Winter Solstice

In Chinese, the Winter Solstice translates to “the most Yin”. Yin Yang philosophy explains mutual transformation: Yin gives birth to Yang and Yang gives birth to Yin. Yin energy is still, cold and dark. Yang energy is expansive, warm and light. Throughout the year we experience different variations of these energies. Tonight is the darkest day of the year, at 11:48 PM ET we will have the most yin energy hovering all around us as it is the winter solstice. And just like when you hit rock bottom you have to start climbing back up, tonight Yin gives birth to Yang. This could explain why we celebrate birth and light this time of year.

There are a few things we can do to optimize this energy and stay healthy during this period. It is important to get to bed early and rise late, try to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep. This is the time of hibernation we need to recharge physically and mentally.

Just because it is winter, does not mean we should not be physically active. Keep moving gently. Yoga and Tai Chi are good workouts for this time of year.

Some dietary recommendations include increasing beef and lamb consumption. You can incorporate them in soups and stews. Also, spices like scallions, ginger and black pepper are helpful for digestion this time of year.

So stay warm, eat healthy and move gently. This is the begging of a beautiful thing – Yang energy