W I N T E R H E A L T H @ M a y f a i r
Winter is a season for going within, traditionally nature itself goes into hibernation and
energy moves inwards. The principle of Yin qi is heightened and Yang qi is lessened.
The winter foods such as grains, dried or preserved foods, seeds and nuts have an
inward moving energy. Winter meals should be nutritious and warming. A time for hearth,
home and family. Winter time is appropriate to drink a small amount of spirits
or wine (especially mulled) to warm the system up, promote circulation, stimulate the
appetite, relieve tiredness and keep the cold out.
The external cold surrounding us in winter can easily seep into our bodies.
Cold causes contraction, limiting movement and making us even colder. Internal
cold can manifest as poor circulation, aches and pains, asthma, arthritis or colitis.
If you have cold damp, encourage circulation with warming herbs like ginger, cloves,
fennel, cinnamon and anise. The cause for general pain in the abdomen in winter is cold.
A leek and potato soup may help. Vitamin C supplements are of a cold nature.
In winter try to get your Vitamin C from natural food sources like pumpkin or
butternut soup, citrus fruits or a warm fruit compote.
Cold within the body restricts blood flow. Any pain in the lower back or stomach with
less blood flow becomes worse. Period pain is often caused by cold or qi stagnation
in the body. The best foods for a woman experiencing painful periods are generally
warming (in both temperature and nature).
The kidneys and bladder are the Yin-Yang organs associated with winter. Both are
sensitive to cold. It is almost impossible to look after the kidneys too much.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine they are seen as the gateway of life and store our vital essence. Longevity is directly related to the health of the kidneys. This is one of the
most important principles taught in the arts of internal cultivation like Tai Chi and Qi Gong.
As we become older, supporting the kidneys becomes essential.
Vital essence comes from 2 sources - our genetic inheritance and the essence we get
from the air we breathe and the food and liquid we eat and drink. Any essence gathered
during our daily life, but unused is stored in our major Yin organs. Mainly in our kidneys,
which is why we need to truly nourish and nurture them.
Apart from storing essence, the kidneys rule the glands, genitals, reproductive system,
bladder organ and function and the distribution of fluid in the body. Bone marrow is
linked to the kidneys, as are problems with the knees, lower back and teeth.
Kidney Yin reduces heat and sedates the body. It supports, moistens, stabilises and
builds tissue. The kidney Yin controls the fluids of the body. A major role of the kidney
Yang is the support it provides for the spleen and lungs (which can strengthen our
immune system). Kidney Yang enables the spleen to promote the upward flow of
nutrition in the body. For the lungs, it ensures the movement of oxygen to the
extremities of the body. Weak kidney Yang impacts on the lungs, showing up as
the inability to breathe deeply.
The emotion linked to the kidneys is fear. Which in turn leads to alienation.
On a physical level this can manifest as arthritis, deafness and senility.
Kidney health is visible in our hair and equally our sense of hearing. Hair loss,
premature greying and split ends show that our kidneys can do with nurturing.
Ear infections point to weak kidney qi. Reproduction and sex drive are directly
impacted by kidney health.
The flavour that fits the kidney system is salty. It is Yin, cooling and moves energy
down and inwards. It is grounding, moistens dryness, softens hardness,
enhances digestion, eases constipation, increases appetite and improves
concentration. Obviously, not in excess.
Winter is a season of repair and regeneration, so perfect for tonifying Yin.
Some symptoms of general Yin deficiency include hypoglycaemia, diabetes,
a tendency to thinness, dryness, insomnia, irratibility, worry, excess thought
and night sweating. When Yin is deficient, Yang has no counter balance,
which will show up as heat. Insufficient kidney Yin, emotionally equals insecurity
and fear, an ungrounded personality. Stressed kidneys hold excess water,
which extinguishes heart fire. Excessive fear blocks the ability to love.
Symptoms of kidney Yang deficiency include cold hands and feet, a pale complexion,
mental exhaustion, low spirits, weak knees and lower back pain, lack of sex drive,
infertility, irregular periods, inability to urinate, clear urine or frequent urination,
oedema, asthma, lack of willpower and life direction.
In winter our foods need to create warmth, support kidney Yin and Yang and
encourage energy flow down and inwards. Foods should also benefit the heart and
shen (spirit) to keep us from feeling ‘down’. Soups and stews are excellent.
Sweet potatoes are beneficial for the kidneys, as are kidney beans, squid,
millet, sesame seeds, lamb, turtle beans, black soy beans and brown lentils.
For children, grain intake should not be overdone as their digestive systems
are not fully mature yet. Fruit, raw food and drinks in winter may also cause
diarrhoea in children and people with weak digestive systems.
Salty and bitter flavours are good.A richer diet in winter keeps the
internal organs warm. Warm pungents remove cold.
These include rosemary, shallotts, garlic, onions, cinnamon, cloves, ginger,
black pepper, fennel, anise, dill and horseradish. Drink warm herbal teas,
warm water and broths. Cold water and liquids injures the kidney qi.
Movement in winter should focus on the internal systems. Tai Chi and Qi Gong
support and nourish vital essence. Dancing such as Nia, keeps us lighthearted
and joyful. As we work with regeneration and repair, the modalities offered at
i.move studio such as Pilates and Yoga are valid when looking at re-alignment
and a warming inner winter journey. The martial art class with it’s focus on
the Swimming Dragon form is deeply warming and stretching on many levels.
For a cornucopia of warming herbal teas and remedies, visit Dr Sanien De Beer,
resident Phytotherapist. For fresh organic produce, winter curries and advice on
what to eat, pop into Basic Stock Deli. An Ozone sauna therapy with
Eileen Jacobs gets the warmth moving throughout the body. Spending time with
Pauli Geldenhuis or Aneta Shaw will banish those winter blues. Tone and shape up
with Endermology and Gwen and for an absolute spoil and treatment for winter skin,
there is Africology with its range of scents that uplift and energise.
And...the new 3D facial (a combination of Endermology, Acupuncture and Africology).
For basic health, coughs, colds, flu, aches, pains & boosting kidney qi and
vital essence, visit Lesley (acupuncture, therapeutic massage, Tai Chi and Qi Gong).
Lesley-Ann Green (excerpts from ‘Food for the Seasons - Eat well and stay healthy
the Traditional Chinese way)
