Having spent 2 months in sunnier climates recently, I was struck by the almost hostile nature of the cold and wind back in the UK. It makes us hunch forward,  covering our hearts and our throats, eyes downcast as the poor posture compresses the Lung 1 acupuncture point. Compare this to wandering barelegged in the sunshine around shopping malls overlooking the Pacific Ocean, walking barefoot on the beach with face uplifted to the sunlight, lounging in the warm Socal winter sun by a saline pool, walking the pristine sunny streets of Los Angeles helping my client pick the best fengshui street for her next home or walking the land in the balmy warm Autumn of Tennessee measuring out the position for Feng Shui Buddhas and water features.... (Sighs wistfully)...! 

Warmth and light is so so necessary for our mental wellbeing, well at least it is for me. I didn't think I suffered from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) but it turns out I do, and I have been much happier this winter working at my desk with my recently purchased Lumie lamp. It really has made a noticeable difference and I am not as prone to tearful bouts or pessimistic thoughts and feelings of futility and anxiety. What a relief. :)

So, if you struggle in the dark and cold seasons, do check out Lumie.com.

Anyhow, how can we bring back a sense of the sunshine and fire energy when the days are getting shorter?

Environmental Design Tips

Fairy Lights - as a student I used to LOVE fairy lights! They gave an instant lift to any digs I lived in! They have now become much more sophisticated and varied and can also be used outside in the garden. In general if you can place them high up and spanning dark corners, they will have an uplifting effect. Don't coil them up into a jar though as this has a chaotic messy effect.

Red plants and flowers

Although Pointsettia's aren't native to the UK or most northern lands, they are absolutely beautiful and very cheery in winter months and will last a good few months, so are much more eco-friendly than cut flowers. I love fresh flowers now and then but on the whole prefer flowering houseplants like Peace Lilies and Moth Orchids.

Red & Orange berries

Picking some winter shrubs while they have red or orange berries on them brings an instant hit of fire energy colour into the home or office.

Natural Fires

Clearly, a natural fire is the ultimate fire element, whether a log burner or open hearth inside or a chiminea or fire pit outside. Even if all you have is an electric fire, it is better than nothing. Gas fires are also very cosy. 

Candlelight

Candles can be absolutely lovely and so relaxing especially those in a lantern with a pretty punctured case that casts gorgeous patterns on the walls and ceiling. If you opt for scented candles make sure they are all natural not full of chemicals.

Red & Purple & Orange clothes and underwear!

Red and warm purple are great fire colours, as is Orange, though not convinced it would look that great as underwear! Wearing red close to the skin is great in winter and very protective.

Full Spectrum Lights and/or SAD lamps

I already mentioned the beneficial effect of the Lumie, but there are others on the market. Full spectrum lights imitate natural daylight, but don't overdose on it, especially in the evening as it might interfere with your natural rhythms and cause insomnia!

Internal Tips

Spicy Foods

Dishes using hot chilli and hot spices or ginger are great in the winter, as are warming soups and slow-cooker stews which tenderise the food so well that it becomes very easy to digest.

Raw Garlic

If you can stomach the taste (it is HOT and pungent!) then chewing a small amount (half a clove or a clove) is really good for our immune system. Not only is it hot and helps push out dampness, but it is highly anti-microbial and anti-fungal meaning it has mild anti-biotic effects and can help protect the body against bacteria and viruses. Don't take my word for it, as I am not a TCM doctor, but do your own research.

Ginger Tea

It is so important in the colder countries of the Northern Hemisphere to make sure you don't accumulate internal damp, which according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (which takes a holistic and naturopathic perspective on health unlike Western allopathic methods) can lead to all sorts of ailments particular in the chest area as too much phlegm is predicted in the body, which congests the airways. While phlegm in small amounts is useful for cleansing the system of bacteria and pathogens, in excess it can cause too much congestion by weakening the spleen. Phlegm isn't always cool, it can be hot, but usually it is too much cooling food and rich foods like unhealthy fried fats, wheat, sugar and too much raw food. If you want to learn more consult a local TCM practitioner or acupuncturist.

Avoid Iced Water

Drinking very cold water disrupts the digestion, so it is much better to drink tepid or slightly warm water. Room temperature in a winter room might need a little hot water put into it.

Meditation

Meditation is important any time of year, but especially so in the Winter, as we need to lean into our own internal resources much more.

Prayer

Even the act of bringing your palms together helps to gather your energy and your thoughts. Placing your palms next to your heart tonifies your heart chi, which enables feelings of joy and contentment. Whether you pray to God or your own sense of a benevolent power is your personal choice of course, but even the introspection required is beneficial particularly in today's busy world. 

Thankfully, the Winter Solstice (longest night, shortest day) isn't too far away on 22nd December, which means that from the 23rd December we welcome the return of the sun and the days will gradually become lighter, longer and warmer! Yay!

Ever the optimist!

Love Sarah x

PS. If you haven't yet commissioned your 2022 tune-up for Feng Shui or Chinese Horoscope do get in touch!

PPS. The Winter Solstice marks the energetic new Chinese Year of the Water Tiger, and I will be releasing my annual forecast in the next few weeks.