Every December, as the door to one year, is closed behind us and we open the door to a new year, we reflect and make intentions or what some like to call a “new year resolution.”
Is winter the right time to make significant changes?
“The Human body contains blood, phlegm, yellow bile and black bile. These are the things that make up its constitution and cause its pains and health. Health is primarily that state in which these constituent substances are in the correct proportion to each other, both in strength and quantity, and are well mixed. Pain occurs when one of the substances presents either a deficiency or an excess, or is separated in the body and not mixed with others.”
~Hippocrates, On the Nature of Man
Hippocrates (129-201AD) described four patterns in nature that they called the humors. The humors were based on the four elements; Earth, Water, Air, and Fire, and were used to describe patterns in the natural world, including people’s constitution, health conditions, plants, and even the seasons.
Winter was associated with the phlegmatic constitution related to the water element. Water is cool, damp, and heavy. Water can become stagnant and swampy if fire or air are not involved. Although water needs air or fire to start them moving, they usually keep on going with determination and consistency that border stubbornness.
Winter tends to make us phlegmatic; it is not time for making substantial lifestyle changes but more a time to preserve energy, be quiet and contemplate. In the silence and stillness of winter, seeds can be nurtured within, so they will be ready to germinate in spring.
Imbalances in the humors were thought to be caused by:
- The weather
- Food and drink
- Body movement and repose
- Sleep and wakefulness
- Mental activity and rest
- Absorption of nutrients and elimination of waste
Your well-being depends on the balance between your body and mind and the environment where you live. Being tuned with the natural rhythm of the seasons is an essential part of that balance.
In the winter I like to start my day with lemon rosemary tea. Rosemary is known as a warming herb that stimulate circulation.
In the next couple of months, I will explore ways to support your well-being through the winter with foods, herbs, and other lifestyle habits. We will tend to topics such as:
- Digestion in the winter
- Supporting the Immune System in the Winter
- Rest and Movement in the Winter
Living in tune with the season is essential for supporting your well-being.
Join the Inner Circle to learn more about nutrition, herbs, and other holistic tips for winter wellness for keeping well in the winter.
