As winter in Alaska plainly
reveals, the days are short and the nights are long and cold. From a
Chinese Medicine perspective, winter is the time when our Qi (energy) goes down and inward. We see similarities in the outside
world as the bears have moved into their dens. Our deciduous trees and
shrubs have lost their leaves, though most retain nutrients down in
their roots. In Chinese
Medicine energetics, winter is a natural time for reflection.
The ancient
Chinese Medicine texts tell us that as we reflect on, remember and
restore our connection to the earth, sky and each other, we restore
our own health and balance. As you read this, we have made it past the
Winter Solstice, and the suggestion of lengthening light is coming
back to this part of the world. So, how can we use the reflective
energetics of winter to benefit our health as we start the slow but
sure progression to spring and summer?
Life is
challenging and can be stressful for various reasons. Questions and
reflections that may be beneficial to ask when steeped in stressful
situations are: Can I find some ways to cope with my stress in a healthful way? Is
there a way for me to find balance within even if there is confusion
or stress in my life? For some, the answer may first involve
slowing down just enough to become aware that you are overly stressed
in the first place and that it may be altering your life in unhealthy
ways.
The hormones
released during an experience of stress are for self-preservation.
They mobilize fuel for our bodies and help us to be alert, awake and
responsive. These same hormones, however, don’t discriminate as to
whether our stress is caused by an imminently life-threatening
situation or not. They simply release themselves into our system in
response to whatever causes the stress: for example, trying to get the
kids to school on time; worrying about performance at work; rushing to
or skipping lunch to get to a meeting; having arguments with a family
member. If these hormones are released in excess and/or erratically,
they can eventually contribute to health problems.
Unhealthy
effects of stress can manifest or worsen chronic fatigue, difficulty
sleeping, weight gain or weight loss, neck pain, back pain, various
musculo-skeletal and neurological complaints, digestive problems,
menstrual problems, depression, irritability, relationship problems
and many other complaints.
The approach
of Chinese and Natural Western medicine is to explore with the patient
his or her current potential stress-impacted health complaints. In
addition, the practitioner will take a thorough personal and family
medical history. So also is a review of the body’s physiologic
systems from both a Chinese and a Western perspective very helpful to
patients. Social and environmental factors are reviewed and reflected
upon as well. Treatments are then directed towards the underlying
cause in order to help bring energy and vitality back to the system.
If you are
experiencing any of the above mentioned complaints, check with your
health care provider while taking an inventory of the following
questions: What is your diet? Are
you eating regular meals? How much movement and exercise are you
getting? How much time to yourself do you have for stillness and
quiet? How much quality time with family members, friends and
community do you have? When was the last time you had a good laugh?
How much time do you spend outside experiencing the natural world?
Many health
complaints that are caused or exacerbated by stress may also have many
other physiologic and organic factors involved as well. Thus, it is
important to have these symptoms evaluated by other examination
methods—and this is where your health care provider can assist you.
By using the
natural inward focusing time of winter, we can easily engage the
opportunity to reflect on our lives in order to create more balance
and greater overall health.
Patricia
Cushman
ND, LAc is a general family practitioner. She practices Western
natural medicine, Chinese medicine, and acupuncture at Total Health,
Inc. Call 563-2929.
