In traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that winter is governed by the kidneys. Among the five organs in the human body, the kidney is considered the yin organ, and cold air affects the kidney energy. Therefore, it is important to nourish the kidneys in winter. However, many men often associate kidney nourishment with enhancing sexual function, without realizing that kidney energy encompasses both yin and yang. To maintain good health, it is necessary to nourish both the kidney yang and kidney yin.
In winter, cold air affects the kidneys, meaning that the kidneys are the first to be attacked by the cold pathogen. Cold is considered a yin pathogen and is most likely to harm yang. Therefore, the first step in winter health maintenance is to protect the kidney yang. To do this, one should "wear more, expose oneself to the sun more, and consume more warming foods." On the other hand, one should "sweat less, avoid excessive physical exertion, and consume less cold food."
In addition, winter is a time of extreme yin energy and a period when both yin and yang can easily become imbalanced. Although the weather is cold, some individuals may experience internal heat due to improper care, which can further damage yin and lead to yin deficiency. Therefore, in winter, it is important not only to nourish the kidney yang but also to nourish the kidney yin. This can be achieved through the consumption of medicinal foods or herbal remedies.
Medicinal food options include stewed meat with goji berries, stewed meat with Chinese yam and polygonum multiflorum, congee with lily bulbs, a gelatinous dessert made from Tremella fungus, and a dessert made from snow pears. Other options include mulberry fruit, turtle, turtle shell, cuttlefish, black sesame, black beans, and black rice.
