Wintertime Blues
There is no argument that central New York has one of the longest winters in the whole country. It is not only long but cold and snowy too. Although many of us are prepared well for the perils of mother- nature’s wraths, not many of us understand and know the affects it has on our mind and body. Many of us are aware of the relationship between lack of sunlight and depression, but what about other factors such as cold temperatures, shorter days, and heavy snow? Using some of the philosophy which acupuncture is based on, I may shine a light on those wintertime blues.
Unlike the misconceptions that many people have about this season, winter months are the most important time of the year for our body and life in general. Because the winter season marks the beginning of life by providing energy to the seeds which have fallen during the previous autumn season. It is time to replenish, prepare, be creative and plan for the seasons ahead. Instead of complaining about the lack of vitamin D for our body, we may benefit from longer nights by pondering on deeper thoughts through meditation. Cold temperatures help us think with more alertness and have a clearer overall picture of our lives.
Winter is not a time of death, nor is there an abundance of negative energy. It is time for the creation of life and of positive energy. We are replenishing our body by absorbing more universal energy just by doing fewer activities. Fewer activities does not mean that we should be doing no activity or exercise, in fact we should be doing light exercises and or stretching. Be sure to avoid sweating out too much of your preserved energy. During the winter season we are preparing our body by eating heavier and thicker foods. Good examples of these foods are ones which grow under ground such as potatoes, beets, carrots, and ones which give us warmth, such as ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg.
When our universal energies are fulfilled and overflowing, we will be ready to bloom like spring flowers.
Chi Heon Yi, L.Ac