Tea Time with Jo | Cold Weather Tips from an Acupuncturist

Asian Medicine recognizes the influence of the weather on our bodies. This means that the climate can be a source of pathogenic influence, particularly when there is wind (more on that later). With the cooler temps, a lot of people are spending time outdoors working on projects that were put off during the summer when it was too hot. Others are taking advantage of cold weather activities such as skating, skiing, sledding, outdoor holiday pop ups, etc. 

When we spend more time in the cold, and don’t properly bundle up, it can create opportunities for the cold to “invade” the body causing the flow of blood and qi to slow down.

Wind has the added attribute of carrying the pathogenic weather into your body more easily so a windy, damp and cold day has the potential to flare arthritis, cause headaches/migraines, trigger sinus congestion, create menstrual cramping, etc.

General Tips:

The best way to prevent the influence of the weather is to protect yourself against it. The area behind the head (occiput), the neck, abdomen, low back and feet are particularly sensitive points of entry. 

Wearing a scarf and/or beanie on cold or windy days can prevent headaches and sinus issues. Wearing layers that cover the abdomen and lower back (tucking a tank top into your pants before putting on a sweater) can help prevent menstrual cramps and lower back spasms. Wearing closed toe shoes and thick socks can help prevent loads of things since so many energetic channels start in the feet. 

You can make the most of the season and enjoy the outdoor activities but consider making sure your body is kept warm especially around the areas mentioned. Having some nice, hot tea while you are outside, and a warm foot soak after outdoor activities, are also great ways to counteract the pathogenic cold. 

Tips for Menstruaters:

As you have heard me mention before, cold is the enemy of the uterus. It can cause cramping and clotting with a delayed release of lining (which in turn, causes more cramping). The usual suggestions of prioritizing rest, avoiding being bare foot and consuming only warm foods/drinks are even more important during the cold season as the body will natural drop in temperature at the beginning of a cycle. 

It can be really helpful to take warm baths once a week (use a bath water filter if possible) to help bring up your body temperature. Baths can also reduce dry skin, especially if you add some nourishing oils to the water (using caution once it’s time to get up; you don’t want to slip on the oil). Taking a warm bath in the days leading up to your period (or even during) can be really helpful to prevent/relieve cramping. Epsom salt would be a nice bonus. 

Avoid sitting on metal chairs, cold floors or other cold surfaces without something underneath your bottom. If you must sit on the floor, have a cushion or a blanket underneath you. If you attend any type of outdoor event in which you are sitting on metal bleachers, it is a good idea to take a thick blanket or cushion to sit on. You can also use a hot water bottle or microwaveable heating pad to warm your car seat/ stadium seat/ your abdomen as opposed to heated blankets or seat warmers, which can expose you to EMFs.

Avoid washing your hair when you are bleeding. When you do wash your hair, make sure to dry it thoroughly before going out in the cold or before going to bed. The Du channel runs through your head and down your back. When your hair is wet and cold, it can slow down the circulation in this channel which can create lower back aches and menstrual pain. 

Best Tip that Benefits Everyone:

Make sure you are eating a lot of nutrient dense calories during the cold months; and enough of them. The body burns a lot of calories trying to keep you warm (especially for those who like to exercise outside when it’s cold). Hardy meals with good quality protein, healthy fats and unprocessed carbs help to keep your body fueled. When your body has enough fuel, it doesn’t have to divert its resources away from certain organ systems in order to prioritize others. While this is good to practice year round, it is especially helpful for staying healthy in the colder months.