Then the frost and snow arrived here where I am. It is now extra important that we preserve the warmth in our bodies so that the winter cold does not create too much imbalance in our system.
Therefore, today I want to share the section from the winter chapter in my book about staying warm:
STAY WARM
Bladder-kidneys are affected by cold. It is therefore extra important that we keep warm when the weather changes and it gets colder outside.
Many of us suffer in winter - and perhaps already in autumn - from soreness, stiffness and pain in the lower back, back, neck and shoulders - and some also with bladder infections. These are classic signs of imbalance in the bladder-kidneys, which are linked to winter. You can prevent and alleviate some of the symptoms and imbalances by helping your body retain warmth; especially feet, back, lower back and ears. Ears are important! So protect them from cold and drafts, so that the warmth from the body does not escape and the cold does not penetrate through the ears. Another important piece of advice from traditional Chinese medicine is: Never walk barefoot on cold floors. You have an important kidney reflex zone, which sits approximately in the middle of the foot, and the bladder zone sits around the outside of the arch, so both can easily be affected and shocked by cold from the floor. So put on slippers and warm socks.
When I'm not barefoot on the yoga mat, I actually walk around much of the year in warm, fluffy slippers or socks that go far above my ankles. I also sit almost all year round on a warm blanket in the car and on chairs that do not have heated seats. In fact, I also like to sit on a warm blanket on chairs that you might think have a warm seat. I take no chances. After making some simple changes, I no longer experience the same symptoms of bladder-kidney imbalance as I did before, such as lower back pain and bladder infections.
WARMTH COMES FROM WITHIN
Now that we need to think about staying warm, remember that your body uses energy precisely to retain and generate warmth in the body. When we drink cold water with ice cubes, eat a cold salad or an ice cream, we not only extinguish the digestive fire in the stomach and intestines, which according to Ayurveda is important for the digestion of food, but we also demand that the body uses energy to warm us up again. It can be a bit of a shock to the system. So try to think about drinking temperate water, warm drinks and eating warm food in autumn and winter - for the sake of your body and your digestion.
EAT YOURSELF WARM
We need to keep the fire going, much like with a bonfire. And there's no better way to do that than by eating warm food that nourishes the fire, rather than cold food that extinguishes it. Of warm dishes, I think soups are some of the most warming things for the body. Soups, tea, and generally just boiled water. I drink many cups of boiled water throughout the day.
Also, eat plenty of healthy cold-pressed oils. Oil nourishes the fire.
I personally like to add plenty of oil and also raw garlic to my vegetable soup. It does good and at the same time strengthens the energy in the metal element (lung-large intestine) in the body, which is responsible for "carrying" the water element (bladder-kidneys). So remember to also include strong white foods in your diet, such as garlic and ginger, as they will strengthen the metal element. In addition, strong foods provide warmth to the body. Another good example is chili.
WINTER PROGRAM FOR BLADDER AND KIDNEYS
With the increasing cold, the body can react in different ways, and perhaps you experience soreness or discomfort in your back and lower back – or other signs of imbalance in your bladder and kidneys. My winter program for bladder and kidneys is tailored to support you during this cold season and help you create balance in your body. In the program, you will be introduced to Myofascial Release, a fantastic tool for working with soreness in the back and lower back. You can sign up for the program at a reduced price of DKK 275 HERE.
Lovingly
Isabelle
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