The ancient Chinese view was that we should live in harmony with the seasons in order to stay strong and vital.  Over the long winter, seeds lie dormant as life slows down, so that we can renew ourselves from the deepest source. In the spring our energy begins to take root again and manifest as new beginnings, ideas and exciting projects.

Winter is associated with the energy of the Kidneys, the root energy of the body. Rest is important for rejuvenating the kidneys. It is a good time to look inward, reflecting on ourselves with meditation, writing, or other inward practices such as Tai Chi and Qi Gong. These practices help us to connect to our inner selves and help to support kidney energy. We naturally feel like cooking warming, nourishing soups and stews and bone broths. Bone broths are also powerful Jing tonics, as Jing is produced by the bones. Jing is understood to be the deepest essence of the kidney root energy, and the constitutional energy we are born with. Jing is depleted by activities such as extreme and prolonged stress, lack of sufficient sleep, working long hours, and excessive behaviors like too much drinking, smoking, and using drugs.

Stay warm, sleep longer hours, wake up a little later if you can. If you eat according to the seasons, avoid sugar, gluten, alcohol and drugs, and get more sleep, you will stay healthy during the winter. I like to use immune support as well, such as cordyceps, mushroom combination formulas, or Chinese herbal formulas like Jade Screen formula on a daily basis to keep the immune system strong. Treat colds and flus right away with Chinese herbs. (See article below)

My favorite formula for viral infections is Gan Mao Ling. I like Xanthium containing formulas for sinus congestion, allergies or sinus infections. I like Fritillaria and Pinellia syrup for lung infections. I have some great formulas in tincture form that are excellent if you come down with flu, bronchitis or pneumonia. Sometimes if you are really run down, you need to use a formula that will boost immunity at the same time that you are treating viral or bacterial infections.