Staying Warm in Winter: Why it Matters
Staying warm during the winter months is essential for maintaining overall health and wellbeing. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), exposure to cold is believed to weaken the body’s defensive Qi, making it more susceptible to illness. Cold can also contribute to muscle and joint pain, sluggish digestion, low energy, poor circulation, and disruptions in hormonal balance.
Protecting your body’s warmth helps preserve vital energy (Qi) and supports healthy organ function throughout the colder season.
Tips to stay warm this winter
Keep your feet warm
Wear warm wool or thermal socks. In TCM, cold enters the body easily through the feet and travels upward, affecting circulation and overall warmth.
Prioritise warm, cooked foods
Foods such as soups, stews, porridges, congee, and roasted vegetables help support digestive fire. Minimise raw foods like salads and raw vegetables, which can tax digestion.
Drink warm liquids
Herbal teas, ginger or cinnamon tea, warm lemon water, and bone broth can help warm the body from within and support digestion.
Move regularly
Gentle, consistent exercise such as walking, yoga, or Pilates promotes circulation, prevents stagnation, and boosts energy levels.
Dress in layers
Layering helps regulate body temperature throughout the day. Wearing a scarf is especially important as the neck area is considered a vulnerable point where “wind-cold” can enter the body.
Cook with warming spices
Spices like ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, garlic, and turmeric. These enhance circulation and support the body’s internal warmth.
Keep your core warm
Heating pads, hot water bottles, warm baths, or placing warmth on the lower back/abdomen can support kidney energy.