Wonderful Winter Healthy Hints
Winter is when the energy is deep within and is almost resting this is yin. The days are short and the nights are long. The temperature when the season is balanced is cold and icy. In New Zealand, the best place to experience this season is near the glaciers like Fox or Franz on the West Coast of the South Island, or Taupo where the air is cold and the earth is warm from the geothermal nature of the area.
When the water is aligned we embody our true strengths and capabilities and live our lives purposefully.
To align the water element do activities like tai qi, yoga or qi gong regularly, meditate and reflect often, eat nourishing slow cooked food and have a foot massage. Remember drink water frequently especially at room temperature.
Winter is a time to conserve energy and snuggle in. Sleep longer and move slowly to store reserves to be used in spring. It is a time where the atmosphere condenses and crystallises on surfaces.
The Water Element
In the five-phase or five-element tradition winter pertains to Water. The water element is associated with the colours blue and black, the stillness and coldness of the yin qi and the emotion fear that can be transformed into wisdom.
Notice the stillness within as if you are hibernating. Salty is the flavour although choose carefully with regards to how much and what salt you use. Celtic hand picked sea salt and pink Himalayan salt, are good options.
The symbol is the Blue Dragon. There are two Chinese Medicine formulas that follow this theme Big Blue Dragon Decoction (Da Qing Long Tang) and Little Blue Dragon Decoction (Xiao Qing Long Tang). Big Blue Dragon Decoction is used for very severe illness involving flu like symptoms and Little Blue Dragon Decoction is used for colds with congested fluids. These formulas have herbs in it that are very strong and it would be wise to see a trained Chinese medical herbalist.
Instinct, will power, wisdom and calm serenity are values that become apparent in a person that has a balanced water element.
Chinese Medicine
Chinese Medicine (acupuncture and herbs) is great for treating the following imbalances during the winter months:
Hypothyroidism
Back Pain
Increase Fertility
Knee Pain
Chronic Fatigue
Anxiety
Exhaustion
Forgetfulness
Coldness
Disclaimer
The information in this publication is not intended as a substitute for professional advise (We would prefer to work in collaboration with your health professional, General Practitioner, Medical Doctor or Specialist). Mana Health expressly disclaims all liability to any person/organisation arising directly or indirectly from the use of or reliance on, or for any errors or omissions in, the information in this publication, including any references to third parties. Whilst efforts have been made by Mana Health to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, the adoption and application of this information is at the reader’s discretion and is his or her sole responsibility.
