Starting the New Year Right with Your Health
By DR. SARAH D. ALEMI DAc, LAc, Dipl. Ac., ADS
Eastern Roots Wellness, PLC
As we step into a new year, it’s the perfect time to set intentions for improved health
and balance. One such way is through Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which
o ers a time-tested approach to wellness by aligning with the natural rhythms of the
seasons and nurturing your body, mind, and spirit.
In TCM, the winter season is associated with the Water element, representing
introspection, rest, and restoration. It’s the ideal time to build a strong foundation for
the year ahead by focusing on your kidneys and overall energy, or Qi.
3 WAYS TO START THE YEAR RIGHT WITH TCM
- Prioritize Rest and Reflection
Winter is the time to slow down and conserve
energy. In fact, all of nature has been trying to
point us in the direction of slowing down (i.e., less
sunlight, colder temperatures, lack of sprouting
plants). Ensure you’re getting quality sleep and
consider adding mindfulness practices like
meditation or journaling to your routine. These help
to nourish your kidney energy and prepare you for
the more active seasons ahead. - Eat Warming, Nourishing Foods
In TCM, we encourage eating seasonally and
emphasizing warming foods in winter. Think hearty
soups, stews, and root vegetables. Incorporating foods like black beans, walnuts, and dark leafy greens can support kidney health and keep your body warm and energized. Warm foods are also easier for your body to break down and utilize, in contrast to cold or raw foods. If you’ve overdone it during the holidays, really consider the foods you’re eating! - Consider Acupuncture for Balance
Acupuncture can help you align your
energy, address lingering imbalances, and
strengthen your immune system. Many
people find that regular acupuncture
sessions improve their sleep, reduce stress,
and increase overall vitality—key to starting
the year on the right foot.
Try This Simple Home Practice
Warm your lower back daily using a heating
pad or a warm compress. This area is
considered the “gate of life” in TCM, where
kidney energy is housed. Keeping it warm
during winter supports your vitality and
resilience. In addition, make sure to wear
socks—even when you’re inside your house.
We say that the kidney channel starts at
the bottom of your feet, so if they get cold,
that cold can become problematic. Wearing
socks has also been shown to be great at
regulating whole body temperature!
If you’re ready to embrace the new year with
vitality and balance, incorporating some
of the recommendations above are a great
way to undo the duress of 2024 and move
smoothly into 2025!
