Acupuncture is a 5000 year old art and science, which grew out of agrarian cultural life that was governed in large measure by following the cycles of the Seasons. In fact, living in harmony with the seasons was considered necessary to maintain long life.
What does it mean to live in harmony with the season, winter?
In winter, all of nature is at rest. The sap in the trees has descended and activity has basically come to a halt. All of nature is pulled in, reduced to its essence. The tree is conserving and storing up its energy for putting forth buds in the spring.
As the cold and darkness of winter urges us to slow down, our bodies instinctively know the fundamental principles of winter – rest, reflection, conservation and storage – in spite of the fact that our modern urban culture implores us to ignore these urges.
During the winter months, it is important to nurture your reserve energy, which in Chinese medicine is said to be stored in the kidneys. The kidneys are considered the source of all energy or “Life Force,” and they store all of the body’s reserve energy so that it can be used in times of stress and change, or to heal, prevent illness, and, of course, age gracefully.
Staying Healthy this Winter Season
Here are some suggestions, which will help you replenish your storehouse of energy, rest, reflect and conserve strength this winter.
1. Eat foods that nourish the kidneys/adrenals – Here is a recipe for Adrenal Support Soup. Enjoy this soup 3-4 times per week during the winter months. It warms and builds the kidney/adrenal energy. Try it and see if you don’t feel a steady, foundational lift.
Adrenal Support Soup
- 16 oz. Green beans
- 1 cup Chopped celery
- 1 Zucchini, sliced
- 1 Medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup Tomato juice
- 1 cup Spring water
- 2 tbsp. Raw honey
- 1 tsp. Paprika
- 1 cup Chicken broth (replace with substitute for vegetarian)
Combine ingredients and simmer for one hour until vegetables are tender. Or steam the veggie. Warm the broths. Then combine veggies and broth in a food processor to make a wonderful pureed soup. Pepper to taste.
Bone Broth
A classic folk treatment for colds and flu; it has also been used historically for ailments that affect connective tissues such as the gastrointestinal tract, the joints, the skin, the lungs, the muscles and the blood.
Bone broth, thought of as a protein and a calcium supplement, is said to be inherently calming, consoling, and restorative to our spirit and vigor.
Bone Broth Recipe
- Cover about 1.5 lbs organic bones with about 3 quarts water and bring to a simmer with 1 tablespoon of vinegar. The vinegar helps to extract nutrients out of the bones.
- It is best if you use a high end stainless steel pot (316-grade as in Saladmaster brand), glass (Pyrex or Visions) or enamel (Enamelware or Le Creuset) to make your bone broth.
- Cooking times:
☯ Chicken 12 hours (good universal bone broth)
☯ Beef 12- 24+ hours (like chicken but heartier with stronger flavor)
☯ Lamb / pork 12-24 hours (has a strong flavor- not for use with some dishes)
☯ Fish 1 hr or slightly less (an art; the right kind of fish and technique is important or you get a very “fishy” broth that doesn’t taste good in some dishes.)
- Skim any fat that comes to the surface once the broth comes to a boil. You may save it for later use.
- Once the simmering is complete, strain the liquid, remove debris and throw away the bones.
- Let the liquid cool on the counter. If the intention is to moisten your body, do not throw away the fat but include it in your storage containers.
For more information on bone broth and recipes please view:
www.townsendletter.com/FebMarch2005/broth0205.htm
2. Sleep In – The Nei Ching, an ancient Chinese classic, advised people to go to sleep early, rest well and rise late, after the sun’s rays have warmed the atmosphere a bit. This preserves your own Yang energy for the task of warming the body.
3. Stress Less – Find a release valve for your stress. According to Chinese medicine, stress, frustration, and unresolved emotions can play an important part in throwing the immune system off and allowing pathogens to affect the body. Find a way to relax and release stress on a daily basis. Such methods may include yoga, meditation, exercise and doing Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). Acupuncture treatment is also an excellent treatment for stress, anxiety and depression.
4. Acupuncture Treatment – Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can prevent colds and flu by building up the immune system. It can also, help you to recharge your battery and generate vital energy in order to live, look, and feel your best. Call for your stress reducing, energy building, immune boosting, winter surviving acupuncture treatment, today.
Daniel Ebaugh, L.Ac.
The Still Point, Takoma Park, MD 301-920-0801
