Winter season has arrived, when we are bracing ourselves against the cold, there's another crucial aspect to consider—our health! The beginning of winter marks the onset of the cold season, passing through light hail and heavy snowstorm, all the way to freezing cold, indicating the imminent peak of the cold season! During this period, nature's elements wither, and to combat the cold, our bodies conceal yang energy within. However, if this yang energy is compromised, it can trigger a series of cold-related ailments such as aversion to cold, icy hands and feet, abdominal pain, muscle soreness, and more. Therefore, the key to winter wellness lies in safeguarding and reinforcing our body's yang energy. Balancing yin and yang is the way to harmonize the body. Let's explore wellness strategies encompassing diet, exercise, daily routines, disease prevention, and hydration to prepare our bodies with the necessary energy!
With the advent of winter, it's time to indulge in replenishment! The old saying "on the Start of Winter, an empty mouth" emphasizes the use of nourishing foods to combat the harsh climate. Sesame oil chicken broth is one of the quintessential winter nourishment dishes. It not only dates back to the Tang Dynasty with proven benefits of tonifying qi and invigorating blood but also warms the yang energy. Additionally, dishes like glutinous rice stuffed with dried longan and wine, as well as herbal soups like Four-Treasure Soup or Eight-Treasure Soup, whether consumed alone or with meat, enhance the deliciousness!
Let's not forget about the fantastic red date tea for ladies, offering a rosy and vibrant complexion! Short on time to simmer soups? Consider BROTH's meticulously selected Chicken Essence, the hearty Golden Chicken Broth, or Beef Bone Broth; a bowl in the cold winter season both replenishes qi and invigorates the spirit, bringing happiness and warmth! Doesn't just thinking about it make your mouth water? Even your body is eagerly anticipating the winter's feast!
On chilly mornings, embracing the warmth of a soft, cozy blanket makes it incredibly difficult to leave the snug nest! But hey, don't worry! According to Chinese medicine: winter encourages early bedtime and late wake up time, so there's scientific evidence for that sleep-in! Early bedtime helps in storing yang energy, while waking up later avoids the cold mornings. Isn't this a good reason to sleep in? Also, when getting up, pay attention to staying warm to prevent the body's blood vessels from being stimulated due to extreme temperature differences. Take your time getting out of bed, dress warmly, and don hats and scarves for warmth. The late renowned Chinese medicine practitioner, Ms. Chuang Shu-chi, even suggested wearing a mask when getting up for those prone to frequent colds to avoid catching a chill.
Besides keeping warm, exercising in winter has numerous benefits like rapid fat burning, strengthening the heart, and boosting immunity. Since our heart and body need to work harder to withstand the cold, increased blood circulation and toxin elimination through exercise result in doubly effective workouts! Ready, set, go! Let's all exercise together, making our bodies fearless against the cold!
Winter season brings significant temperature differences between day and night, shorter daylight hours, and decreased resistance in people. Dr. Hong Wei-jie, Director of Family and Community Medicine at Taiwan's Yida Hospital, reminds us to pay more attention to several common illnesses and lifestyle details during winter for better health.
Not only does the cold weather lower temperatures, but it also increases microbial activity! Especially during festive gatherings, the risk of infection multiplies! Moreover, cold weather easily constricts your airways, triggering various respiratory diseases like asthma. But don't worry! Dr. Hong advises wearing masks to not only block cold air but also protect against germs!
Cold weather not only constricts the airways but also affects blood vessels! It's a major health risk! Elevated and unstable blood pressure can lead to heart and brain vascular diseases. Be extra cautious about significant temperature differences and ensure adequate warmth! Remember to prepare a coat bedside; during showers, avoid scenarios with large temperature differences, such as entering a cold room after a hot shower, as these can stimulate the body. Before bathing, preheat the bathroom by turning on the heater or hot water, rinse your hands and feet with warm water before washing your body—it's all excellent advice. The elderly and those with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes need to be particularly careful not to let the cold impact their blood vessels!
The dry and cold winter weather poses a challenge not only for your warmth but also for your skin! Dr. Hong suggests keeping the skin moist, a task not to be taken lightly! Choose a moisturizer with simple ingredients to maintain moisture levels. Also, pay attention to bathing techniques—avoid vigorous scrubbing or using excessively hot water, which strips away skin oils, making the skin more sensitive and dehydrated!
In this season of sudden temperature drops, let's not allow the cold to dampen our spirits! These wellness tips not only warm the heart and body but also strengthen our bodies! Remember, protecting yang energy, supplementing with nourishing foods, conducting regular exercises, staying warm, and minding disease prevention are all secret weapons to infuse us with vitality this winter! Let's spend this winter with smiles, feeling joyous in both body and mind!
Source:
https://www.cmro.gov.hk/files/b5/useful_information/public_health/feature_articles/Health_Maintenance_in_Winter.pdf
https://wisdom-life.in/calendar/lunar-term/%E7%AB%8B%E5%86%AC
https://www.edh.tw/article/13621
https://blog.worldgymtaiwan.com/sports-science-winter-is-the-best-time-to-exercise-for-weight-loss
https://gooddoctorweb.com/post/1114
