Happy Winter Solstice ❄️ this seasonal point is known as Dōng Zhì (冬至) which directly translates to "extreme of winter." It’s the shortest day and most Yin time of the year. ⁠ ⁠ Based on the Yin-Yang theory, since we’ve reached the most Yin and dark period of the year, we will see a return of Yang and light after Winter Solstice.⁠ ⁠ In terms of #YangSheng, winter is the best time to nourish yourself with the appropriate foods, rest, and tonics.⁠ Focus on staying warm to strengthen Yang and Kidney.⁠ ⁠ TO EAT⁠ 🍲 Warm rice or multigrain congees, Chinese yam (Shan Yao or nagaimo), leeks, black sesame seeds, walnuts, brassicas and root vegetables. 🐑 Lamb, beef, venison and game birds for meat eaters.⁠ ⁠ 🥶 Avoid cold foods! Add warming spices such as ginger, scallions, black peppers.⁠ ⁠ 🥟 It’s also common to eat dumplings during Dong Zhi. Popular savory versions are: chives + shrimps and pork + cabbage. Sweet sesame filling mochi dumplings are also popular during this time (tang yuan, anyone?) ⁠ TO DO⁠ 😌 Rest, physically and mentally.⁠ ⁠ 🛌 Going to bed early and rising late helps us stay in tune with nature. ⁠ ⁠ 🌞Keep your back and feet warm. Take morning walks to absorb sunlight on your back. ♨️Do warm mugwort foot baths at night before bed to draw energy downward for better rest.⁠ ⁠ 🌳 Qigong meditation to keep warm: standing or lying down (video tutorial coming soon!) TO USE⁠ 🌿 Bath season calls for mugwort bath packs. This warming herb boosts circulation to warm the body, promotes sleep and women’s health, and restores balance. Shop our Bath Ritual at the link in bio →⁠ ⁠ —⁠ #YINAwellness #YINAtcm #winterwellness #wintersolstice #holistichealth #tcmlivingwell #seasonalpoint #chinesemedicine #eastasianmedicine #easternmedicine #foodtherapy #selfcareritual #holisticbeauty #wellnesslifestyle #qigong #slowliving #consciousbeauty