Foods are essential to maintain life, create life, and extend life. Many Complementary Medicine practices teach us to use food to heal body, mind, and spirit. Proper nutrition, along with Complementary treatments such as acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy, naturopathic, Reiki, Tuning fork treatments, and yoga therapy can keep a person healthy, in the winter. In the winter the sun is far away from the earth. Daytime is shorter. The weather is cold. The earth’s Yang energy is at a low point. Meanwhile many health problems are on the rise. These include fatigue, cold or hot extremities (hands and feet), ear infections, dry or sore throats, general aches and pains, arthritis, common colds, heartburn, constipation, diarrhea, low or high blood pressure, worry, fear, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and shortness of breath.

The first line of defense, before complementary care is to correct the diet, to make sure you are eating right, make sure you are eating protein, carbohydrates, vegetables and fruits. Each of these foods have their own characteristics. For those who eat meat, winter is a proper time to consume additional protein in order to increase energy. Eat them during the day to increase energy at work, strengthen the vision and hearing and to warm of the limbs, hands and feet. Meat also gives power to the brain and improves sleep at night. For clearing away the wetness in the body, it is better to roast the meats. If we wish to remove dryness in the body, it is better to boil the meats. For vegetarians, beneficial winter dishes include; bean nut rice congee. Each individual has his or her own problems. Some may be related to low yang or for others low yin. It is wise to consult a nutritionist before deciding on any eating plan.

With winter, we have several holidays in which we expect to enjoy a feast. Holiday foods are delicious and rich. Be sure to eat plenty of vegetables and fruits and drink adequate water. Exercise every day to help blood circulation (also use a BEMER). Go to sleep early and get up late. Open windows just long enough to freshen the air in the rooms. Meanwhile it is important to get tuning fork treatments, chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture treatments to strengthen the organs, boost immunity and open the meridians, so the body will absorb nutrition. Doing this will provide health and wellness to the person.

Love, Light and Happiness, Charles