Embracing Yin Season
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Chinese Medicine teaches us to live in harmony with the seasons. By creating more balance between our bodies and our external environment, we will create more homeostasis and less dis-ease in our health. Our diets, activities and lifestyles should be adapted accordingly with each season. Currently in our Winter Season, this is the time of year we want to embrace Yin energy.
Yin is the dark, cold, slow, inward energy that is the direct opposite of Yang energy - hot, quick, expansive, light. The cold, darkness of the Winter season urges us to slow down. It is time to let our bodies restore and rejuvenate. Here are a few good practices to help embrace Yin Season this Winter:
Get More Sleep - try to stay in rhythm with the sun, going to bed earlier and rising later.
Try Restorative Yoga - exercise routines should be adapted accordingly during the winter months. Try a slower yoga class, go for a walk or practice some simple stretches.
Eat Warm Slow-Cooked Foods - Our bodies need warm, nourishing foods like soups and stews. Keep the cold, raw foods to a minimum during the Winter months.
Practice Slowing Down - embrace the slower pace and be careful not to overload your schedule. Try meditating, journaling or even just staring out the window in nature.
Sip Warm Water and Teas - try ginger or cinnamon tea and avoid iced cold beverages.