The Winter Solstice can be considered one of the solar terms closest to the New Year. Many people attach great importance to this festival. Not only have many people come to celebrate this solar term as a formal holiday, but they also regard it as an important time for winter health preservation. So, how to maintain health during the Winter Solstice?
Cold Protection
The Winter Solstice marks the beginning of the "Nine Cold Days," and the primary task of health preservation during this time is to protect against the cold. In terms of diet, focus on warm and nourishing foods, such as glutinous rice, dog meat, red dates, longan, sesame seeds, chives, and black fungus. It's best to eat less cold drinks, seafood, and other "cold-natured" foods. When going out, pay attention to keeping warm. The elderly should try to go out less when the temperature is lower in the early morning and evening. Dress warmly and exercise moderately.
Concealment
After the Winter Solstice, the weather turns cold, and "yang" energy is hidden and conserved. To align with this change, health preservation should focus on "concealment." This means going to bed early and waking up late, and avoiding overexertion. Avoid becoming agitated or angry, as this can disturb the "yang" energy stored within the body. Nourishing the kidneys is very important.
Yang Tonification
At the Winter Solstice, "yin" energy has reached its peak, and "yang" energy begins to sprout. Following this trend, health preservation should also focus on appropriately tonifying "yang." You can eat some medicinal and food items like mutton, goji berries, and chives. Maintain a regular daily routine, ventilate your room regularly, breathe fresh air, and engage in appropriate outdoor physical exercise.
Yin Nourishment
The "Neijing" (The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon) states that "one should nourish 'yin' during autumn and winter." The winter climate in northern regions is generally quite dry, often with strong winds. Therefore, nourishing "yin" essence is also an important aspect of health preservation during the Winter Solstice. It's best to eat less spicy, rich, barbecued, and fried foods. Drink plenty of water and eat more fruits. The bedroom should be properly ventilated, and attention should be paid to maintaining a certain humidity to prevent upper respiratory tract infections.