Seasonal Wellness, TCM, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Self-Care Practices, Food Is Medicine, Common Health Concerns, Winding Path Updates Dena Hurst Seasonal Wellness, TCM, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Self-Care Practices, Food Is Medicine, Common Health Concerns, Winding Path Updates Dena Hurst

Winter in TCM: The Kidney Season and Why Rest is Medicine

Key Insights:

  • Ancient TCM texts prescribed "retire early, rise late" in winter. Modern research confirms we naturally need 30-60+ minutes more sleep during winter months

  • Your Kidneys (in TCM) store Jing (vital essence). Winter rest prevents depletion that shows as fatigue, immunity issues, and premature aging

  • Sleep deprivation increases cortisol by 37-45%, triggers inflammation, and creates "allostatic load": the cumulative wear that mirrors TCM's concept of Jing depletion

  • Winter rest isn't laziness. It's strategic restoration that builds reserves for spring's expansion

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