Optimal Winter Health Starts with These 5 Things

As the days shorten and the nights grow longer, it becomes time to make changes in preparation for winter. According to Chinese medicine, winter is ruled by the water element. The water element represents strength, flow, and stamina; and is associated with the kidneys and bladder.

"The philosophy of the winter season is one of conservation and storage. Without such practice the result will be injury to the kidney energy." - The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine

1: Practice Self Care 

  • Switch out your high-intensity workouts for slower, gentler exercises like yoga or qi gong.

  • Incorporate adaptogens like reishi or ashwagandha, which help support the body's natural ability to mitigate stress.

  • Make sure to incorporate rest into your daily routine.

  • Eat warming foods such as bone broths (recipe), stews and ginger.

2: Place Importance on Sleep (and Resting)

Sleep plays an essential role in our life. A good night's rest contributes to our mental and physical health. Poor sleep can often lead to anxiety, depression, mood swings, poor memory, low energy, and high blood pressure. 

A holistic approach to better sleep includes herbs and other modalities that can assist us in getting to the root of an imbalance. Allowing us to achieve a more relaxed state of being.

DISCOVER WHICH HERBS SUPPORT SLEEP

3: Relax the Central Nervous System

Relaxing the central nervous system is essential for improving sleep quality. When the body and mind are relaxed, we can easily drift off to sleep; if we are tense, worried, stressed, anxious, or in pain, the ability and quality of sleep become impaired.

One way to achieve this is Vibroacoustic Sound Therapy (VAT). The synchronized sound and low-frequency sine waves induce a deep state of relaxation shown to improve sleep, reduce stress and lower blood pressure. 

BOOK A SOUND THERAPY SESSION

4: Drink a Cup of Organic Herbal Tea

5: Support Your Emotional & Energetic Body 

Trauma, or low level energy, is often held our energetic field. When we do not, or can not, release it, we often experience physical or emotional disharmony which may include difficulty sleeping.

Flower Essences are a form of vibrational, or energetic, healing that assists us in releasing low level energy and prepares us for higher functioning. 

For example, Impatiens Flower Essence is indicated for those who are easily frustrated, irritated, and tense. This flower essence helps soothe an uptight body and mind, allowing for more restful sleep.

herbalismGina Kearneyherbal medicine