Tips to Keep your Water Energy Strong in Winter

By Kristie Ussher
Acupuncturist and TCM Herbalist at Ocean Acupuncture, Curl Curl




FOOD PREPARATION

Avoid eating too much cold food, including chilled drinks and raw fruits and vegetables, as these deplete the body’s energy.

Rather, try lightly steaming vegetables and stewing fruits. Even better is using slow cooking methods such as roasting, to increase the warming nature of food.


Warm hearty soups, whole grains and roasted nuts are very comforting and nourishing in the thick of winter.

Small but regular amounts of bitter and salty foods are also great in winter as they direct energy down and inwards. Examples of bitter foods include endive, watercress, rye, oats, quinoa, turnip, celery, alfalfa, lettuce. Examples of salty foods include seaweeds such as kombu, barley, miso and sea salt.(1)



KEEP WARM AND COVER UP

Protect yourself from the cold. Keep your neck covered and your lower back and feet warm.




SLEEP LONGER

More sleep is important in winter, go to bed earlier and rise later.




MEDITATION AND RELAXATION

Take this time to reflect, rest and contemplate.



GENTLE AND SLOW EXERCISE

Choose exercises that require little physical exertion. A morning or afternoon walk is great for some fresh air and to get your circulation going. Other practices such as Yoga, Tai Chi or Qi Gong help to consolidate our Qi and replenish our energy stores.



RECONNECT

Winter is a great time for intimate gatherings. Get together with close family and friends over a home cooked meal.



“The more we rest in winter, the greater the harvest will be in summer”
- Chinese medicine proverb.






References
(1) Pitchford, P. (2002). Healing With Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition (3rd Edition) North Atlantic Books, USA.