Dr. Shelley’s Corner
Winter 2024
Thousands of years ago, when Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) began, people were living closer to nature and were more in tune with the changes of the seasons. They aligned the different seasons with the five elements: Fire, Earth, Wood, Metal and Water; which are mimicked within us.
The winter season is related to the Water element that is our sources of life; blood, lymph, saliva, perspiration & tears. If not in balance, this will disrupt our body functions. According to the ancient texts, ‘In hibernation, animals go deep into themselves to conserve their essence until the spring, a good model to follow.’
The organs associated with the water element are the kidneys (adrenals), and the bladder. The ancients believed that the kidneys are “like the officials who do energetic work, and they excel through their ability and cleverness.” They are the Storehouse of the Vital Essence, which is the Life Force and is associated with the energy we receive from our ancestry. The bladder was considered an Official in charge of eliminating fluid waste. This is essential for detoxification and adaptability.
Winter is a time to nourish your deep reservoirs through meditative time, slowing down and getting
lots of rest (like bears hibernating). Keeping journals, catching up on reading, and tapping into dreams and sentimental journeys bodes well during these winter months.
Foods that warm and nourish. The water element foods such as fish, black beans, aduki beans, lentils, root vegetables, miso, warming soups (with ginger and garlic), seaweeds, porridges, mushrooms, nuts, sesame seeds, chestnuts, dark leafy greens and warming stews and soups. The body part associated with the water element is the bones, so it is a good time to delve into the art of bone broth making. This will provide essential nutrients your body especially needs at this time.
Include beef and lamb, especially with their warming and nourishing qualities. Also include fermented foods like sauerkraut or kimchi, to supply healthy bacteria to the gut and help with digestion.
Reduce chilled and raw foods as well as cold drinks to help maintain a strong yang force within.
When engaging in outdoor sports, dress appropriately. Avoid stripping down while sweating
to avoid a chill while your pores are open. There are
also many ways to exercise indoors during inclement weather.
Acupuncture and herbal medicine can be extremely helpful in improving your immune system and dealing with the stresses and health challenges of the winter months. Adding cod liver oil to your diet boosts vitamin D and A levels to compensate for reduced sunlight.
Protecting our reserves. During this party season, late nights combined with excess sugar and alcohol
can disrupt our “hibernation time.” So have fun, take
it easy, and be sensible.
Welcome the New Year with good health and happiness.
Dr. Shelley Lane, OMD, L.Ac. NTP, started practicing acupuncture in the Santa Barbara area in 1984 and later became certified as a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and a Bio Individual Nutrition Practitioner. She now sees patients at the Serenity Day Spa, Atherton, and Infinite Body Health in Belmont. In addition to acupuncture she will evaluate your current nutritional needs, develop goals, provide recipes and a plan just for you. Learn how you can eat nourishing foods tailored to your specific needs.
shelleylaneomd@gmail.com
www.purefoodsdoctor.com
To book an appointment: Infinite Body Health: 650-622-9050
