Keeping the "Cold" Away

It can be a challenge to stay healthy during the winter months, especially in this day and age of running ourselves ragged. Here are some tips to help ward off the germs and have an enjoyable winter:

• Follow winter's "sleep cycle". During the winter months, the sun sets early and rises late. Do the same to avoid the coldest parts of the day.

• Expose yourself to the sun to help warm your body and elevate your mood.

• Seek warm areas and avoid cold areas.

• Do not expose your skin to the cold. Often, women will layer warmly on top, but wear just one layer on the bottom or worse yet, wear only thin stockings. According to a Chinese proverb, "Wind comes into the body through one's neck, the cold comes into the body through one's legs." Wear warm pants, warm socks, and warm shoes.

• Do exercises to improve circulation in your feet and legs which will help reduce the constant chill you may feel in them.

• Eat foods with a warm nature such as shrimp, ginger, garlic, pepper, and curry.

As always, healthy eating and exercise will help you remain healthy during the cold months. Acupuncture can also help keep your body in balance and relieve cold symptoms. For an appointment, call Karen Giles, Five Element Acupuncture.