December 21st marks Winter Solstice. In Chinese Medicine this is the most Yin day of the year. Yin represents darkness, rest, winter, nourishing also divine feminine. As much as we want to escape the dark, it is here to remind us to turn in, to rest, to nourish to transform.
Winter relates to Kidney energy in Chinese Medicine. Kidneys store essence, the intention of winter is to restore and recoup and save our energy for spring. Rest, like the roots of plants do and when spring comes you will notice your energy naturally rising. Surrender to early nights and and eating warm nourishing foods.
Foods to include in your diet in winter: squashes, kidney beans, carrots, bone broth, steamed winter greens, beets, miso, seaweed, celery, asparagus and lots of warm soups.
Avoid excessive amounts of salt as this depletes kidney energy and drink lots of water (not cold, room temp or in herbal teas)
