The holiday season can be an exciting time to enjoy celebrations and festivities with friends and family. It can also be a time in which some people become overwhelmed, thus putting their health self-care routines on the back burner.
This year, we encourage you to take advantage of some key Traditional Chinese Medicine herbal formulas and practices to help you stay healthy and happy all season long.
Keep Qi Balanced During the Cooler Months
As winter arrives, it’s important to start nourishing Yin energy to maintain Qi balance. This involves embracing cooling, calming activities and warming, nourishing foods. This is a time to relax with a warm drink or with a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s also a good time to incorporate TCM practices such as regular acupuncture sessions and tui na massages to improve the flow of Qi.
Yin energy rejuvenates and restores the body, ensuring vitality throughout the busy holiday season. By balancing Qi, you can cultivate resilience against seasonal changes and challenges. Weak and unbalanced Qi can lead to fatigue, illness, and an overall feeling of malaise that is sure to make the holiday season less enjoyable.
Focus on Nutrition and Wellness
Nutrition plays a vital role during the holiday season. Adding more warming foods to your diet like soups and stews will nourish your Yin energy and keep you warm during the cold months.
Consider incorporating adaptogenic herbs such as ginseng and licorice root to support resilience. Incorporate seasonal fruits and vegetables and practice mindful eating by savoring flavors, chewing slowly, and avoiding excess. This will help you prevent overeating and allow you to more fully enjoy the foods on your plate.
Certain herbal formulas can also help you stay healthy, especially as cold and flu season approaches. To help prevent falling ill during the festivities, consider incorporating immune-boosting formulas such as Yu Ping Feng San into your routine.
Consider Gut Health During Times of Indulgence
Gut health is crucial in TCM. Most people find themselves over-indulging during the holiday season. Although there’s nothing wrong with treating yourself (in moderation, of course) and enjoying meals with friends and family, you should still be mindful of your gut health.
If you plan on overindulging during a holiday celebration, plan the rest of your meals with it in mind. Light and gut-friendly foods and drinks will help you prepare for and recover from heavy holiday feasts. Overindulging throughout the entire holiday season can have a negative overall impact on your health. From weight gain to gut disruption and discomfort, it’s never good to overeat.
During the season, prioritize digestion-friendly foods, incorporate probiotics and prebiotics, and do your best to limit sugary, processed foods. You should also consider incorporating TCM herbal formulas that can soothe the gut and improve digestion such as Shen Ling Bai Zhu San. Maintaining gut balance ensures optimal digestion, immune function, and overall health.
Prioritize Mindfulness and Relaxation
The holidays are wonderfully hectic, and it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season. From shopping for gifts to cooking big meals and hosting holiday gatherings, it may feel as though there’s no time to stop and rest.
Mindfulness calms the mind and balances Qi. Engage in meditation, breathing exercises, and gentle physical activities like tai chi, yoga, and walking. Make time for relaxation, reading, and soothing music. Give your body and mind time to rest and relax between celebrations. After large holiday gatherings, make space for quiet and solitary activities.
Prioritize sleep, aiming for seven to eight hours every night. This can be difficult when you’re planning a holiday get-together, but it’s all the more important so you have the energy to be present and engage fully with guests. Reducing the consumption of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages will assist in achieving a more restful sleep.
Find Time to Be Active
Many people become sedentary during the late fall and early winter months, especially once the holidays come around. The cooler weather doesn’t always lend itself to an active and healthy lifestyle, and the constant excitement of the holidays may make it feel like there’s no time to be active.
Regular physical activity maintains Qi flow. Engage in gentle exercises such as yoga and tai chi. While these exercises are light, they will keep your muscles and joints warm and active. Enjoy light outdoor activities such as walking and hiking, as well as winter sports such as skiing or snowboarding. Getting outside will boost your energy levels, even when the weather is chilly. Balance physical activity with relaxation and schedule time for exercise.
Make This Holiday Season Festive with TCM
The holidays are a time of joy, abundance, and togetherness. Keep your body and mind healthy during the holiday season by using TCM remedies and methods. The healthier you are, the more fully you can enjoy the season.
If you’re aiming to enhance your health with the highest-quality herbal formulas available, KPC Herbs has what you need. With generations of expertise in the world of Traditional Chinese Medicine, our experts have cultivated the finest formulas for your health needs. View our catalog today.
*Please note: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This article is not intended to suggest specific treatments for patients or that any supplements mentioned prevent or cure diseases or problems. Before taking any herbs, all patients should discuss their options with a licensed practitioner, including any other medications the patient is currently taking, as there may be contraindications between pharmaceuticals and herbs.
