Winter – Your sign from nature to take time to rest!

Mon, Feb 25, 2019

Enjoy our weekly wellness tip from Licensed Acupuncturist, Michael Savalli, from the office of Elizabeth Martin.

Diet – General Guidelines for Winter

We once again find ourselves discussing diet.  This is no surprise, as diet is one of the biggest influences on our overall health.  It can both prevent and treat disease. However, if improper, it can also promote disease.  As is said, we truly are what we eat. With that in mind, lets see some tips from TCM.

For starters, it is worth mentioning that TCM views foods differently than we’re used to in the West.  Instead of calories, macro and micro nutrients, we are more concerned with the energetic properties of foods, and the effects they have on the body.  Now let’s look at food suggestions for Winter.

 Winter has its own specific energy.  The classic text called the NeiJing states: “In Winter, Heavenly (yang) qi is dormant, and Earthly (yin) qi is crystallized and solid.”  Winter’s movement is to descend, move inward, and solidify. We want to eat foods that will balance, and harmonize with winter’s energy. Winter is the time that yin is at its peak, and there are many foods with yin nature.  I will leave it to Google to fill that list, but it will include: yin foods, mildly-salty and bitter foods, and carminative herbs. You’ll also want to eat less sour foods. Especially avoid pungent and raw foods, which can contribute to seasonal depression.  Lastly, we tend to be less active in Winter. So find ways to stay mildly active to prevent your energy from stagnating. Next week we will have a sample recipe.

Meet Michael Savalli, MSOM, L.Ac

Michael is a board certified NY State Licensed Acupuncturist, who received his Masters Degree in Oriental Medicine from New York College of Health Professions.  While in this program, he also specialized in Chinese Herbal Medicine. If you or anyone you know is interested in staying healthy this season, schedule your appointment and learn how Acupuncture and herbs can boost your immunity. 

631-601-6491

Click to learn more about Michael Savalli, MSOM, L.Ac

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We Sell Products

To enhance your healthy lifestyle experience we sell all forms of Chinese herbal linaments, to pain patches and liquids that help the pain, enhance healing, and promote wellness. Each product has been carefully selected and tested. We only sell high-quality medicinal grade products. Ask your practitioner what products would be right for you!

631-601-6491

Savor the joys of each season!

With Love,

Liz

Elizabeth M. Martin, MSOM, L.Ac, LMT and the Staff at Hands on Acupuncture and Massage Therapy, P.C.