Winter is here – Yvette Forbes
Winter is Here by Yvette Forbes
Yvette is a Dr of Acupuncture, an experienced yoga teacher, and is both our in-house acupuncturist and yoga teacher. She has a special interest in Electro Acupuncture for muscular-skeletal pain, stress and anxiety, insomnia, migraines, women’s health, IVF support, menopausal complaints and cosmetic acupuncture.
Yvette is offering Elixr members 30% off their initial treatment booked before 30 June 2023.
Enquire Now:
Phone: 0424 627 771
Email: therapist@elixr.com.au
Winter is here. Winter is the most yin aspect of Chinese medicine. Yin is the dark, cold, slow-moving inward energy. This time of year is a time for us to slow down, to go inwards, a time to reflect and to recharge.
In Chinese Medicine, winter is a time to nourish the kidneys and bladder. The kidneys are in the lower back, so keeping this area warm and wearing socks will also help nourish the kidneys and adrenals.
A great way to nourish the body in winter is by eating foods that have been slowed cooked like stews, casseroles, soups, and roast dinners. Try to stay away from cold raw foods and include warm fluids like herbal teas.
Foods that are best to eat in winter and that nourish the kidneys are sweet potatoes, chicken, lamb, leeks, mung beans, black beans, sesame seeds, ginger, bone broths, stewed pears, apples, dark green leafy vegetables, seaweeds and natural salt are all great and readily available in winter. In Chinese medicine, we believe it’s best to eat according to the seasons.
Acupuncture is also beneficial in winter, including moxa as shown in the picture above. Moxa is a herb we use to warm the meridians and help with issues in the organs. It is excellent used with Acupuncture for arthritis, muscular-skeletal pain, and digestive and reproductive issues. It can help boost the immune system, reduce stress, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation.
The last thing to mention is exercise. Exercise is excellent for moving the qi and blood in the body, but in winter, try to choose yin styles like walking and yin yoga.
A reminder that if you are unwell, rest your body and please do not come into the gym until you are feeling better. This helps to stop the spread of germs and benefits everyone.
