It is actually true: you can help yourself to feel better during winter. How? By learning to apply a few time proven concepts from Chinese and Indian medicine. Did you know that your skin actually thickens to better insulate your body during winter? We are all familiar with how animals change with the seasons. Humans change as well. The colder temperatures, decrease in sunlight and drier air create a shift in our hormone and organ systems that effect our mind and body. An example of this is how a decrease in sunlight alters the function of our pineal gland, a one centimeter piece of tissue located deep inside our brain resulting in a more depressed mental state. The essence of the message is that humans are part of nature, and change along with it.
In Chinese and Indian medicine different seasons were recognized as creating different stresses on the body. Specific nutritional and exercise adaptations were recommended to correct this. The goal was to help "harmonize" the body with its environment.
(1.) Begin with nutrition. You'll notice in winter that your appetite and food cravings change. This is a reflection of the different nutrients your body needs to function in cold weather. There is an easy to use herb that has "internal warming" properties for your body. That herb is ginger root: available at most fruit markets it is an excellent and wholesome dietary addition. Simply dice up a quarter size piece of freshly peeled ginger root and add it to food dishes or tea. My personal favorite way is to put the ginger on a piece of apple. When buying the root make sure the skin is not heavily wrinkled as this means it is too old. One serving of fresh ginger root per day will increase your body's warmth. Garlic is also a warming herb but not nearly as potent.
(2.) Experience the season: To harmonize with winter, gently accustom your body to the season over time. The Chinese saying is: "Become the season by experiencing the season." Go outside! Too many of us hide from winter. This only makes the time you do go outside more of a shock to your body. Dress properly (forget about fashion) using multiple layers, stay warm, and go outside for at least 30 minutes three times a week. By the second week you'll be enjoying yourself thoroughly. Walk through a park, toboggan, cross-country ski, make snow angels, do whatever you can - just get outside.
(3.) Yoga stretching: We should stretch every single day, but in winter it's even more important - our muscles and spine tend to tighten up because we're so much less physically active. Since your nervous system runs through your spine, this tightening leads to less than optimum functioning of your body's innate healing ability. Invading germs and viruses are not met with your body's full resistance because your nervous system is not working as well as it could be, like a car that needs a tune-up. Daily yoga stretches help promote health by freeing your spine and nervous system to work at their highest capacity. No pill can accomplish this. (The chart shows three exercises that are the minimum daily requirement and can be done in less than three minutes, so don't say you don't have the time.)
(4.) To maintain body warmth when it's cold outside requires a lot of energy. Can we increase our internal energy to help balance this situation? Yes, with simple breathing exercises that have been used for thousands of years in India and China. Simply stand in a comfortable position with your legs spread apart and your hands hanging freely at your side. Take a deep, full breath in through your nose letting your chest fill with air. Keep holding your breath and let your shoulders relax then slowly blow the air out through pursed lips. As you exhale try and feel a heat sensation below your belly button. Repeat this a minimum of 10 times daily, morning is best. This simple breathing exercise really works.
(5.) If you get a cold there is an acupressure point located over the fleshy part of the palm aspect of your thumb (see chart) that helps relieve symptoms. When you do have a cold you'll find this area is sore to the touch. Simply press the point with your opposite thumb (make sure to take deep relaxing breaths through this procedure). Hold it for 60 seconds. You'll feel a sensation of pain which will begin to ease after 30 to 40 seconds as the acupressure point releases.
These five easy steps help your body harmonize with winter and create a greater sense of well-being. Less illness and greater productivity result. Remember your best investment is in yourself, so take the time to treat your mind and body right.
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