The Beginning of Winter marks the commencement of the cold season when all things enter a state of rest and storage. As recorded in The Seventy-Two Pentads: Monthly Explanations, "Li (立) signifies the beginning, while dong (冬) means the end—the time when all things are stored away."

Health Preservation in Beginning of Winter

Lifestyle Adjustment: Early to bed and late to rise, keeping warm against the cold

The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic states: "During the three winter months, retire early and rise late – wait for the daylight." After the Beginning of Winter, nights come early, so people should try to go to bed early and wake up late, aligning the body's biological rhythms with nature's cycles. Falling asleep before 10 PM ensures adequate rest, helping yang qi to conserve and yin essence to accumulate. Meanwhile, as temperatures drop in winter, cold protection becomes particularly important. The head, being the seat of all yang energies, is especially vulnerable to cold invasion – thus wearing hats and face masks becomes essential for warmth preservation. Additionally, clothing should be adjusted promptly according to weather changes to prevent chill-induced colds.

Mental wellness care: Maintain a cheerful mood and cultivate tranquility

As winter brings the withering of all things, it's easy for people to feel melancholic and downhearted. Negative emotions can adversely affect the body and even lead to illnesses. Therefore, during the Beginning of Winter season, it's important to regulate one's emotions and lifestyle, maintaining a cheerful, peaceful, and tranquil state of mind. Engaging in activities like dancing, playing musical instruments, painting, or calligraphy can cultivate one's temperament and nourish both body and mind. Alternatively, basking in the sunlight, listening to music, or gardening can also elevate one's mood.

Exercise and Wellness: Timely Workouts to Enhance Physical Fitness

After the Beginning of Winter, although the weather turns cold, moderate exercise still helps strengthen physical fitness and boosts immunity. However, it's advisable to exercise after the sun rises; avoid intense outdoor activities after dinner. Additionally, staying warm and controlling the intensity and duration of workouts are essential. Gentle exercises like brisk walking, jogging, Baduanjin (Eight Pieces of Brocade), or Tai Chi are excellent choices. These activities not only promote blood circulation, relieve stress, and enhance cardiovascular function but also help keep the mind clear and active.

Warm Supplementation Recommended During Beginning of Winter

In traditional Chinese medicine, seasons correspond to the five internal organs, with the Beginning of Winter linked to the kidneys. Since the body's yin and yang are rooted in the kidneys, the focus of winter health preservation lies in balancing these aspects of kidney health.

"The kidneys govern storage and are the foundation of sealing and preservation," thus winter health maintenance focuses on "nourishing the kidneys and guarding against cold." In terms of regimen, warm supplementation should be emphasized. Increase intake of animal-based foods and legumes to replenish vitamins and minerals. Additionally, lamb, soybeans, walnuts, chestnuts, and radishes are all suitable foods.

After the Beginning of Winter (Lidong), it is appropriate to consume moderate amounts of tubers such as sweet potatoes and potatoes. Those with yang deficiency may choose lamb or chicken. Individuals with both qi and blood deficiency may consume goose meat, duck meat, or black-bone chicken. For those who should avoid raw, cold, or excessively heating foods, options include goji berries, jujubes, wood ear mushrooms, black sesame seeds, or walnut meat.

White Radish and Lamb Soup

Ingredients: 500g lamb, 300g white radish, white pepper powder, salt to taste.

Method: Cut the lamb into large pieces, wash and blanch before removing; wash the white radish and cut into large chunks; place all ingredients into a soup pot, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for about 1 hour; season with appropriate amounts of salt and white pepper before serving.

Efficacy: This medicinal diet has the effects of nourishing deficiency, warming the middle burner, descending qi, and resolving phlegm. Regular consumption can enhance the body's cold resistance.