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Staying Healthy in the New Year: Wisdom from Chinese Medicine.

By Dalite Sancic, DACM, L.Ac., MS founder and clinical director of Moon Brook

Medicine in Rutland VT.



As the new year unfolds, many of us feel inspired to set resolutions, make changes, and

strive for better health. But what if instead of focusing solely on willpower and restriction,

we approach health with a mindset that honors the natural rhythms of the body and the

seasons? This is where Chinese medicine offers profound insights, grounded in

thousands of years of practice, that guide us toward balance, vitality, and longevity.


Chinese medicine is based on the understanding that the body, mind, and spirit are

interconnected with the environment, and our well-being thrives when we align

ourselves with nature’s cycles. The energy of the new year, much like the energy of

early spring, invites us to renew our lives, restore our health, and cultivate balance.

Here are some foundational ways to stay healthy in the new year, drawing on the

principles of Chinese medicine.


1. Honor the Energy of the Season

In Chinese medicine, each season is associated with a specific element and organ

system, which in turn governs the way we feel, think, and function. Winter is associated

with the Water element and the Kidney system, which governs our vitality, reproductive

health, and immune function.


Key Takeaway: The beginning of the year, particularly around late winter to early

Spring is a time of growth, renewal, and cleansing. To stay healthy, it’s important to take

time to rest and nourish yourself in the early months, allowing your body to build its

energy reserves before the more active months of spring and summer.


2. Support Your Digestion with Warm, Nourishing Foods

The spleen, which is responsible for transforming food into energy, is one of the most

important organs in Chinese medicine for overall health. During the cold months, it's

especially important to support your digestion with warming, easily digestible foods.

Avoid overly cold or raw foods, as they can weaken the digestive system and disrupt the

flow of energy throughout the body.


Opt for soups, stews, congees, and root vegetables—foods that are grounding and

warming. Chinese medicine recommends eating seasonal foods that support the body’s

innate ability to maintain harmony and balance. Think about adding warming spices

such as ginger, garlic, cinnamon, and turmeric to your meals, which help to strengthen

digestion, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity.


Key Takeaway: Eating seasonally and focusing on warm, easy-to-digest meals not only

supports your digestion but helps to strengthen your body’s internal energy as you

transition into the new year.


3. Incorporate Gentle Movement

Physical movement is vital for health in Chinese medicine, especially as we begin the

new year and shake off the stagnation of winter. Practices like Qi Gong, Tai Chi, yoga,

and stretching—gentle, flowing exercises that connect the body, breath, and mind—are

perfect for cultivating energy and keeping your body in balance.


Qi Gong is particularly beneficial for boosting the immune system, improving circulation,

and alleviating stress. Even a short practice each day can make a big difference in how

you feel, not just physically, but emotionally and mentally as well. These practices help

you tune into your body’s energy, become more mindful, and reduce the impact of daily

Stress.


Key Takeaway: Regular practice of gentle movement is an excellent way to stay

physically active and mentally clear throughout the year, especially during the transition

between seasons.


4. Detox with Seasonal Foods

Chinese medicine places a strong emphasis on detoxification, especially as we enter

spring—the season of renewal. The Liver is the organ associated with spring, and it

plays a key role in detoxifying the body. It’s a time to support your liver’s natural

detoxification processes by eating foods that promote liver health and circulation, such

as leafy greens, sprouts, beets, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower.


A gentle cleanse with seasonal foods can help refresh your system and encourage the

smooth flow of Qi. Consider incorporating bitter greens like dandelion or arugula into

your salads, which help stimulate liver function. Drink plenty of water, add lemon to your

water for extra detox support, and perhaps try a warming cup of ginger tea to promote

digestion.


Key Takeaway: Eating foods that support liver health and drinking plenty of water can

help your body naturally detoxify and prepare for the energetic growth of spring.


5. Manage Stress with Mindfulness

Stress is a major disruptor of health, especially during the transition into a new year.

Chinese medicine recognizes that emotional and mental well-being are just as important

as physical health, and stress can cause energy blockages that lead to physical illness

over time.


Massage, acupuncture, and other mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep

breathing, and journaling can help you stay grounded and clear-headed, reducing the

physical and emotional toll of stress. Regular sessions can help restore harmony, boost

energy, and improve sleep, making it an excellent tool to support your health as you

navigate the new year.


Key Takeaway: Taking time for self-care, whether through acupuncture, mindfulness

practices, or both, is essential to maintaining balance and reducing stress.


6. Nurture Your Sleep

According to Chinese medicine, sleep is a time when the body repairs, restores, and

rejuvenates itself. The Kidney system, which governs vitality, is most active during the

night hours, and insufficient rest can deplete the body’s resources. As the new year

begins, prioritize quality sleep by establishing a calming bedtime routine, keeping a

regular sleep schedule, and creating a peaceful sleep environment.


Herbs like chamomile, lavender, and passionflower can be helpful for promoting

relaxation before bed. Avoiding excessive screen time and heavy meals late at night

can also improve your sleep quality.


Key Takeaway: Restful sleep is the foundation of good health. Prioritize your sleep

hygiene, especially in the early months of the year, to build the energy reserves you

need for the rest of the year.


Incorporating these timeless principles from Chinese medicine into your daily routine will

not only help you stay healthy in the new year, but also cultivate a deeper connection to

your body and mind. By aligning with nature’s rhythms, nourishing your body with

seasonal foods, and practicing self-care, you can create a life of balance and vitality that

lasts well beyond the first few months of the year.




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