According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the back is a primary pathway for the Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang in the body's meridian system. The Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang has the function of defending the body from external pathogenic factors. Once a person is exposed to cold, it can damage the body's yang energy, leading to upper respiratory tract infections or the recurrence and aggravation of chronic illnesses. Therefore, keeping the back warm is especially important for the elderly, children, and individuals suffering from gastric and duodenal ulcers, as well as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
Methods for keeping the back warm: Wearing a close-fitting cotton (or down) vest is sufficient.
There is a common saying, "Cold starts from the feet." This is because the feet are the extremities of the body, with little fat and poor heat retention. TCM believes that the acupoints on the soles of the feet are closely related to the internal organs. If the feet become cold, it can induce ailments such as colds, abdominal pain, lower back and leg pain, and dysmenorrhea.
Methods for keeping the feet warm: First, wear well-fitting shoes that are neither too tight, too loose, nor too thin; cotton socks are the best choice. Second, move the feet frequently to promote local blood circulation. Third, soak the feet in warm water before going to bed each night. The water temperature should be between 50 and 60 degrees Celsius, which can help eliminate fatigue, prevent colds, and promote sleep.
Mental cultivation should be calm and peaceful.
In winter, hibernating creatures in nature lie dormant, conserving energy to prepare for the vigorous vitality of the coming spring. The human body's metabolism is also in a relatively slow period during this time. Therefore, winter health preservation should focus on "storage." "Storage" means that a person should maintain a tranquil state of mind in winter.
Methods:
First, learn to manage negative emotions. Everyone encounters upsetting events; it is important to learn to adjust and control one's emotions, managing anger and remaining calm regardless of success or failure. For depressive and other negative emotions, find appropriate ways to express them in order to maintain a peaceful state of mind.
Second, get more sunlight. Because winter days are short and the sun sets early, this is a common cause of depressive moods. As night falls, the pineal gland in the human brain secretes more melatonin, which can affect a person's mood. However, light exposure can inhibit the secretion of this hormone.
Physical exercise should include keeping warm.
Physical exercise should not be neglected in winter. However, due to the cold, the limbs tend to be stiff, making warm-up exercises before a workout very important. Such as stretching, jogging, or light practice with equipment. One should only proceed to high-intensity fitness exercises after the body has begun to sweat slightly.
Clothing should be chosen according to the weather, with a focus on staying warm to prevent colds. After exercising, put on clothes promptly to avoid catching a cold.
Expert advice: Exercise programs should be tailored to one's physical constitution and age.
Individuals with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases should avoid strenuous activities such as playing ball games or mountain climbing. Middle-aged and elderly people with respiratory diseases should avoid stimulation from the cold. Exercise should be done when there is ample sunlight, avoiding early morning and late evening hours to prevent the onset of acute illnesses. The elderly should pay special attention to keeping warm.