Just like we recommend eating seasonal produce, we also suggest adapting our exercise, our daily habits and the types of food we eat to match the season. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, our energy and overall health is better balanced by adapting to the seasons.
How to protect your kidneys and adrenals
The kidneys are considered to be the gate of life, storing our essence, regulating reproduction and development, fluid distribution and our longevity is directly related to the health of our kidneys. Traditional Chinese Medicine advocates really taking care of the kidneys and how supporting
them becomes increasingly important as we get older. Use the winter season to take extra care of the kidneys and adrenal glands.
Nourish and Nurture
Winter is the time for restoration, nourishment and nurturing. It is a time to consolidate your energy in preparation for the burst of new life and energy for the spring and summer. Exercise outdoors when you can to be sure you still get enough fresh air and movement and exercise until you are warm but stop before you sweat too much. Tai Chi and yoga are particularly well suited to winter. Try Gwinganna’s nourishing pumpkin soup, click here for the recipe!
You are what you eat
Eat more cooked foods, plenty of root vegetables, use more spices, warm porridge, hearty soups and stews and keep well hydrated with more warm drinks such as herbal teas and hot water with lemon and ginger. These will support your immune system and help you feel warm and nourished.
Rest and revive
Go to bed earlier, rest more and keep the kidneys warm by rugging up in the cold. Keep your head, neck, upper back, and belly warm and safe from wind. Wear a hat and a jacket with a warm collar or a scarf.
Article written by Donna Abbate, Program Manager at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat
