As the seasons change and temperatures drop, many people focus on staying warm for comfort, but did you know that keeping your body properly covered is essential for maintaining good health? According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), exposure to cold weather—especially wind, dampness, and sudden temperature changes—can lead to imbalances in the body, weakened immunity, and even chronic health issues.
At
Lotus Acupuncture & Wellness, we encourage patients to
dress appropriately for the season to protect their
Qi (vital energy) and prevent common health concerns like colds, joint pain, and fatigue.
Why Keeping Warm Matters in TCM
In TCM theory, the body is viewed as a delicate system that must be kept in balance to function properly. External factors like cold, wind, and dampness can invade the body and disrupt energy flow, leading to a variety of health problems.
How Cold Exposure Affects the Body:
❄
Weakens the Immune System – Cold weather can deplete
Wei Qi, the body's defensive energy, making you more
susceptible to colds, flu, and respiratory infections.
❄
Triggers Muscle & Joint Pain – Cold can
tighten muscles and stagnate circulation, worsening conditions like
arthritis, neck pain, and back pain.
❄
Slows Digestion – Cold constricts the
Spleen and Stomach meridians, leading to
bloating, sluggish digestion, and poor nutrient absorption.
❄
Causes Fatigue & Low Energy – When the body is
constantly working to stay warm, it
depletes energy reserves, leading to
fatigue and brain fog.
❄ Impacts Circulation & Menstrual Health – Cold can slow blood flow, leading to menstrual cramps, irregular periods, and poor circulation in the hands and feet.
TCM Guidelines for Staying Warm
1. Protect Your Neck & Lower Back
In TCM, cold and wind enter the body through the neck and lower back, disrupting energy flow and causing stiffness or pain.
✅ Wear scarves, hats, and high-collared jackets to protect your neck from wind and drafts.
✅ Keep your lower back covered, especially the kidney area, which is crucial for energy and warmth.
2. Keep Your Feet Warm
Your feet have important meridian points connected to the Kidneys, which are essential for overall vitality.
✅ Wear warm socks and closed-toe shoes (avoid walking barefoot on cold floors).
✅ Try warming foot soaks with ginger or Epsom salt to boost circulation.
3. Layer Up & Choose Warm Fabrics
Dressing in layers allows you to adjust to changing temperatures without exposing your body to sudden cold.
✅ Choose natural, breathable fabrics like wool, cotton, or fleece to trap body heat.
✅ Wear thermal layers in cold weather to maintain warmth.
4. Avoid Cold Foods & Drinks
Drinking iced beverages or eating raw, cold foods can disrupt digestion and weaken internal warmth.
✅ Drink warm teas (ginger, cinnamon, or chai) instead of iced drinks.
✅ Eat cooked vegetables, soups, and warming spices (garlic, turmeric, and cayenne) to support digestion.
5. Stay Dry & Avoid Dampness
Cold combined with dampness (like rain, snow, or wet clothing) can cause joint pain, sluggishness, and fatigue.
✅ Change out of wet clothes immediately after being in rain or snow.
✅ Wear waterproof shoes and jackets to stay dry in damp weather.
How Acupuncture Helps with Cold Sensitivity & Circulation
If you frequently feel cold, have poor circulation, or experience joint pain in the winter, acupuncture can help!
✔ Improves circulation & warms the body – Acupuncture promotes Qi and blood flow, helping your body retain heat naturally.
✔
Reduces cold-induced pain – Great for
arthritis, stiff muscles, and chronic pain that worsens in cold weather.
✔
Strengthens the immune system – Helps prevent
seasonal colds, sinus congestion, and flu-like symptoms.
✔
Supports digestion & metabolism – Acupuncture boosts the
Spleen and Kidney meridians, helping your body process food and energy efficiently.
Stay Warm, Stay Healthy!
At
Lotus Acupuncture & Wellness, we believe that
staying warm is key to maintaining long-term health. If you often feel cold, fatigued, or struggle with joint pain during colder months,
acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can help restore balance and improve circulation.
Contact Lotus Acupuncture & Wellness
Ready to experience the best acupuncture care in Southern NH? Contact Lotus Acupuncture & Wellness today:
📍 Location: 3 Mound Court Unit 4, Merrimack, NH 03054
📞 Phone: 603-377-6633
📧 Email: lotus@lotusacupuncturewellness.com
🌐 Website: www.lotusacupuncturewellness.com
With expert care, a patient-centered approach, and an ADA-accessible facility, Lotus Acupuncture & Wellness is the top choice for acupuncture in Merrimack, Amherst, Bedford, Milford, Nashua, Manchester, and beyond.
Take the first step toward natural healing and well-being—schedule your appointment today! ✨
