Seasonal Wellness Tips for Da Xue - Greater Snow
Da Xue is the 21st of 24 two-week solar terms that make up the year according to the ancient Chinese calendar. It falls on the 6th, 7th, or 8th of December each year.
During Da Xue, temperatures continue to fall and the chance of snow increases. However, the name "Greater Snow" does not necessarily mean that there will be a heavy snowfall, just that it is more likely.
This is no bad thing, and in China, there is a famous saying: rui xue zhao feng nian, or "a timely snow promises a good harvest." This is because when snow accumulates on the ground, it can kill pests and ensure that overwinter crops do well the following year.
However, the cold weather means that we must pay extra attention to our health to avoid becoming ill. Read on for my top wellbeing tips for Da Xue.
Banish Colds With Ginger Tea
As temperatures fall, we become more susceptible to coughs and colds. According to Chinese medicine, one way to stop these infections in their tracks to drink potent ginger tea at the onset of symptoms.
Take a generous, thumb-sized piece of ginger and chop it into pieces. Place it in a pan with some water and simmer for 20 minutes or so. Strain off the liquid and add a small amount of brown sugar or honey. Wrap yourself in a blanket and drink the concoction while its warm.
The spicy ginger causes light sweating, which is said to expel pathogens through the surface of the body. Meanwhile, the sweetness of the sugar or honey harmonises the ginger's effects and prevents over-sweating.
Replenish Nutrients
Cold weather affects certain physiological functions. Our metabolic process change and we produce more urine due to fluid movement when our blood vessels constrict away from the body's surface to conserve heat.
Altered metabolism and increased urine production means that we might excrete certain chemicals more quickly than normal. One example is creatine.
Creatine is best known as an "ergogenic agent," a supplement used by athletes to enhance performance. However, creatine can aid overall cellular energy production and is thought to promote general health as we age.
We do not need to use creatine in supplement form, as the body can make it using the amino acids arginine, glycine, and methionine as building blocks. Methionine metabolism also requires an adequate intake of B vitamins, especially B6, B9, and B12.
Ensure that you are eating enough protein to provide ample amino acids, and plenty of B vitamin-rich foods, such as wholegrains, leafy greens, animal products, and fortified foods, such as bread and cereal.
Supplement Safely
Many people take supplements and tonics to see them through the winter months. This can be very beneficial for some people, but not every body is the same!
It is important to understand your own constitutional type in order to choose the most suitable supplements or diet to follow.
For example, yang deficient individuals (characterised by physical weakness, aversion to cold, cold hands and feet, and frequent urination), those recovering from illness, and older adults may benefit from taking tonics at this time of year.
However, the excessive use of tonics may cause other people more harm than good, and they should follow alternative methods.
To learn more about your constitutional type and receive personalised seasonal wellbeing advice, you can book a holistic health coaching session via the contact page. I will help you to determine the most appropriate methods for you.
References
买雯婷 (2011) 第一养生药膳 - Tangmark Publishing and Distribution, Beijing