Beginning of Winter Wellness

What is this about? Beginning of Winter (Nov 7-8) complete wellness guide: Water element, Kidneys organ. Three phenological phases: Water begins to freeze, Earth begins to harden, Pheasants enter the great water and become clams. Beginning of Winter is a time of closing and storing. Tonify the kidneys and warm yang. Avoid cold and heavy sweating. Sleep early, rise late, and bask in the sun. Eat more mutton and walnuts to store your essence. Eat Mutton, Walnuts. Avoid Being cold injures the kidneys.

Key takeaways: This article covers the core concepts, practical applications, and common questions about beginning of winter wellness.

Winter · Water Element · Kidneys · Nov 7-8
Key Takeaway
Beginning of Winter is a time of closing and storing. Tonify the kidneys and warm yang. Avoid cold and heavy sweating. Sleep early, rise late, and bask in the sun. Eat more mutton and walnuts to store your essence.

Three Phenological Phases

First PhaseWater begins to freeze
Second PhaseEarth begins to harden
Third PhasePheasants enter the great water and become clams

Huangdi Neijing Quote

"The three months of winter are called closing and storing. Water freezes and the earth cracks open. Do not disturb yang. Go to bed early and rise late, always waiting for the sunlight."
— Plain Questions (Su Wen) · Regulating the Spirit with the Four Seasons
Interpretation: Winter has begun; all things close and store. One should retire early and rise late, always waiting for the sunlight, and not disturb yang qi.
Plain Language: The ancients said, 'Retire early and rise late, waiting for the sunlight.' In winter, don't get up too early and race against the sun. Follow the principle of closing and storing, and keep your yang qi well hidden.

Action Items

Recommended

Foods to Eat

MuttonWalnutsChestnutsChinese yamBlack sesame seedsRed datesBlack soybeansLongan

Recommended Recipes

Lamb and Angelica Soup

Ingredients: Lamb · Angelica · Ginger slices

Steps: Blanch the lamb, then simmer with angelica and ginger for 1.5 hours

Effect: Warms and tonifies kidney yang, nourishes blood

Walnut and Sesame Paste

Ingredients: Walnuts · Black sesame · Glutinous rice flour

Steps: Toast walnuts and sesame, grind into powder, and cook into a paste

Effect: Tonifies kidneys, secures essence, and blackens hair

Chestnut Stewed Chicken

Ingredients: Chestnuts · Chicken · Ginger

Steps: Stew chestnuts and chicken pieces until tender

Effect: Tonifies kidneys and strengthens the spleen, mild warm supplement

Activities

Sleep early, rise lateSunbatheSoak feet to warm the body

Emotional Wellness

Let your ambitions lie quiet and hiddenRemain still and guard your inner selfHave fewer desires and demands

Avoid

References

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Beginning of Winter?

Beginning of Winter is one of the 24 solar terms, usually around Nov 7-8. At this time: Water begins to freeze, Earth begins to harden, Pheasants enter the great water and become clams. It marks the beginning of winter.

What is the wellness focus for Beginning of Winter?

The wellness focus for Beginning of Winter is Tonify kidneys, Store essence, Warm yang. Beginning of Winter is a time of closing and storing. Tonify the kidneys and warm yang. Avoid cold and heavy sweating. Sleep early, rise late, and bask in the sun. Eat more mutton and longans to store your essence.

What should I eat during Beginning of Winter?

During Beginning of Winter, eat Mutton, Walnuts, Chestnuts, longan, Black sesame seeds. Recommended recipes: Lamb and Angelica Soup, Walnut and Sesame Paste, Chestnut Stewed Chicken.

What should I avoid during Beginning of Winter?

During Beginning of Winter, avoid: Being cold injures the kidneys, Profuse sweating, Fearful emotions.