Winter Solstice: Deep Rest, Gentle Nourishment
As the longest night of the year unfolds, Winter Solstice - invites us to return inward, to stillness and to restoration. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this turning point marks the peak of the yin energy, and the gentle reawakening of the yang. It’s a sacred time for conserving energy, building reserves, and honouring the wisdom of the season.
Why is it so important?
In TCM, the winter season is ruled by the Kidney system - the root of vitality, reproduction, and longevity. Cold temperature, darker days, and quieter rhythms all call for nourishment of both body and spirit. When we align with this seasonal energy, we support our immunity, fertility, and vitality for the months ahead.
Herbs and vegetarian Foods to Nourish the Kidney: The kineys are the body’s energetic battery. Winter is their season to replenish. Eat warming, yin-nourishing foods.
Foods- Black Sesame, Walnuts, goji verries, Chinese yam, black beans, seaweed, porridges, congee with warming spices like ginger or cinnamon, stews, soups, congees and baked dishes.
Herbs- Du Zhong 杜仲, He Shou Wu 何首烏, Shu Di Huang 熟地黃
Flavour - Salty flavour to nourish the kidneys, ie. Miso, fermented foods
*Tip: Cook slow, eat warm- avoid raw, cold or icy foods, cold fruits, iced drinks and excessive sweets. Avoid raw salads, smoothies or cold beverages.Ask us for a winter nourishing herbal decoction ingredient package.
Slow down, and be well-rested
Sleep earlier, wake gently during this day and season. Reduced outward stimulation, social media and over-working. Prioritize gentle, grounding movement.
- Practice gentle movements like yin yoga, tai chi or qi gong.
*Tip: Winter is for deep restoration, not productivity overdrive.Warmth Therapy
Cold constricts and impairs circulation, keep the body warm, especially the lower back, abdomen and feet. TCM emphasizes protecting your internal warmth.Foot soaks with warming herbs - ask us for a signature blend of herbal essential oil bath soak to support you.
Moxibustion Treatments to warm up the meridian - Join us for our Winter Solstice Moxibustion treatment
The best winter tonic ritual is a combination of evening foot soak + early sleep & moxibustion treatments.
Turn inward, and Nourish the Spirit (Shen)
Just as seeds lie dormant, this isyour time for dreaming and quiet reflection.Journal, meditate and stillness practices.
Reduce screen time, align with the quietdue.
Let your inner voice speak without rushing to plan.
Winter Ritual: Solstice Reset
This time is ideal for:
Gentle detoxing or pausing alcohol/caffeine
Replenishing hormone or adrenal balance
Receiving treatments to support deep restoration
A Seasonal Invitation
Whether it’s a warming treatment, herbal support, or a quiet moment with a cup of herbal tea, allow yourself to embrace the stillness of the solstice.
At our clinic, we offer:
Seasonal acupuncture sessions tailored for your body’s needs during winter
Winter Solstice Moxibustion treatment and warming therapies to support immunity and kidney qi
Herbal bath/ foot soaks crafted with TCM herbs and essential oils
Custom essential oil blendsc rafted with TCM herbs.
Reach out too book your winter reset or explore our products and seasonal offerings.