Dispelling cold and keeping warm is an important part of TCM health preservation. Especially in winter, which depletes the body's Yang energy, when all things are in a state of decline, it is the most suitable time to store and nourish life's vitality. So, what are some good methods in Traditional Chinese Medicine for dispelling cold and keeping warm?
Warm food is essential. Food is one of the fastest ways to make the body feel warm, especially hot meals. For example, hot milk rich in protein, brown sugar and ginger tea with its warming and nourishing effects, or Western rosemary tea and cinnamon tea, are all good sources of warmth.
Relieve stress for a better mood. Stress depletes a person's physical constitution and reduces their ability to resist cold. Modern people often have insufficient sleep, little exercise, and irregular work hours. In such a tense state, blood vessels remain constricted, and blood circulation becomes progressively worse. Therefore, health experts suggest consciously relaxing and relieving stress, for example, by gathering with friends, listening to music, or learning to unwind.
Adequate sleep nourishes Yang energy. TCM states that Yang energy drives the functioning of the five zang-organs and is the source of warmth in the human body. When Yang energy is insufficient, one is prone to mental fatigue and a fear of cold. Adequate sleep can replenish a deficiency in Yang energy. In winter, it is advisable to sleep early and wake up late. Sleeping at 10 PM and getting up after the sun rises can not only help avoid the bitter cold of early morning but also reduce the risk for patients with chronic diseases of rapid blood vessel constriction due to large temperature differences, which can trigger heart attacks or strokes. Try not to stay up late. Modern medical research shows that at 1 AM, the body's secretion of adrenaline is at its lowest, and resistance is particularly weak at this time. If the temperature drops slightly, patients with asthma are most likely to have an attack. With adequate sleep and rest, the body has enough energy to resist external cold and stress.
A warm foot bath for better sleep. The feet are the part of the body farthest from the heart, so their ability to retain heat is poor, and cold feet are a common problem. Moreover, many acupoints on the feet are related to the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. When the feet get cold, resistance decreases, and it is easy to trigger upper respiratory tract infections. Soaking and massaging the feet before bed can guide energy downward, warm up the feet immediately, and aid sleep.
Regular exercise has good effects. The best way to improve your body's ability to resist cold is through exercise. Maintaining a consistent habit of regular exercise can improve the constitution of those who are sensitive to cold. Exercise stimulates muscles, speeds up blood circulation, and boosts immunity.
However, exercise in winter should not be too intense. Generally, exercise until the body is slightly sweaty. Practicing Tai Chi at home, doing gentle stretches, or performing the swinging exercise (swinging the arms back and forth in a relaxed and natural manner) can all speed up blood circulation.