The Maryland Women's Journals

Honoring the Gifts of Winter

By Linnea Smith Varner, RN, M.Ac., Dipl. Ac.

As the holidays approach, many of my patients are preparing themselves for the onslaught of decorating, shopping, cooking and social events that accompany this time of year. As this busy time approaches, many people report decreased energy and a desire to stay inside and snuggle in with a good book. For those of us who demand so much of ourselves, this feeling of reduced energy is viewed as if something is wrong.

In Chinese medicine, we recognize that the winter is a time of great stillness, when all living things are slowing down, or hibernating, in order to store energies to fuel us for the coming year. If we take our cue from nature around us, and allow ourselves some time to rest and rejuvenate during the winter, we will have much more energy to support us in the months to come. By allowing ourselves the time to slow down in the winter, we also support our immune system to prevent the colds, infections and flus that are so common during this time of year.

Here are a few strategies for keeping yourself healthy during this winter season:

Listen to your body. If you are tired, rest. Give yourself permission to honor your own inner wisdom, and resist the urge to push beyond your limits.
Nourish your body with foods that support you. Sugars and processed carbohydrates can undermine your immune system and feed an infection. Warm soups and stews with lean protein and vegetables are healthy, warming and nourishing to your body. Onions, garlic and ginger are also warming, and help to fight infections and support your immune system.
Be selective about social engagements. Choose to spend your time with people that you love and enjoy. Avoid those that drain your energy or generate conflict.

Ultimately, allow yourself to be in harmony with the season of winter; the time of rest, contemplation, and rejuvenation.

BIO

Linnea Smith Varner, RN, M.Ac., Dipl.Ac., is board certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA). She holds a Master’s degree in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania, with a Minor in Business from the Wharton School, and received her Master’s degree in acupuncture at the Tai Sophia Institute. Currently, Linnea is pursuing Chinese Herbal Medicine at the Tai Sophia Institute to expand and deepen her knowledge and skills in Eastern medical practices. In addition to her clinical practice at East-West Healing Arts, she maintains a part-time consulting practice so that she can promote the use of holistic health care in traditional Western medical settings and build collaborative relationships between Eastern and Western medical practitioners.

East/West Healing Arts

Crownsville, MD 21032

410-923-0090