Just came across an interesting article from the UK, where it discusses some ideas the Chinese have about winter. This may be of special interest to those who live in areas with extreme winter cold. Even in warmer climates, after the blood thins, one notices the changes in seasons. This advice may be adapted slightly to lengthen life no matter where one lives.
The goal in TCM is to keep illness away from the body, which over time, weakens the overall health and strength of the body. The immune system declines naturally with age, so protecting this valuable resource in earlier years is of paramount importance to the Chinese. Much attention is paid to keeping the kidney area of the body covered and warm in the winter. Try not to forget to keep the head and neck covered from the cold. The head is an area which easily allows wind illnesses such as colds and flus to enter the body (many important acupuncture points on the head and the ears). In the winter the digestion slows, so although warming foods are advised moderation is the key. Remember at the holiday season, sugar lowers the white blood count. This may be why so many colds and flus magically appear at this time. Heart function is also at a low ebb during this season. So circulation is slowed. This is why some walking after larger meals may be of special help in the winter season. Chinese wisdom says that winter's start this year is November 8. Excerpt follows from this site:
http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/he...at_alte_2.html
"WINTER
This is when everything slows down and is the time for storage. Ying energy (the forces of darkness and conservation) dominates over Yang (the force of light and serenity) which means wrapping up and taking it easy to avoid problems with kidney energy. That is the route to weakness, muscle atrophy and arthritis.
SEX: The Yellow Emperor says you should limit sex ''as if keeping a happy secret'' and stay in bed later in the morning. In China businesses start an hour later to fit in with the body's needs.
DIET: Good news on the eating front - winter is the time to tuck in. Foods that are considered hot in TCM like lamb, pork, garlic, alcohol and peanuts get the green light. Perhaps all that indulgence at Christmas was not so bad!
WRAP UP: Chinese doctors reckon people in the UK do not wear enough in the winter. Take the eastern advice - everyone there wears long-johns to conserve Ying.
EXERCISE: Some will be glad to know that this is the time to slow down on the aerobics and the work-out. Live with the post-Christmas bulge for now. You will need the energy for a burst of activity in spring!"
best,
tcm
November 1st, 2007, 09:15 AM
TCM Winter Wisdom 
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