Healthwise Clinic Natural Health Blog

Snow and ice in Britain over the last few days have made a difference to our health.  While the weather has created problems it has also given us opportunities for better health.

• The hills have been alive with sledging, skiing and snowboarding.  Conditions have been so good that the snow has rivalled experiences you would normally get in the Alps.  Lots of fun ways to take exercise.

• Parents who would normally be at work are taking the time to be with their children whose schools have been closed.  Spending quality time with those who are most important to you is important for our health.

• Cars have been left in the drive, and people have walked.  Simply walking for 20 minutes is soo much better than always going by car.

• We have noticed there have been more conversations with strangers.  The weather is a good subject to talk about but there has been a better connection between people and a chance to get to know new people.  (We are social creatures – we need to be in contact with others)

• This is of course in addition to all the people who have helped each other dig cars out of the snow, and generally be good neighbours…our mind and spirit affects our health.  Being helped as well as helping others contributes massively to our well-being.

• Food is being bought in a more planned way.  More snow is continually being threatened, so many families have stocked up.

• We have become more aware of the weather.  In traditional chinese medicine the seasons play a large part in health, and often in modern life we simply fail to notice the season we are in.  Looking at a snow scene is also an opportunity for reflection.

• Last but not least, winter is a time of rest and recuperation.  The snow has given us all a chance to stop and take life more quietly for a day or two.  Stopping the frenetic lifestyle is a key aspect of better health.

However, we are looking forward to seeing all of you whose appointments were affected by the weather, and hope we will be able to catch up in the next few days.

Eating the right food in winter begins with thinking about how our food can best sustain us during the winter period.  While the weather is colder we need food that will warm us because of its temperature, and it is the season to add spices which are also warming to the body.

So please do not eat cold ice-cream or drinks straight from the fridge during winter.  Better to have warm oven-baked food, preferably with some spices added.

Ginger is particularly good during winter and will help the circulation in the cold.  Cinammon and Fennel are excellent right now, but if you are trying to conceive please avoid these after ovulation.

If you have any digestive problems telephone the clinic 44 (0) 1628 668339 and claim your free 15 minute consultation.

How many people do you know who were ill over Christmas?  A lot of my friends and acquaintances have been laid low in the run up to Christmas and afterwards.

According to the lunar calendar used in Chinese medicine this is not surprising as we should all be taking it easy in the winter months. Winter is traditionally the time for accumulation (not depletion of energy), nourishment and growth.

Flowers do not bloom in winter, trees lose their leaves .. plants have a period of downtime – and so should we!  Instead of getting stressed, winter is the time we should be relaxing more, eating good healthy food, and getting the rest we need.

So make the most of the credit crunch and avoid the sales and you will helping your health as well as your wallet!