Lykkers, winter has officially arrived, and with it comes the chilly air and freezing temperatures. Even though we bundle up, we often find our hands and feet still cold or feel dry and thirsty.

So, how do we take care of our bodies during this harsh season? Let's dive into some simple yet effective winter wellness tips to stay warm and energized!

Cold Hands and Feet? Here's Why!

Even after adding layers, do you still feel your hands and feet are icy? Don't worry—this is quite common. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), our spleen controls the muscles and limbs. If the spleen is weak, it can't circulate warmth properly, leading to cold extremities. Similarly, if the kidneys, which are the body's energy foundation, lack warmth, we may feel chilly no matter how much we wear.

However, not all cold hands and feet come from internal weakness. These days, many of us have busy lives and sit for long hours, leading to poor circulation. When the body's energy and blood flow are blocked, it causes coldness in the limbs. Excess dampness in the body or stress can also create imbalances, leaving us feeling cold.

If your hands and feet are frequently cold, it's best not to randomly take supplements. Especially if you feel cold but also experience occasional heat or irritation, visiting a TCM practitioner for personalized advice is the smartest move.

Dry Mouth and Skin? It's Not Just Lack of Water

In northern regions, once indoor heating kicks in, dryness becomes a bigger problem. But this dryness isn't just because we're not drinking enough water. During winter, our body's energy moves inward to protect our core, which means less moisture reaches the surface, causing dryness.

Another cause of dryness is a weak spleen and stomach. When these organs are unable to properly regulate water in the body, we may feel dry and thirsty, but drinking water doesn't seem to help. In fact, if there's too much dampness inside, it can block the natural flow of fluids, making it feel like the more we drink, the thirstier we get.

To combat dryness, we can drink warm water in small amounts throughout the day to help the body absorb it better. We can also include foods that nourish and produce fluids, such as steamed pears, lotus root, lily bulbs, and white fungus. These foods are best eaten after cooking to protect the spleen and ensure better absorption.

Is Winter the Right Time for Supplements?

Many people believe that winter is the best season to boost their health. As soon as winter begins, they start making nourishing soups or taking tonics. But is this always a good idea?

The truth is, not everyone should blindly take supplements. There are five situations where supplementation can do more harm than good:

1. During a cold: Taking supplements while sick can trap the illness inside, making recovery slower.

2. When feeling overheated: If you're experiencing heat or irritation, adding supplements can worsen the imbalance.

3. When dampness is heavy: Excess dampness blocks absorption, making the body unable to use the nutrients properly.

4. When circulation is poor: If blood and energy aren't flowing well, supplements can cause stagnation, leading to discomfort.

5. When there's no real weakness: Even if you feel tired, it's important to determine whether it's a deficiency of qi, blood, yin, or yang before deciding what to take.

A safer and simpler approach for winter is to eat warm, nourishing foods like cooked white radish. The saying “Eat radish in winter and ginger in summer” exists for a reason—radish helps regulate digestion, reduce internal heat, and promote moisture in the body.

Exercise in Winter? Do It Gently!

Winter is the season of storing energy, so we shouldn't over-exert ourselves. Traditional practices like standing meditation, tai chi, or gentle stretching exercises such as Baduanjin or the Five Animal Frolics are ideal for keeping the body warm and the energy flowing.

Top 3 Winter Wellness Tips

1. Protect the Spleen and Stomach: Our spleen and stomach are the foundation of good health. Everything we consume is processed through these organs, so keeping them warm and strong is key to absorbing nutrients.

2. Go to Bed Early: Winter is a time for rest. Going to bed an hour earlier and getting up a little later gives the body the time it needs to replenish energy. Especially sleeping between 11 PM and 1 AM boosts the body's natural healing process.

3. Keep Warm: Don't just focus on your outerwear—keep your head, neck, back, abdomen, knees, and feet warm too. And if possible, spend some time soaking up the winter sun to boost your mood and immunity.

Are You Ready to Stay Warm and Healthy?

Lykkers, we all want to enjoy a cozy and healthy winter. By following these simple yet effective tips, we can protect our bodies from the harsh cold and stay energized all season long. Which of these tips will you try first? Let's stay warm and well together this winter!