This year the Winter Solstice falls on December 21st.  In the Northern Hemisphere, it marks the shortest day and longest night of the year.  It is the start of the winter season and should be a day of restoration. Winter is the best season to slow down to conserve our energy and take time to replenish what we have used throughout the year. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is based on the theory of Yin and Yang. Yin represents night, rest, cool/cold, going inward and the winter season while Yang represents daytime, activity, hot/warm, expansiveness and the season of summer.  Understanding this theory can give us a deeper understanding of nature, ourselves and our health; without one, we cannot have the other and balance between them creates harmony.  During Yin winter, we should rest to gain energy for the spring, eat warm cooked foods to offset the colder temperatures outside and inwardly reflect to keep a calm and clear mind.

Also according to TCM, the four seasons are associated with one of the five elements: Fire, Earth, Wood, Metal and Water. The winter season is related to the Water element and in the body, the Water element corresponds to the Kidney & Bladder organs. The Kidney and Bladder are sensitive to cold and dryness; in order to keep these organs healthy this winter, keep your low back warm by keeping it covered while outside and applying a hot water bottle or heating pad while relaxing at night.  Stay hydrated with either room temperature or warm/hot drinks like herbal teas while avoiding iced drinks.  Foods that help strengthen the Kidney organ are generally salty and blue/black in color.  Examples include seaweed, black sesame seeds, black & kidney beans, lamb, eggplant, figs, raisins, blackberries, blueberries and plums.  Other foods to include in your diet this winter to stay healthy are asparagus, dark leafy greens, walnuts, brown rice, seafood, bone broth and warm soups/stews seasoned with sea salt.  

The water element is associated with the emotion of fear.  When our water element is healthy, fear helps keep us motivated, alert and aware of our circumstances.  Only when we are imbalanced does fear overwhelm us and cause us to feel anxious and afraid.  In order to stay emotionally healthy during the winter months, we must keep a clear mind by engaging in gentle movement exercises like yoga, Tai Chi and Qi Gong which movements mimic the free flow of water.  Sitting meditation and inward reflection with journaling are also important during this time. 

Understanding what your body and mind need during the winter months will allow you to stay balanced and healthy which is more important now than ever. So cook some soups and stews to eat while curled up by the fire reading, journalling or spending time with loved ones.