Good Health – Made in China
Good Health – Made in China
Ginger, red pepper, porridge and cloves; direct from Chinese Medicine for a healthy and wholesome winter
Chinese history claims that philosophers in China knew to align their lifestyles with nature and the changing seasons of the year. In Huang Di Nei Jing’s book - ‘The Internal Medicine of the Yellow Emperor’, one of the most antique books in the world, the author records conversations between the Yellow Emperor and his court physician. He outlines several interesting recommendations for lifestyle changes in the winter months:
“The three months of winter are considered by Chinese medicine a period of closure and storage… a person must retire early at night, and awake late, after the sun has risen. A person must avoid exposure to the cold and search a warm enclosure, but not [too warm as to] break out in a sweat on the skin. He must try not to breathe in the cold air. All this is in harmony with the climate of the winter.” (Chapter 1 Verse 2)
According to this precept the winter season is a passive period, intended for rest, relaxation and a general slowing down. The body undergoes a cleansing and renewal process, similar to that of animals that enter their ‘winter hibernation’. It is recommended to go to sleep early and preserve body heat, so as to prevent energy being used up resulting in cold penetrating into the body, which in turn invites coughs, colds and viruses.
Ariella Begun, certified advisor of Chinese medicine at the Le’umit Health Fund, presents a variety of guidelines from the world of Chinese medicine that will allow you to enjoy the winter months in good shape:
Nutrition for cold days:
Food should be hot, cooked on a low flame for a long time so as to accumulate energy. This strengthens the immune system.
Strong spices should not be used, as this opens the pores of the skin and allows the cold to penetrate within.
Recommended flavors are salty and bitter, since they constrict the pores and move the energy inwards. Ginger and cardamon are also known to be beneficial in the winter.
Recommended foods: Soups, casseroles, whole grains (such as millet and buckwheat), cereals (oats), pulses, fish, chicken, root vegetables, orange vegetables, beets, leek, onion, dried dark forest fruits, and roasted chestnuts.
It is important to drink sufficiently during the cold weather, even though you may not feel thirsty. Hot drinks such as herbal teas with cinnamon, ginger, cardamon and cloves make for an ideal winter beverage.
Maintaining Body Heat
For warming up the soles of the feet, sprinkle a few drops of clove oil inside your shoes or on your socks.
Take care to cover yourself well in the area of the neck, upper back and shoulders, so as to avoid the invasion of cold into the body. To prevent body heat escaping, ensure that your hands and feet are covered.
At night, you can toast up your bed with the aid of heated pillows that can be warmed up in the microwave.
And if despite all this, the cold invaded..?
- Chicken soup is known as a ‘natural antibiotic’, and pumpkin soup helps remove phlegm from the lungs
- Syrup made from onion juice and honey can alleviate a dry cough
- Beverages containing thyme, aniseed and camomile will ease a mucous-edged cough
- Moderate body exercises will allow the flow of vital energy through the body
- To relieve a ‘stiff neck’: cut up a piece of fresh ginger, dip a towel in hot water and wring it out, then place the ginger inside the towel and roll it up. Applying pressure, knead the warm fabric with circular movements over the afflicted area. Cover up well and rest.
Wishing you a healthy winter!
Information courtesy of Ariella Begun, certified advisor of Chinese medicine at the Le’umit Health Fund.
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