HIBERNATION MODE

Think of winter as an opportunity to hit the reset button and recharge for spring

- Amber Bramble.

As we continue to trudge our way through winter, we’re now in what could be described as the hard slog of the year. Daylight hours might be getting longer but we still have plenty of chilly evenings left to spend huddled under the doona.

If the rain and winter skin issues weren’t enough, July through to August is traditionally peak flu season (although this differs year to year). With more reasons to stay indoors than usual, now is the perfect time to recharge with some muchneeded TLC.

“In Chinese medicine, winter is associated with the element of water and the kidneys,” says Dr Marina Christov, a Chinese medicine practitioner and founder of The House of Life.

She says winter is a time when we should be resting up and keeping warm with plenty of hot tea and nourishing home-cooked foods. “It is also a good time for introspection and conserving your energy for the spring ahead,” Dr Christov adds.

FEED YOUR BODY

‘The key word at this time of year is nourishment. “The kidneys are considered the foundation of health in Chinese medicine, particularly during winter,” Dr Christov says.