Holiday Wellness Tips with Chinese Medicine
As we move into the winter months, a season traditionally associated with rest and introspection, it’s essential to nurture our health and maintain balance amidst holiday activities. In Chinese medicine, winter is the most yin time of the year—a period to go inward, conserve energy, and, like the natural world around us, “hibernate.” While the holiday hustle and bustle can make us feel pressured to stay active, embracing moments of quiet can be profoundly restorative. Here are a few tips to support your immune system, calm your mind, and stay healthy this season.
1. Cultivating Calm in the Chaos
The holidays bring both joy and, often, stress. Set aside time each day to stay centered:
- Deep Breathing: Practice deep, mindful breathing to soothe the mind. Try inhaling for four counts, holding for four, and exhaling for six.
-Acupressure Point: Yin Tang, located between the eyebrows, is excellent for calming the nervous system and reducing stress.. Press gently for a few minutes, while taking deep breaths to feel its calming effects.
- Herbal Teas: Calm your mind with teas like chamomile, lavender, or rose.
2. Staying Healthy on the Go
With winter gatherings and travel, it’s wise to boost your immune defenses:
- Pack Immunity Essentials: Keep a small wellness kit with hand sanitizer, immune-supporting herbs- Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Zinc, Elderberry, Echinecia, and essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint.
- Hydrate and Move: Staying hydrated by adding electrolytes into your water and taking breaks to stretch during travel can prevent fatigue and support overall immunity.
-Herbal Recommendation: Yu Ping Feng San – Also known as "Jade Windscreen," this traditional formula strengthens the immune system and is particularly helpful in colder weather and crowded spaces. Reach out to see if this is a good fit for you.
3. Embrace Warming Foods
According to Chinese medicine, winter is the season to nourish the kidneys and focus on warmth. Try adding warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves to your meals. Soups, stews, and teas made with these spices help keep you warm, grounded, and balanced.
-Immune-Boosting Honey, Ginger, Lemon & Cayenne Tea
This simple tea is perfect for staying warm and healthy this winter. With ingredients to support digestion and immunity, it’s a soothing remedy for chilly days:
Ingredients:
1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey (or to taste)
A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional for extra warmth)
1–2 cups of hot water
Instructions:
Add ginger slices to a mug and pour hot water over them. Let steep for 5–10 minutes.
Add lemon juice and honey, stirring until the honey dissolves.
Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne if desired, and enjoy while warm.
This December, give yourself the gift of health with acupuncture and herbal medicine. Regular treatments help balance energy, boost immunity, and calm the mind, so you can enter the new year feeling your best. Schedule your session today to set the foundation for a peaceful, healthy winter season.
Happy Holidays!!
Dr. Kallie Harrison
