A holistic medicinal system used for thousands of years to take care of one’s health and wellness, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) focuses on our energy (known as chi or qi) and its flow through our bodies.
Adapting to the rhythm of a new season calls for a deeper understanding of what seasonal changes do to our chi and how we can alter our routines to nourish the flow of this chi. In winter, for example, we experience dry, cold weather, which depletes us physically, especially our energy. But here’s what we can do about that from a TCM perspective.
Step One: Take Care of Your Kidneys!
“Of all things, why are kidneys number one?”
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, seasons are aligned with elements, winter’s being water, and water controls your kidneys (as well as your bladder). TCM will also tell you that your kidneys are what store your Jing - your essence, your life force, your vitality. Thus, by taking care of your kidneys, you’re keeping your immunity and quality of life strong, allowing for optimal, healthy aging in the process.
To nourish those kidneys, and the rest of your body, your winter routine should emphasize warm cooking like soups and stews. This may oppose nutrition routines carried over from your summer like lots of raw salads, smoothies, iced drinks and other cold items that can burden your systems and metabolism in winter - but it’s worth the transition, we promise.
You can also add kidney-loving ingredients to your other hot meals, including black beans, black sesame seeds, walnuts or steamed greens. Black foods tend to support the kidneys in general. If you partake in animal proteins, this is the season for lamb, chicken, salmon or trout.
When reaching for herbs and spices, all the warming spices keep your inner fire alive, notably ginger, clove, garlic, chive or turmeric.
Once you’ve made your meals or snacks, be sure to eat slowly with thorough chewing. Mindful eating will assist your systems in easier digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Step Two: Balance Yin and Yang
In addition to proper nourishment, mindful eating and reduction of cold items, TCM recommends participating in more gentle workouts such as Tai Chi, which can still build your body strength but will also support the circulation of your Qi/chi. It also emphasizes the importance of stress-reducing, yang-replenishing activities such as deep breathing, meditation and yoga.
When it’s time to go outside, you should not only be dressing warmly but especially protecting your head, neck and feet, as cold exposure to these extremities also reduces your yang energy.
One of the most popular holistic treatments for supporting Qi circulation, balancing yin and yang is acupuncture, which unblocks and un-stagnates your vital energy.
As we are not a medical resource or expert, please speak to a trusted healthcare professional before engaging in acupuncture, and ensure your chosen acupuncturist is trained, credentialed and licensed.
Step Three: Don’t Forget Your Adaptogens
For nourishment, balance and warmth, enjoy a daytime mug of Cocoa Sun Ritual or a nighttime treat of Cocoa Moon Ritual - our delicious, supportive Adaptogenic Sipping Chocolates.
Both blends are made with ceremonial-grade cocoa, adaptogenic TCM mushroom varieties and other energy-boosting superfoods. In particular, mushrooms like reishi, cordyceps, chaga, and lion's mane align beautifully with these seasonal needs, supporting both the physical and energetic body during the colder months.
Reishi is deeply nourishing for the Shen (spirit) and strengthens the heart and kidneys. Cordyceps strengthen the lungs, aiding in the protection against respiratory issues common in winter. Cordyceps also supports kidney yang, warming the body and improving circulation. Chaga strengthens the spleen, improving digestion and nutrient absorption—a priority when eating warming, heavier foods.
And finally lion’s mane helps with mental clarity and focus during the introspective energy of the season.
