November 7th marks the Start of Winter solar term. Experts advise focusing on nourishing yang energy after this date, particularly keeping the back warm, while considering appropriate tonic supplements under TCM guidance.
Protecting Yang Energy is Paramount
November heralds winter's official arrival, with the Start of Winter followed by the Light Snow solar term.After the Start of Winter, nature exhibits a decline in yang energy and a rise in yin energy, accompanied by falling temperatures. This makes the human body's yang energy vulnerable to depletion. Therefore, protecting yang energy is especially crucial after the Start of Winter. It is important to go to bed early and rise late to ensure adequate sleep. Dress warmly, paying particular attention to keeping your back warm. This helps yang energy to retreat and yin essence to accumulate.
Additionally, winter often brings emotional lows. After the Start of Winter, focus on alleviating depression and nurturing mental well-being. Cultivate inner calm, maintain a positive mindset, engage in enjoyable activities, and promptly resolve unpleasant situations.
How to Stay Warm and Prevent Cold in Winter
Warm the Head: Choosing a suitable hat in winter is essential. Traditional Chinese Medicine holds that "the head is the convergence point of all yang energy."Yang energy is most easily lost through the head, much like heat escaping from an unsealed thermos. Neglecting head warmth in winter can easily lead to colds, headaches, rhinitis, toothaches, trigeminal neuralgia, and even severe cerebrovascular diseases. Therefore, wearing a suitable hat is essential.
Back warmth method: Wear a snug cotton (or down) vest.
Folklore holds that "cold begins at the feet." As the body's farthest extremity, feet have thin fat layers and poor insulation. Traditional Chinese medicine views the acupoints on the soles as closely linked to internal organs. Cold feet can trigger colds, abdominal pain, lower back and leg pain, menstrual cramps, and other ailments.
Foot warmth methods: First, wear well-fitting shoes—avoid overly tight, loose, or thin options, and opt for cotton socks. Second, regularly move your feet to promote local blood circulation. Third, soak feet in warm water (50-60°C) before bed each night to relieve fatigue, ward off cold, and improve sleep.
Exercise for Wellness: Stay Warm and Choose Activities Based on Constitution and Age
Winter exercise remains essential. However, cold weather stiffens limbs, making warm-up activities crucial before exercise. This includes stretching, jogging, or light weight training. Begin with activities that induce light perspiration before progressing to high-intensity workouts. Clothing should be weather-appropriate, prioritizing warmth and cold prevention.Put on clothes promptly after exercise to avoid catching a chill.
Individuals with cardiovascular or cerebrovascular conditions should avoid strenuous activities like ball sports or mountain climbing. Middle-aged and elderly individuals with respiratory issues should avoid cold exposure. Exercise during sunny periods, avoiding early mornings and evenings to prevent acute episodes. Older adults should pay particular attention to staying warm.
Nutrition for Cold Resistance
Winter travelers should increase intake of the three major nutrients—protein, carbohydrates, and fats—along with minerals and vitamins beyond usual levels. Avoid excessive restrictions on fats and carbohydrates. Lean meats, eggs, fresh fish, soy products, and animal liver are excellent for boosting body heat and can be consumed in moderation.Correct the misconception that alcohol warms the body. Alcohol stimulates surface blood vessels, increasing peripheral circulation and creating a false sense of warmth while actually causing heat loss.