Winter
Reflections: Dr. Annalisa Pastore, M.D.
During this winter season I encourage you to retreat into
your inner selves to gain clarity on what it is you would like to manifest in
the next season of your life. Winter is for retreat and reflection to prepare for the next season...spring, which is
for manifesting. I know for
myself and my family, I decided to follow the lead of my children this winter
who wanted to under-schedule themselves, leaving more time for quiet. Of
course they were right about the needs of the spirit.
There are acts of kindness towards the self that we often
instinctively choose during this time of year...warming comfort foods and
drink, celebration with family and friends. Allow yourselves such
self-nourishment. Choose to warm yourself in front of a fire or in a hot
bath. To keep ourselves from succumbing to the cold related illnesses of
the season, it is important to fortify our kidney/adrenal energy. The
winter season is the season of the element of water and its associated
meridians...kidney and urinary bladder. These are two of the more
important meridians...the kidney's jing or essence is the foundation of the yin
and yang of all the body's organs, and the urinary bladder's course alongside
the spinal cord allows it to reflect autonomic nervous system's control of all
the organs of the body. Water is an amazingly versatile element in its
various forms, in its ability to reflect in its stillness, transmit subtle yet
dispersing ripples in its stirring, and create powerful waves in its agitation.
We maintain balance in the kidney and bladder meridians
when we are gentle with our selves and hopeful.
It is no coincidence that the longer nights of winter
coincide with the time to be attentive to our kidney (adrenals) and bladder.
We should take the cues of the season to ensure plentiful and restorative
sleep, going to sleep earlier and rising later (as is possible).
For additional more specific information on nutritional
supplementation and herbs most appropriate during this time of year, you may
speak with Dr. Pastore, M.D. and/or Diane Rooney, M.S., L.AC., DIPlL. OM.,
L.M.T., Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs. Sue Noyes, HHC also has many
suggestions for appropriate nourishing foods.
CHI
Kitchen
Millet is a wonderful gluten-free grain, which has a high
protein profile in comparison to other grains. It is said to strengthen the
kidneys, is beneficial to the stomach and spleen-pancreas, builds “yin” fluids,
moistens dryness, and is alkalizing, balancing over-acid conditions. This
delicious breakfast cereal idea will start your day off right on cold winter
mornings.
Warm Breakfast Millet
1 cup millet, rinsed
2 or 2 ½ cups organic almond milk (or water)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon vanilla extract (alcohol free)
A few grains of sea salt
Toppings:
1 teaspoon of pure maple syrup, drizzled, or stevia to taste
Sprinkle with 1 tbs. ground flaxseed, or nuts of choice
Seasonal fruit
