Winter’s wisdom - Purple food, slow & steady, plus a Haramaki for the win
Everything is change
Solstice sunlight on forest blanketed in snow.
Winter is near!
Shiny and crisp, icy and treacherous, north of the equator winter is not kidding.
Seasonal alignment and safety at this time of year is a bundle of skills and I delight to share some of the best I have learned of over the years!
Below you will find tips that support your Kidney Qi to stay warm and well.
Eat
Black/purple and high protein foods nourish Kidney Qi and Yang.
Black beans, tempeh, kidney beans, organ meats, mussels, shrimp, beef and chicken are all great options for proteins. Millet, buckwheat and barley are kidney supporting grains and all dark vegetables and fruits (eggplant, kale, blackberries, blueberries) will offer you foundational nourishment.
3 recipes for warming up:
Eat food warm and cooked. Drink water warm or room temperature, no ice.
Keep your Qi flowing free
Move
TCM advises that in winter we shouldn't experience "leaking of the skin,".
Keep moving and stay slow. Breaking a mild sweat is fine, but pouring with sweat will drain your Qi.
Stretch often. 2, 5 or 10 min, solo, with a pal online or in person. Qi flow loves a stretch!
Pursue
Even when committed to “the plan”, we can always check out what works, what doesn’t and what now?
Everything changes. Is this true for you? Check for yourself.
Sleep, meditation, reflection, contemplation, journalling or however you check in. Get intentional with your rest and take time to check out where things are at, for you.
Haramaki
The Japanese practice of wearing a belly warmer is SO ideal for the climate I, and many of you reside in. “Hara” translates to belly and “maki” to wrap. By wearing Haramaki you stop the cold from getting in.
A knitted Haramaki (belly warmer), in brown and blue shades.
An old sweater, 1-2 sizes too small, with the chest and arms cut off makes for an easy and effective Haramaki. You can also find knit patterns, Haramaki to buy online, or wrap a scarf around your mid section.
By covering acupoints that support the kidneys and the kidneys themselves this practice is great for staying warm, and for warming the uterus when trying to get pregnant. Any time of year, if you are a colder person, a Haramaki will help turn your thermometer up, offering you energy, courage and care.
Community connects
I offer care in and out of the treatment room.
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May you, and the Land where you are, have the conditions to thrive.
all the best,
Lamia
