19/11/2025
Nourishing Ourselves Through Winter: A Chinese Medicine Perspective
As we move deeper into the colder months, Chinese medicine encourages us to honour Winter as a time for rest, restoration, and warmth. In TCM, Winter is associated with the Kidney system—the foundation of our vitality and resilience. When we protect and support the Kidneys during this season, we also nurture our overall energy for the year ahead.
✨ Keep the Feet, neck and Kidneys warm…
Cold has a tendency to enter the body through vulnerable areas, especially the feet, the back of the neck, and the lower back where the Kidney channel resides. Keeping these areas warm helps maintain smooth circulation of Qi and protects our defensive energy. Cosy socks, warm scarves, heat packs and layers are simple ways to stay protected from Winter’s chill.
✨ Rest Deeply…
Winter is considered the most Yin time of the year: slow, inward, quiet. Chinese medicine teaches that rest allows the Kidney essence to be replenished. Give yourself permission to sleep a little more, move gently, and create space for stillness. Resting isn’t a luxury in Winter—it’s essential nourishment.
✨ Choose warming foods and drinks…
Our digestive system, governed by the Spleen in TCM, prefers warmth. Cold and raw foods can tax the Spleen, while warm, cooked meals support healthy digestion and energy production. Think:
Soups, stews, congee and oats.
Warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg added to your porridge, slow-cooked meals and drinks.
Prep your meals with seasonal veggies.
Drink warm teas instead of iced drinks.
These foods help support the Spleen’s transformative functions, keeping us grounded, energised, and balanced through the colder season.
✨ Honour the Season…
Winter invites us to live more gently—warming, nourishing, conserving. By caring for the Kidneys, protecting the body from cold, and eating in harmony with the season, we build a strong foundation for Spring’s renewal.
Stay warm, rest well, and nourish deeply. 🌿✨
