At Haynes Acupuncture on the Gold Coast, we strive to provide quality treatments using the fundamentals of Chinese Medicine, we use a style of traditional medicine based on more than 2,500 years of Chinese medical practice.
The ancient Chinese believed that human beings should live in harmony with the natural cycles of their environment. The cold and darkness of winter urges us to slow down. This is the time of year to reflect on our health, replenish our energy and conserve our strength.
The organ system associated with the winter are the kidneys and bladder. In Chinese medicine, the kidney is the root or source of all the energy (“Qi”) in the body. The kidneys store this vital essence as a reserve so that it can be used in times of stress, illness and to age gracefully. In the winter, it is important that we nourish the kidney Qi. It is also the time when it can be most easily depleted, so it is equally as important that we don’t “overdo it”.
It’s best to eating seasonally focusing on warming soups, stews and slow cooked meals. Chinese Medicine believes our diet should be adapted to focus on enriching yin and subduing yang in winter, which mean we should consume appropriate fats and high protein foods. Eating warm hearty soups, whole grains, and roasted nuts help to warm the body’s core and to keep us nourished. Eating whole, natural, home grown or local, chemical-free foods are the most nutritious. Embrace the foods that are grown in the season you are living in. Sleep early, rest well, stay warm and be conscious of the amount of energy you are exerting.
In season from June through August;
FRUIT
Apple, Avocado, Cumquat, Custard Apple, Grapefruit, Kiwi Fruit, Lemons Lime, Mandarin, Nashi, Orange, Pear, Persimmon, Pineapple, Quince, Rhubarb, Tamarillo, Tangelo.
VEGTABLES
Beetroot, Broccoli, Broccolini, Beans (Broad), Brussels, Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celeriac, Celery, Chokos, Fennel, Horseradish, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leek, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Okra, Onion, Spring Onion, Parsnip, Peas, Snow Peas, Potato, Pumpkin, Radish, Shallots, Silverbeet, Spinach, Swede, Sweet Potato, Turnip.
HERBS AND SPICES
Ginger, Coriander, Dill, Garlic, Mint, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary.
In addition to eating seasonally ensure you pay extra attention to keeping your back and feet warm. The low back is closely tied to the strength of the kidney Qi. Cold enters the body from the feet and wind enters from the neck, so protect these areas carefully. Build extra time into your schedule for rest and focus on sleep like its your new hobby. When at all possible, wake without an alarm, stay warm and enjoy this wonderful season!
If you would like more information or to book in for an appointment with one of our practitioners, please call us on (07) 5531 6461 or you can book online via our website.
© Haynes Acupuncture ™ Gold Coast 2019
