Acupuncture is amazing for so many of the things that ail us, but there are times when you can’t make it into the clinic as much as you would like. Travel, busy-ness and cost-of-living pressures can make it challenging to access treatments in person consistently. 

Acupuncture, cupping and moxibustion might be its most well known elements, but Chinese medicine is a holistic system that is so much more. Herbs, dietary therapy and movement are essential tenets that complete this medical system. By eating in accordance with the seasons, incorporating appropriate exercise and using herbs when needed, we can enjoy many of the health benefits of Chinese medicine. 

This approach of proactive self-care is called Yang Sheng (养生), a traditional Chinese concept that translates to “nourishing life” or “life cultivation.” It encompasses a broad range of practices aimed at enhancing health, preventing disease, and prolonging life. 

The principles of Yang Sheng are deeply rooted in Chinese philosophy, including Daoism and Confucianism. The goal of Yang Sheng is to achieve harmony between the body, mind, and environment, leading to a healthy and long life. 

Try these Yang Sheng strategies to keep things in balance – 

Eat with the Seasons

“Eat in moderation. Eat food prepared appropriately for the self and the season and enjoy a long and healthy life.”

~ Confucius

Chinese dietary therapy is based on eating foods with an energetic nature that balances that of the season. Most of us do this intuitively. We reach for cold foods in hot weather, and warm soups in the cooler months. Refrigerated transportation and supermarkets have made it more difficult to know which foods are grown seasonally. In Autumn and Winter, follow these general principles to eat harmoniously with the season.

Autumn is the harvest season. Our bodies take energy from the foods we eat and store it inwards in preparation for the colder months. The weather can be windy and dry. Our bodies need nutrient dense foods that moisten the dryness and fortify the body against the elements. 

The digestive system can be sensitive in Autumn. Cold foods such as salads, and Summer fruits such as watermelon can quell your digestive Fire. Soups and other slowly cooked meals help build reserves for the colder months. Longer cooking times such as steaming and roasting support the digestion. 

~ Apples, pears and persimmons are moistening and support the gut, especially when stewed or baked with warm spices such as cinnamon.

~ Autumn is the best season for nuts and seeds. Buy them in the shell for extra freshness. Nuts and seeds are nutrient dense and easy to digest, perfect for building Yin in preparation for Winter.

Winter is the season of hibernation. Energy moves inward, and there is a stillness and quiet in the atmosphere, and in the body. Everything should be warm and nourishing – we should be eating nutritious and warming stews, and warm drinks that invigorate the circulation and keep out the cold.

In Winter, the emphasis is on warming and energy-conserving foods that support the kidneys, nourish the body’s internal heat, and protect the core against the cold weather.

~ Root Vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes and turnips are excellent because they grow underground, absorbing the earth’s energy. They are naturally warming and help to anchor Yang energy, which tends to rise in response to the cold.

~ Whole grains and legumes like black beans, kidney beans, and lentils, as well as barley and millet, are beneficial in winter. They are considered nourishing for the kidney system, which is crucial during this season.

~ Hearty soups and stews made with meat, bones, and vegetables are ideal for winter. They are warming and provide deep nourishment. 

~ Aromatics such as cinnamon, ginger, onions, garlic and chilli promote the movement of Qi in the body. Their warming nature can counteract cold and invigorate the circulation. 

Move Your Qi

In traditional Chinese medicine, exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining health and preventing disease. It is a vital component of a holistic approach to wellness, aligning the body, mind, and spirit. Regular movement can nourish your Qi, balancing Yin and Yang and maintaining the flow of energy through meridian pathways.

Tai Chi and Qi Gong are gentle yet profound exercises designed to enhance vitality, balance the mind and body, and improve overall well-being through the cultivation and manipulation of Qi.

Tai Chi, often described as meditation in motion, originated as a martial art. It emphasizes slow, graceful movements and deep, rhythmic breathing. 

Tai Chi helps improve balance, flexibility, and strength. It has a calming effect on the mind, reducing stress and anxiety. Regular practice can also enhance the immune system, decrease blood pressure, and improve heart health.

Qi Gong, which translates to “life energy cultivation,” is a practice involving rhythmic breathing coordinated with slow repetition of fluid movement and a calm mindful state. It includes a wide range of exercises, including static and dynamic forms. While some Qi Gong exercises are designed to enhance the body’s defenses and restore energy levels, others focus on specific organs or bodily systems. Qi Gong is particularly noted for its ability to improve stamina and endurance, as well as for increasing the body’s capacity to heal itself, making it a popular exercise for those recovering from illness or managing chronic conditions.

Both Tai Chi and Qi Gong are accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. They do not require any special equipment and can be practiced anywhere, from parks to living rooms. 

Home Herbal Apothecary 

Many Chinese people have a foundational understanding of Chinese medicine principles, herb and food remedies. This knowledge is commonly used in daily life to treat illness and support general health. 

Many of the plants commonly used in Chinese medicine are culinary herbs that can be combined into simple formulas to support health and vitality. Herbal teas and soups are prepared at home and consumed regularly using ingredients that can be found in Asian grocers and mainstream supermarkets. 

A few simple decoctions you can try at home – 

Ginger and Spring Onion Tea for the early stages of a Common Cold

Boil  4 slices of fresh ginger in 2 cups of water for 3 minutes. Add the white part of 2 spring onions and 2 teaspoons of brown sugar. Boil for another 3 minutes. Drink 3 – 4 times a day.

Red Date and Goji Berry Tea to nourish Blood after a period, postpartum or if anaemic

Simmer 8 dried red dates with ½ cup goji berries in 4 cups of water until the water is reduced by about half. Drink 1-2 cups a day.

Cinnamon Sticks and Ginger Tea for Period Pain 

Simmer 1 cinnamon stick with 2 slices of ginger in 2 cups of water until the water is reduced by half. Sweeten to taste with brown sugar. Drink as needed to reduce cramping and pain. 

Ingredient notes – Red dates are also known as jujube and can be found in the Asian section of major supermarkets. Dried goji berries are also sometimes found in the health food section. The old, dried up bits of ginger in the bottom of your fridge can be used instead of fresh ginger. 

By integrating these ancient strategies of seasonal eating, gentle movement and using herbs when needed, you will be actively contributing to your longevity and quality of life.  The Yang Sheng ethos of proactive self-care and holistic health management can help to achieve harmony between the body, mind, and environment.