Nurture Yourself In Winter

The cycles of nature offer much about how to live life with more ease.  Nature seems a bit confused (again) this Winter with changeable, unseasonable weather.  And maybe it feels that way within you.  As we move through January with foggy days and temperatures close to 50 degrees, the bare trees and short days remind us that it is still Winter.

Winter is a time to rest and replenish our reserves.  The weather pushes us indoors and often forces us to slow down. We can find time for solitude and reflection. Listen to those around you as well as your own heart. Record your feelings in a journal. Nurture yourself with healthy, warm foods and nurture ideas to act upon later. Keep your body warm and protect the "wind" points; the neck and shoulder areas. According to Chinese medicine, pathogens can enter through these wind points, so wear a scarf and keep your neck covered.

Embrace the winter as a time to slow down and turn inward. Rest your body and your mind. Foster plans for the spring and allow your mind and body time to recharge. Seasonal workshops are offered to help you understand the effects of the season upon you mind and body and to help guide you through it. Contact me for information.

Being Flexible with Spring's Arrival

Elemental Wisdom

As an acupuncturist, I rely on the seasons and their “elements” in my work.  In the Five Element style of acupuncture, Spring is the season of the Wood element.  What does this mean to you?  The Wood element corresponds to muscles and tendons of the body.  It allows for physical movement, energy pushing up and out in the body like the plants and flowers push out and up from the ground.   And it needs flexibility so the “push” is smooth and efficient.
 
It has been interesting to observe the shift from Winter to Spring this year.  In mid-March, nature was pushing right past Spring and all was in bloom.  Then everything took a step back to cold and windy days.  Even the birds took notice and quieted in the midst of bursting trees and flowers.  What has the bumpy transition to Spring felt like to you?  Maybe you were enjoying the summer-like days in March and then felt a slump back into the colder weather.  Or perhaps you didn’t feel ready for such intense temperatures.   How flexible have you been with the swings in nature?
 
Regardless, nature will continue to move through its cycle.  Some ways you can support your movement through the transition is to be flexible.  As you keep in the rhythm of the transition and take on springtime activities, incorporate simple stretching, yoga or qi gong in your days.  Take time to open up at the hip and shoulder joints, where the flow of energy can get stuck or blocked.   Wood must be easy and flexible to maintain its strength.  And as it is in nature, it is within us.
 
Karen Giles Acupuncture wishes you all the gifts and new possibilities that spring has to offer!

Restorative Yoga and Acupuncture