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As the beginning of winter approaches, Chinese medicine practitioners remind the public not to rush into over-supplementation. Instead, they should warm and replenish kidney yang or nourish yin according to their body constitution, and maintain yang qi with tea, acupuncture points, foot soaking, and light exercise.
November 7th is the 24th solar termbeginning of winter . Traditional Chinese medicine practitioner Liao Xinyi pointed out that although Taiwan’s climate is not cold immediately after the beginning of winter, the temperature difference between morning and evening is large and the northeast monsoon intensifies. The body must adapt to the change of rhythm. Because yang energy is withdrawn in winter, if people’s own yang energy is insufficient, the air conditioner will blow for a long time during working hours. With habits like sleeping late, eating ice and drinking cold drinks, there is a possibility of symptoms like cold hands and feet, frequent sleeplessness at night, mental depression and even allergies and cough in the morning. Traditional Chinese medicine treatment will focus on “warming and nourishing kidney yang”, and supplements should not be “too strong”.
As winter begins, many people are eager to take supplements and purchase various medicinal ingredients to make traditional Chinese medicine soup. In this regard, Liao Xinyi pointed out that winter belongs to “water” among the five elements and corresponds to “kidney”. In the concept of traditional Chinese medicine, health preservation at the beginning of winter is based on the principle of “nourishing the kidney, storing essence, condensing yang, and protecting yin”. People with insufficient kidney yang will have a tendency to overheat and compensate for kidney yang;
As for the common types of diseases that occur before and after the onset of winter, Liao Xinyi said that a 50-year-old woman recently reported to the outpatient clinic that her hands and feet were always cold after the onset of winter, and she also developed back pain, nocturia 2 to 3 times, and other symptoms such as yellow tongue and white coating, and a thin and threadlike pulse. This was a case of “Deficient Kidney Yang”. He suggested that warming and nourishing the kidney yang should be the main method, and adjusting his daily routine and keeping warm could gradually improve the symptoms. However, if people with yin deficiency or hot body eat ginger duck or mutton oven in a hurry, they may suffer from dry mouth, acne, constipation and inability to sleep. “Tonic” is not suitable for everyone.
Liao Xinyi suggested that people who are afraid of cold and prone to fatigue can drink “Huangqi, Wolfberry and Red Date Tea” in winter to replenish qi and help yang. The method is to mix 10 grams of huangqi, 10 grams of wolfberry, 5 red dates and 2 pieces of ginger, and 1 liter of water, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat, simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, and drink while it is still hot. However, it is not suitable for people who are suffering from cold or fever, or who have a weak stomach or stomach and are prone to flatulence. People who are pregnant, suffering from chronic diseases or taking medications should consult a doctor first.
Apart from medicinal foods and teas, you can also take care of your skin by applying blood pressure, soaking your feet and exercising. Liao Xinyi explained that you can press the Yongquan point in the pit in the front third of the sole of the foot, or press the Guanyuan point about 4 fingers below the navel. Before going to bed, press with your thumb for 1-2 minutes; To soak the feet, it is recommended to soak them in warm water of about 40 degrees for 10 minutes. A slight fever is enough. People with diabetes or peripheral neuropathy will feel slowed down. As for exercise, it is recommended to do light exercise such as walking, baduanjin, tai chi, etc. to avoid low fever and prevent yang qi from spreading.
Summary FAQ
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Since yang qi is withdrawn in winter, everyone’s body constitution is different. If you are overheated, deficient in yin, or have weak intestine and stomach, you may suffer from dry mouth, acne, constipation, and insomnia if you casually consume warming and drying tonics such as ginger duck and mutton stew.
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People with insufficient kidney yang can focus on warming and toning kidney yang; People suffering from lung spleen deficiency and frequent cold can nourish qi and strengthen the surface; People with yin deficiency and excessive agni can focus on nourishing yin. If you need to take supplements or medications, it is best to have your physical condition evaluated by a physician first.
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You can drink astragalus, wolfberry and red date tea, or you can press the Yongquan and Guanyuan points, soak your feet in hot water of about 40 degrees for 10 minutes, and choose light exercise such as walking, baduanjin, tai chi, etc. to keep the fever at bay.
