Solar Terms Wellness: Beginning of Winter

The Beginning of Winter (Lidong), which falls around November 7 or 8, marks the first solar term of winter. As Lidong arrives, yang energy retreats and yin energy reaches its peak. Plants wither, insects enter hibernation, and all living things conserve their strength in preparation for the renewal of life in the coming spring.

Keeping warm in early winter is an art. Wearing too little or keeping indoor temperatures too low can easily lead to colds and deplete yang energy. On the other hand, wearing too many layers or keeping indoor temperatures too high can cause the pores to open, preventing yang energy from being properly stored and leaving the body more vulnerable to pathogenic cold.

Lidong is an important solar term and an ideal time to nourish and replenish the body.

Recipe Spotlight: Black Sesame Porridge

Ingredients: 25g black sesame seeds and 50g japonica rice.

Method: Dry-roast the black sesame seeds and grind them into a powder. Rinse the rice and place it in a pot with the sesame powder. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer until the mixture thickens into porridge.

Benefits: Helps nourish the liver and kidneys and replenish the body's vital organs.