumpkin both make use of seasonal produce and are nourishing for Autumn.

For those who would like to book a consultation for Acupuncture or herbal support, I am currently seeing patients but at reduced hours given the current circumstances. To book an appointment please call the Williamstown clinic directly. Alternatively, I am happy to offer my herbal patients phone or online consultations if needed. Please send me a message via the contact page for more details.

Wishing everyone well at this time and hoping you are receiving the support that you need.

Elisabeth