The importance of storage and rest during winter

According to Chinese medicine, the Cold Season (winter) is characterized by temperatures that are usually below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The Kidneys, Bladder, and bones are most vulnerable at this time. In the Su Wen it states that “Winter is a cold storage season. Qi gathers in the core of the body. Don’t disturb it…Warm up the body, store up energy to rejuvenate and to preserve life. Or the Kidney gets hurt…”Learn more about the tasks of storage and rest in this lesson.

Staying healthy in the winter

Watch this introductory video to learn about Chines medicine's perspective on winter, and how the Winter Movement Challenge will help you apply this information to be healthy and happy this winter.

Winter and your emotions

Water is the element associated with winter, which gives you the task of creating structure in your life to balance your emotions. Watch the video to learn more about emotional health during winter.

Winter Solstice Seasonal Node

The Chinese term for Winter Solstice (dong zhi ??) literally means the “extreme of yin,” and symbolically this node is represented by Hexagram 24, which is comprised of one Yang line at the bottom of 5 Yin lines.

Winter Solstice Great Cold Seasonal Node

Great Cold is the last seasonal node of Winter. In just about 2 weeks both the lunar and solar beginning of Spring arrives.

Winter Qigong: Four Essential Movements

This qigong sequence consists of four simple qigong movements. Each one is meant to help the body tune itself to the winter season.

Winter Qigong: The Deer Qigong Sequence

This ancient sequence is one of The Five Animals qigong flows. In this sequence, you will perform the deer posture which helps you gather in and calm the body. This gathering in helps you build up needed essence to thrive with new growth in the spring.

Winter Qigong: Four Essential Movements & The Deer

A wonderful qigong flow that combines your winter postures into one sequence.

Winter Qigong Flow to Draw Inward

This full-length qigong flow with James Saper. This flow allows you to draw your energy inward to build yin energy.

Winter Qigong: Taiyang

This qigong sequence of 4 movements that open meridian channels along the back of the body, taiyang. These channels protect the body from cold. It's also a pathway for the yang qi. As it rises up, it travels deep into the torso and nourishes the internal organs.

Daily Morning Movements

The cold of winter tightens the body and restricts the flow of qi and blood, more so than any time of year. These morning movements warm the body and strengthens the Kidneys to keep you healthy and vibrant all winter long.

Daily Evening Massage and Qigong Flow

Calming the body down from daily activities relaxes your nervous system and bring the blood out of the head. You also help the qi move from the outside to the inside, where it heals and protects your Zangfu organs. This regeneration is essential for a healthy immune system, calm mood, and flexible, energized movement.

Eye Exercises to Boost Immunity

Caring for your eyes protects your Liver system, which in turn boosts your immunity. This lesson takes you through massages and exercises that nourish your eyes and keep you healthy.

Introduction to Moxibustion

Whether you have an excess or deficiency condition, moxibustion therapy will bring your body back into balance. In this lesson you will learn more about how moxibustion works.

Using Moxibustion Safely

Moxibustion can keep you healthy and strong if performed safely. Learn tips and tricks that will help you have a positive and safe experience. You will also read about precautions and contraindications for using moxa in this lesson.

Moxibustion General Winter Pattern

In this lesson, you will learn about specific patterns to keep your body warm and in balance this winter.

Moxibustion Pattern to Balance the Heart

Acupressure Massage to Strengthen your Kidneys

This video teaches you specific acupressure points that will strengthen your Kidney and Bladder system. These points boost your immune system, help enliven your mood, and add a boost of youthful energy during the darker days of winter.

Eating Healthy in Early Winter

Winter starts in early November, according to the Chinese lunar calendar. There are special ways to think about food and eating at this time. This lesson includes a recipe for Ginseng Congee.

Body Constitution

Not all people have the same body constitution. Your own constitution can even change across the seasons and your lifetime. Explore your constitution and what what that means for your health in the winter.

Qi and Your Body Constitution

Qi is the vital life force or energy that flows through channels in the body. With adequate Qi, people can live a long and healthy life. Knowing your body constitution helps you identify how to best build Qi for your body in order to have a strong defense system and abundant health. 

Characteristics of Body Constitution Types

The most commonly used Chinese medicine constitution types divide people into nine different categories. This lesson provides a quick summary of these categories. Later lessons go into more detail about each type.

Warming and Nourishing Winter Soups

This cooking class will show you how to prepare three warming winter soups that nourish you deep into your bones.

Winter Solstice Soup Recipe

Here’s a traditional recipe for Winter Solstice: Longan and Lamb Soup ?????

Cold Season Blue Garlic Seasonal Node

This seasonal node is one of the coldest, most Yin times of the year. Blue garlice is a traditional dish eaten during this seasonal node.

Additional Food Recommendations and Recipes

It's important to eat foods that warm the body. You also need to make sure to protect against dryness, eating and drinking nourishing soups and teas.