On November 7th, we welcomed the 20th solar term—Beginning of Winter. "Li" (立) means the start, and "Dong" (冬) signifies the end; it is a time when all things retreat and rest.

 

After the Beginning of Winter, temperatures gradually drop, plants wither, and animals enter hibernation. Everything tends toward stillness, conserving energy for the coming season. During this period, it is especially important to focus on maintaining our health. So, how should we properly care for our well-being after the Beginning of Winter?

 

 

 

Winter Health Care: Preserving Yang Comes First After the Beginning of Winter

 

After the Beginning of Winter, all things retreat and conceal, and the body’s Yang energy also adapts to the seasonal change by sinking inward, following the principle of conserving Yin and protecting Yang. Winter health care emphasizes the concept of "preservation."

 

1. Preserving Yang  

Preserving Yang means protecting the body’s Yang energy. During this time, one should avoid cold, keep warm, and refrain from excessive exertion; try to avoid sweating, refrain from intense exercise, and prevent the depletion of Yang energy. It is also important to dress warmly and ensure adequate sleep.

 

In winter, to help preserve Yang, consider consuming Reishi.  

 

Reishi, with its unique medicinal properties, helps harmonize Yin and Yang in the body, strengthen the foundation, and promote the circulation of Qi and blood, thus enhancing physical strength and promoting longevity.

 

Consistent use of Reishi during winter can also improve sleep quality, boost immunity, and help nourish both body and mind, allowing us to stay energized and healthy throughout the cold winter months.

 

Ganoderma sinense and Duck Soup

 

2. Preserving Essence  

Preserving essence refers to safeguarding the vital essence of the five organs, especially the kidney essence. If essence is not properly conserved during winter, it may lead to a lack of physical foundation in the spring, impairing the immune system and making the body more susceptible to illness.

 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) holds that black-colored foods generally have a nourishing effect on the kidneys. Therefore, after the Beginning of Winter, it is beneficial to increase the intake of foods such as black fungus, black sesame, black beans, and black rice in the diet.

 

3. Preserving the Spirit  

Preserving the spirit means to nurture and conserve one's mental and emotional energy.

 

In winter, the days are short and the nights long, with limited sunlight. The best way to preserve the spirit during this time is to get more sun exposure and extend the hours of daylight. The warmth and brightness of sunlight are natural remedies for regulating emotions and improving mental well-being.

 

Winter Health Care: Three Things to Avoid After the Beginning of Winter

 

1. Dryness  

In cold weather, the blood vessels in the skin contract, reducing the secretion of sebaceous and sweat glands, which leads to dry skin. To prevent this, apply moisturizing cream regularly. In terms of diet, drink plenty of water and eat foods like honey, black fungus, and pears.

 

Reishi, Lotus Seed, and Tremella Soup

 

 

2. Staying Up Late  

The famous Tang Dynasty physician Sun Simiao stated: "In winter, it is not advisable to rise early or return late at night, as it challenges the cold." It is essential to dress warmly to prevent colds and the depletion of Yang energy.

 

Winter health care emphasizes: "Do not disturb the Yang, go to bed early and rise late, and wait for daylight." Maintaining sufficient sleep and adhering strictly to the body’s biological clock is a basic condition for preventing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases during the winter.

 

3. Excessive Internal Heat  

After the Beginning of Winter, most northern regions begin heating, and the consumption of spicy foods, such as hot pot, increases, which can lead to the accumulation of internal heat, causing "excessive internal heat".

 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that white foods are most effective in preventing dryness and heat. When cooking, consider using ingredients like white radish, cabbage, winter melon, lily, tremella and lotus root. However, people with cold and weak digestive systems should avoid eating too much radish during winter.

 

 

 

 

As autumn comes to a close and the cold winds begin to rise, under the warm winter sun, why not share a cup of Reishi tea? Drink it while it's hot, sipping it slowly. Let the Reishi’s tonifying and nourishing qualities dispel the chill and warm the moments of winter.