The Weather is getting cooler, keep warm!

Hello, dear friends,

I hope this message finds you well!

I was meant to send out this update by November 7, but the preparations for my upcoming trip to Henan Nanyang (南阳), China, for a conference caused a delay. I’ll be returning to Singapore by November 18, so in the meantime, you can access last year’s recorded seasonal health guidance for immediate insights. I also invite you to join the next live update on November 21 at 7 pm, where we’ll dive into personalized advice for the current season.

For access, here are the links to last year’s recording and to register for the November 21 live session:

(For friends coming from Southern Hemisphere, please refer to article on Summer Commencement

In my last August 7 2024 update, I mentioned that Singapore’s autumn would bring prolonged dryness, intensified by the La Niña phenomenon. The drier season has led to visible environmental changes, such as lower water levels, which I recently captured in a photo taken at a Singapore reservoir on September 15. For those who For those who have been following my updates, i trust that you have managed to avoid cathcing a cough due to the dryer weather. 

Now, as we move toward the “Winter Commencement” (立冬) period, which started on November 7, we’re beginning to feel cooler temperatures, accompanied by increased rain and occasional chills.

The Solar Term: Winter Commencement (立冬)

November 7 marked the beginning of the Winter Commencement solar term, a time when the temperatures drop, and we often experience cooler weather.

During this season, known locally as “Nourishment for Winter” (补冬), Chinese families traditionally prepare warming medicated foods to build resilience and strengthen the immune system against winter ailments. This practice, spanning 15 days, aims to fortify the body throughout the year. In Singapore, the seasonal shift may not be as stark as in countries up-north, but the cooler air, increased rain, and temperature changes call for us to adjust our routines to safeguard our health.

The colder season is expected to stretch through to January 22, 2025, culminating in the solar term “Major Cold” (大寒), the coldest period of winter. This extended period of cool weather brings additional challenges for maintaining warmth and supporting overall health, especially as the body’s Yang energy is most susceptible to cold.

Observations on Seasonal Health Changes

  1. Protection of Yang Energy: Winter’s cooling effects can impact the Yang elements of the body, specifically affecting the Kidney’s Yang energy. Some patients have already reported sensations of heaviness in the legs and increased joint pain during this cooler period. Nourishing and protecting the Kidney visceral especially the lower back, knees, and feet, is essential.

  2. Circulatory Adjustments: As temperatures drop, blood vessels constrict, potentially thickening the blood, which can affect circulation and raise blood pressure. Cooler weather is associated with a higher incidence of painful sensations and cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke and heart attack. Those with chronic conditions, such as high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, and respiratory issues, should take preventive measures. Prioritizing warmth, staying hydrated, and getting ample sleep helps to support the body’s Yang energy, boost immunity, and enhance mental clarity.

Practical Health Tips and Techniques for Winter Wellness

Dietotherapy Recommendations

Eating warming foods is essential during this season to counter the effects of cooler weather. Here are some dietary recommendations to help build internal warmth and support key organ systems:

  • Black Sesame Cistanche Porridge
    Ingredients: Black Sesame, Cistanche, Rice
    Benefits: Warms the body, nourishes the liver and kidneys, and strengthens the five visceral systems.

  • Qi Nourishing and Calming Black Chicken Soup
    Ingredients: Astragalus, Angelica, Wolfberry, Lily Bulb, Yam, Poria, Black Chicken, Ginger, Salt (For vegetarians, replace Black Chicken with Black Bean)
    Benefits: Nourishes Qi and blood, supports liver and eye health, and promotes beauty.

  • Wolfberry Sea Cucumber Quail Egg Soup
    Ingredients: Quail Eggs, Sea Cucumber, Wolfberry
    Benefits: Tonifies kidney and lung health, strengthens the liver, and supports mental clarity and eye health.

Acupressure Massage Techniques

For added warmth and improved circulation, try incorporating these acupressure points into your routine:

  1. Guan Yuan (CV 04) – Lower Abdomen
    Known as a “warming” switch, Guan Yuan is located on the lower abdomen and is essential for supporting the body’s primary Qi. Warming your hands and gently massaging this area each night can help relieve symptoms like cold feet, frequent urination, and menstrual irregularities.

  1. Yang Chi (SJ 04) – Back of the Wrist
    Located at the midpoint of the wrist, massaging Yang Chi can improve hand warmth and alleviate cold hands. Regularly stimulating this point is especially useful for those prone to feeling cold.

  1. Yong Quan (KI 01) – Sole of the Foot
    Situated at the depression on the sole, Yong Quan supports kidney health and energy. Daily massage of this point is especially beneficial for elderly women or those who experience fatigue and cold extremities.

  1. Shen Shu (BL 23) – Lower Back
    Located near the lower spine, this point is essential for nourishing Kidney Yang energy and supporting lower back health. To stimulate Shen Shu, rub your hands together to warm them, then massage this area to alleviate discomfort and enhance energy.

Join the Journey to Holistic Health

Through my SkillsFuture Credit-approved programs, I teach health improvement methods based on Chinese Medicine principles. These techniques empower you to enhance your well-being and care for those around you. For more information on my courses, visit the link below:

Thank you for being part of this journey toward improved health! I look forward to sharing more insights with you during our live session on November 21. Let’s make this winter season one of warmth, resilience, and health.

Warmest regards

Updated: 12/11/2024

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