Many parts of Canada are experiencing spring like conditions, giving us the impression that winter is over. Although we may be longing for an early spring, it is important to keep in mind that March is a winter month and eating and dressing for this most yin time of year will keep us healthy and happy. From a TCM perspective, the kidneys are associated with winter and they need special attention and energy from us. I have noticed a marked increase in clinic with clients whose symptomatology present as either kidney yin or yang deficiency*. The kidney can be particularly vulnerable at this time of year and especially susceptible to imbalances when the temperatures rise and we begin to be more active and outward (the very qualities of spring) and neglect the important slow, introspective characteristic of the season.
In March, as we start to get more daylight and the temperatures rise, we will be tempted to eat lighter and be more active. While more activity can be good, it is important to continue eating hearty, warming foods to stoke your digestive fire and nourish your kidneys to ensure adequate qi and energy is available. Foods that are hearty, cooked for longer periods of time (stews, soups) seasoned with salty and bitter flavors will support the important function of the kidneys.
During warmer times of the day (open pores allow for bacteria and viruses to enter the body). Learn more about living in harmony with winter here. Dressing appropriately for the weather is key to keeping out pathogens from entering our systems. Layering and protecting the channels of the neck against wind with a scarf is imperative. Layers will prevent us from getting too hot warmer times of the day (open pores allow for bacteria and viruses to enter the body). Learn more about living in harmony with winter here.
*Kidney yang deficiency may appear as a cough, wheezing, difficult or frequent urination, blood in the urine, impotence, deafness, palpitations, somnolence.
*Kidney yin deficiency may appear as common cold, wheezing, epistaxis, cloudy urination, difficult or frequent urination, impotence, dizziness, insomnia, forgetfulness and anxiety.