Warding Off Winter’s Chill

Have you ever felt “chilled to the bone?”  Traditional Chinese Medicine has a perfect explanation for this phenomenon.  According to TCM’s Five Elements Theory, (Read my paper  Five Element Theory & Nutrition) Winter is the season of the Kidney. The Kidney is the organ that “governs” the bones. So it is not surprising that when we think of ourselves being cold, especially on a frigid winter’s day, even our bones feel the deep chill of the season.

For centuries TCM has taught that it’s important to eat in harmony with nature to maintain a healthy body & strong Qi. Therefore, during the winter, it is vital to eat foods that are especially good for the Kidney.

According to the Five Element Theory, “salty” is the taste associated with the Kidney. In the winter, eating salty foods can be extremely beneficial. Since it is neither possible nor advisable to eat large quantities of salt, you should include foods in your diet that carry a salty essence. Among them are black beans & all seafood–from the salty sea!  Eat particularly shellfish such as shrimp, lobster and claims.

Other helpful foods for the Kidney are: nuts, particularly pine & walnuts; be sure to roast them yourself or buy commercially dry-roasted nuts & avoid nut that are overly salty.  Others that are Kidney friendly: black sesame seeds & sesame candy, cauliflower, cinnamon & sesame & walnut oils.

Because of the Kidney’s special relationship with the bones, eating bones in the forms of soup can boast Kidney Qi. Supermarkets frequently sell packages of beef bones for soup, but it is best to go to your local butcher & ask for bones. Thighbones are preferable because they contain the most marrow. (Note: Remember, I have been studying TCM since 1992 & this 5,000 year old theory is what I believe. If you have questions, CALL ME!)

A Bone Soup to begin your winter: Ingredients are...1-1/2 lbs. beef bones, 5 small to medium cubed potatoes, 8-12 cherry or small plum tomatoes cut into pieces. ½ medium-sized fennel bulb chopped (if fennel fans add more), a pinch or two of cinnamon. ½ cup cooking wine, oil to sauté vegetables (about 2-3 tbsp.), 5-6 cups of water (Read my Water paper) & salt to taste. I have many recipes (Call me!).  Enjoy a healthy winter!!

For your information: The State of South Carolina has as its Moto the following Latin phrase “Animis Opibusque Parati” which translates as “Prepared In Mind And Resources” which I think sums up this paper.  Dr. Al