The New Year often arrives with a rush of pressure—new goals, fresh starts, big plans. But in Chinese medicine, January tells a very different story. This moment in the calendar sits deep within Winter, a season devoted not to pushing forward, but to resting, restoring, and conserving energy.
If you’re feeling tired, slower than usual, or less motivated than you think you “should” be, you’re not doing anything wrong. From a Chinese medicine perspective, your body may actually be doing exactly what it’s meant to do.
Winter Is About Storage, Not Hustle
In Chinese medicine, each season corresponds to specific organ systems and qualities. Winter is associated with the Kidney system, which governs our deepest reserves of vitality—often described as our “battery pack.” This includes energy levels, stress resilience, hormonal balance, fertility, aging, and the health of our bones and low back.
Winter asks us to:
-
Slow down
-
Stay warm
-
Protect our energy
-
Reflect and restore rather than expand
Modern life doesn’t make this easy, especially in places like the Chicago area where winter can feel long, cold, and damp. But aligning even a little with seasonal rhythms can make a noticeable difference in how you feel.
Signs Your Body Is Asking for Winter Care
During winter, many people notice:
-
Fatigue or burnout
-
Increased anxiety or fear
-
Poor sleep
-
Low back pain or stiffness
-
Hormonal fluctuations
-
Weakened immunity
Rather than viewing these as problems to “power through,” Chinese medicine invites us to respond with nourishment and care.
Try This at Home: Kidney 3 Acupressure
One simple way to support your energy during winter is acupressure.
Kidney 3 (Taixi) is a foundational point for replenishing energy and calming the nervous system.
How to find it:
On the inside of your ankle, in the soft depression between the ankle bone and the Achilles tendon.
How to use it:
-
Sit comfortably
-
Apply steady, gentle pressure for 1–2 minutes
-
Breathe slowly
-
Repeat on both sides
This point can support energy, sleep, stress resilience, and low back discomfort. Evening is an especially good time to use it.
Winter Food Therapy: Warm, Slow, and Nourishing
Food is one of the most powerful tools we have for seasonal support.
In winter, Chinese medicine emphasizes warm, cooked foods that are easy to digest and deeply nourishing. This is not the season for cold smoothies straight from the fridge.
Supportive winter foods include:
-
Soups and stews (especially bone broth)
-
Root vegetables like squash, sweet potatoes, and carrots
-
Black beans, lentils, and adzuki beans
-
Warming spices such as ginger, cinnamon, and clove
-
Naturally salty foods like miso and seaweed
Think slow-cooked meals, eaten warm, preferably earlier in the evening to support digestion and sleep.
Winter Hydration: Don’t Forget the Salt
Hydration in winter looks different than it does in summer. Cold weather, indoor heat, and dry air can quietly deplete fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty. In Chinese medicine, the Kidney system is supported by both fluids and a small amount of salt, which helps water actually absorb into the body rather than just pass through.
A simple winter tip:
-
Add a tiny pinch of high-quality salt (such as sea salt or Himalayan salt) to a glass of warm or room-temperature water
-
Sip throughout the day rather than chugging large amounts at once
This can support proper hydration, circulation, and energy—especially if you tend to feel dry, fatigued, lightheaded, or cold in winter. And the salt will help dissolve phlegm.
(As always, if you have medical conditions that require sodium restriction, skip this or check with your healthcare provider.)
Herbal Support in Winter
Chinese herbal medicine has a long tradition of supporting people through winter, especially those feeling depleted, chronically stressed, or hormonally imbalanced. Many classic formulas focus on warming and supporting the Kidney system.
Herbs are powerful and should always be tailored to the individual, so it’s important to work with a trained practitioner rather than self-prescribing. If you’re curious about whether herbs might be supportive for you this season, it’s worth having a conversation.
A Gentle Reframe for the New Year
There’s a lot of messaging in January about reinvention and intensity. Chinese medicine offers a quieter, kinder alternative.
Winter reminds us that:
-
Rest is productive
-
Slowness is not failure
-
Building strength begins with restoration
This season isn’t about fixing everything. It’s about laying a stable foundation so that when spring arrives, growth feels natural rather than forced.
How Acupuncture Can Help
Acupuncture during winter can:
-
Support immunity
-
Regulate stress and sleep
-
Ease chronic pain
-
Replenish energy after burnout
-
Support fertility, perimenopause, and menopause
-
Help you feel more grounded and resilient
Many people find winter treatments especially nourishing, helping them move through the colder months with greater ease.
Wishing You a Gentle Start to the Year
As we move into the New Year, I wish you warmth, rest, and moments of quiet that truly restore you. If you’d like support aligning your health with the season, acupuncture can be a wonderful place to start.
Ready to begin the year feeling steadier and more supported?
You can book an appointment online anytime or reach out with questions—I’m always happy to help.
Lisa Meyerson
Contact Me
