This time of year, as the days get shorter and winter approaches, it’s not uncommon to be a bit chilly. Hands and feet especially start to get cold when not covered by gloves, socks, or blankets. It might seem like a regular part of the season, but according to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), cold hands and feet can be something to be concerned about.
TCM revolves mainly around the flow of energy, called “qi” in the body. When qi is not flowing properly, it is stagnated. Stagnation causes all sorts of health issues, from muscle tension to blood circulation issues and serious conditions that stem from those.
Cold temperatures reduce the flow of qi and weaken circulation. Since the feet are the furthest body part from the heart, they are most susceptible to circulation deficiencies. Preventing heat from leaving your body through your feet can improve the flow of blood and qi in your body. Because blood is flowing more consistently and energy is not being lost, you get a better quality of sleep.
Now, research does show that your internal body temperature does need to drop in order to sleep. The recommended temperature for quality sleep is 60-67 degrees Fahrenheit. So keeping your room cool and then covering your body with blankets and socks is a great way to keep your body at a low temperature, but helping to promote better circulation in your feet and other extremities.
Preventing Stagnation
Stagnation can cause a lot of health issues, most stemming from stress and lack of balance in the body. A lot of our daily habits in western culture actually encourage stagnation in the body, This ranges from our glorification of stress as a sign of being productive, to our eating and drinking habits.
Here are some tips to reduce stagnation and maintain a healthy flow of qi:
Get Enough Sleep
The concept of qi isn’t exactly directly interchangeable with energy, but it’s definitely related. If you’re finding yourself constantly exhausted, it’s likely you have a qi deficiency. Find out how much sleep your body needs to feel refreshed and energized. For most adults, that number is between 7-9 hours. Some people do need naps throughout the day to maintain energy, but for many people, naps throw off your body’s cycle and it can confuse your system. It’s important to listen to your body and ensure that you’re getting the amount of sleep you need to thrive.
Avoid Cold Beverages
The desire for cold beverages, particularly with ice, is specific to Western, particularly American culture. Many other countries do not keep beverages refrigerated unless they need to be preserved, and they don’t serve them on ice. Overly cold beverages reduce your body’s core temperature, which can cause stagnation. Stick with room temperature water to fill your hydration needs, and opt for warm beverages like tea for your tasty treats.
Eat Clean
Maintaining a clean diet is one of the biggest things you can do to prevent stagnation. Aim to incorporate liver supporting ingredients in your diets such as dandelion greens, garlic, onions, and beets. At the same time, be sure to avoid refined sugar as it can distract our internal systems from vital functions.
Take A Warm Bath
Performing heating and detoxifying activities like sitting in a steam room, sauna or taking Epsom salt baths can also help sweat out toxins while raising your core body temperature.
Take Advantage of Your Body’s Pathways
TCM embraces the connections throughout our bodies. In acupuncture and reflexology, the feet are seen as a connecting entity to most body parts. Specific parts of your feet are connected to specific parts of your body. You can utilize this information in a few ways: 1) Applying pressure to specific areas through massage can relieve tension and temporarily ease pain; 2) Ensuring your feet stay warm by wearing socks to bed to prevent stagnation.
What do you do to encourage healthy energy flow throughout your body? Share in the comments!
