From around November 7 to February 3: the season of the Kidneys, to be warmed and deeply nourished.
By Dr Alexandre Fleury · Physician acupuncturist · ~3 min read
Period
That’s a period of about 89 days
Winter corresponds to the Water element and calls on the Kidneys, the organ that, in Chinese medicine, stores our foundational energy (Jing) for the whole year. The principle: warm the body and nourish it deeply, rather than dispersing energy — much like nature itself, which withdraws and conserves its resources.
Long, gentle cooking — simmering, slow-cooked dishes, broths prepared over several hours. Limit raw, cold and iced foods, which require the body to work harder to warm them.
A bone or vegetable broth at the start of the evening meal is the simplest habit to adopt. Root spices such as ginger, or a touch of cinnamon in a tea, complement this season well.
Read the full article “What to eat in winter according to Chinese medicine” →
These are general principles of Chinese dietetics, to be adapted to your own individual constitution. A supplement or herb can interact with an ongoing treatment: always ask your doctor before starting any herbal remedy, particularly during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or if you are on long-term medication.
