Winter Wellness with TCM

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), winter means much more than a change in the weather. It’s the season of Yin, a time marked by cooler, quieter, more inward-focused energy. Nature contracts and rests, and our bodies are meant to do the same.

Winter corresponds with our kidney system, which is considered the root of all Qi in the body. This is the season when our energy reserves can be most easily depleted, making rest, nourishment and mindful routines essential. Winter encourages us to slow down, reflect and rebuild.

“By caring for our Yin during the winter, we lay the foundation for spring’s warmth and movement.”

In winter, TCM simply asks us to take better care of ourselves. With the right foods, practices and support from acupuncture, winter becomes a season of restoration, steadiness and balance.

The Benefits of Acupuncture in Winter
Acupuncture can be especially powerful this time of year. Winter treatments help:

  • Support immunity during cold and flu season

  • Nourish kidney Qi and Yin for energy and resilience

  • Improve circulation in colder weather

  • Calm the mind, supporting reflection and deeper rest

  • Balance Yin and Yang, creating a steadier emotional and physical baseline

Regular acupuncture in winter gently strengthens your “root”—the reserves that keep you well through the season and prepare you for spring.

3 Acupuncture Points That Shine in Winter
Your acupuncturist selects points based on your personal needs, but these three are especially useful in the winter months:

  • Kidney 3 (Tai Xi): Nourishes kidney Yin and Yang, supports lower back strength, helps with fatigue, warmth and grounding.

  • Ren 4 (Guan Yuan): A classic point for replenishing Qi and essence, it bolsters the body during the cold Yin months.

  • Stomach 36 (Zu San Li): Strengthens immunity, digestion and overall vitality, and is a foundational point for staying robust during the winter.

Foods That Support Winter Wellness
Winter is an ideal time to favor warm, cooked and nutrient-rich foods, like:

  • Root vegetables, like sweet potatoes, carrots, turnips and beets

  • Dark, leafy greens, like spinach, Swiss chard and kale

  • Beans and legumes, especially black beans

  • Bone broth or vegetable broth

  • Warming herbs and spices, like ginger, cinnamon, cloves and garlic

Think slow-cooked, hearty meals—soups, stews, porridges, roasted vegetables and teas that soothe and warm from the inside out.

At-Home Practices for Winter Balance
Alongside acupuncture and seasonal nutrition, a few mindful habits can help keep your energy steady this time of year:

  • Prioritize rest. Shorter days naturally invite earlier nights and deeper sleep.

  • Stay warm. Protect your lower back, the back of your neck and your feet—the areas associated with kidney Qi—from cold exposure.

  • Move gently. Choose exercises like walking, stretching, tai chi or yoga to keep Qi flowing without depleting your reserves.

  • Reflect daily. Journaling, meditation and quiet time help you align with winter’s introspective Yin nature.

  • Hydrate with warm up. Swap cold drinks for warm water or herbal teas to support digestion and circulation.

Winter is a powerful season for rebuilding and rejuvenation. By nourishing your body with seasonal foods, embracing restorative routines and making acupuncture part of your winter wellness plan, you can stay balanced, energized and ready to welcome the rising energy of spring.

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Julie Grogan