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A TCM Approach on How to Preserve Energy in the Winter

In this article we cover how to preserve energy in the winter from a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective. The arrival of “Li Dong” marks the beginning of winter in traditional Chinese culture. It signifies the time for preservation and protecting oneself from the cold winds and energy. Here are some key points and practices related to health maintenance during winter in Chinese tradition.

Background

In ancient Chinese culture, each season held a specific role, and winter symbolized “preservation.” This involved taking steps to stay warm and maintain health during the cold months. People kept windows closed to prevent exposure to cold winds and stayed in well-insulated areas. They wore warm clothing and slept with thick quilts to protect against the cold.

Diet also played a vital role in this preservation. Traditional Chinese medicine recommended certain foods for each season, and millet, often referred to as “sticky rice,” was favored in winter for its warming properties. High-calorie foods like rice cakes and mochi were also popular. Tea remained a preferred drink during winter to help maintain warmth.

Balancing “Water” and “Fire” in the Kidneys

Traditional Chinese medicine views winter as a “cold water” season linked to the kidneys. To maintain kidney health, it’s essential to balance the “Water” and “Fire” elements within them. Based on individual needs, one may need to supplement either the “Water” or “Fire” of the kidneys. Herbal remedies and teas like “Liu Wei Di Huang Wan” or “Gui Fu Ba Wei Wan” can support this balance. Tea, being versatile, aids in both “Water” and “Fire” supplementation, making it a valuable drink for winter health.

Seasonal Foods to Preserve Energy in the Winter

In traditional Chinese medicine, foods are classified according to the Five Phase theory, with each season linked to specific foods. Winter corresponds to the “Water” element, which is associated with the kidneys. To stay healthy in this season, one can prepare nourishing soups and dishes using ingredients like ginseng, astragalus, ginger, and Chinese angelica. Recommended winter foods include mutton hotpot, ginger duck, sesame oil chicken, and Siwu chicken, which support overall well-being during the cold months. The “Earth” element, important year-round, emphasizes maintaining the health of the spleen and stomach across all seasons.

Preserving Mental Energy

In traditional Chinese culture, preserving mental energy during winter was considered as important as maintaining physical health. People were encouraged to store their wishes and desires for the upcoming season instead of pursuing them in winter. Meditation and calm sitting practices were recommended to quiet the mind and conserve mental energy during this time.

Using Qigong

Qigong is a great way to maintain energy flow thoughout any time of the year, especially during colder months when the flow becomes more stagnant. Practitioners should focus on Sun Meditations for balancing Yang energy in the body. Additionally, active exercises such as Qiful Life’s signature Qigong course is a great comprehensive approach since it combines movement, visualization and coordinated breath.

Alex Wolfgram

Alex Wolfgram is the creator of Qiful Life. After spending nearly a decade in Asia learning Qigong, Meditation, Tea Chinese Medicine concepts and Buddhism, he decided to move back to the U.S. and begin sharing what he absorbed. Alex currently teaches Qigong and Meditation by private appointments via Qiful Life's platform. He also hand picks each of the teas offered on the site. Currently, Alex is developing the Qiful Life podcast covering subjects related to Chinese health concepts, Spirituality and the Dao De Jing.