Did you know that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) recommends changing your habits and routines depending on the season? From the food you eat to the activities you do, in Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, we adapt our routines and rituals based on the seasons to nurture our bodies and minds based on our environments. This makes it especially important to take extra care of your overall health during the wintertime, where the weather can adversely impact the body and the skin. During this time, colds, flu, aches, pains and dry skin are at its peak. Doing self care rituals, such as acupressure, a skincare routine and mediation, can help balance, renew and restore your energy and body back to its restored, well-rounded state.
Here are some ways you can incorporate TCM into a relaxing weekend routine!
9:00 AM - Wake up to start your day.
Waking up at an hour that isn’t too early or too late in the wintertime is a way to keep the body warm. It also results in an early opportunity to be productive and recharge from the day prior.
9:30 AM - Begin morning skincare routine.
The skin is extra delicate in the wintertime because of things like wind, rain and the cold. These not only affect the skin’s permeability (ability to absorb products), but can also damage the skin barrier. The usage of skincare products that harness the power of TCM herbs can help rebuild your skin’s moisture, as well as strengthen the skin barrier for ample protection.
Some products that we recommend for A.M. use are our Plant Root Remedy Balancing Facial Oil, Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool, and De-Puffing Facial Roller. Combining these three powerful products together can support skin barrier repair, boost circulation and promote lymphatic drainage (your body’s way of releasing toxins!).
10:00 AM Sip a cup of warm herbal tea to start your day, and maybe enjoy a treat on the side.
Listen to your body’s needs. We personally love the TCM recipes from TCM chef Zoey Gong, especially her goji berry granola, for a tasty early day snack. Our Brightening Berry Vitamin C Facial Oil also harnesses the power of goji berry for brighter, firmer skin. This is another great product to use in the morning, followed by your favorite sunscreen!
11:00 AM - Do your morning stretches or practice meditation.
Ensuring that your body is constantly moving is extremely important in TCM—even if it is at a low intensity. Doing low impact activities like stretching can alleviate all of the stress that throws your immune system off, and prevents it from being at its best.
12:30 PM - Second meal of the day.
Fuel your body with warm foods that are easier to digest. This includes warm soups and broths. Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, it is recommended to avoid cold foods like salads during the winter.
1:30 PM - Take a stroll around your neighborhood or local park.
Connecting yourself with nature is one key aspect of TCM. Since most people reduce their outdoor activities in the wintertime, it is important to keep your body active to maintain its energy and warmth.
5:00 PM - Journal and/or read.
Take some time to gather your thoughts and journal, or read a book to replenish the mind with new knowledge and ideas.
6:00 PM Dinner time!
Continue to nurture your body with warm foods. Consistency is key for a routine based around TCM.
8:00 PM Begin nighttime routine.
Your evening skincare routine is the perfect opportunity to de-stress and prep the skin for renewal. Before gua sha and facial massage, use skincare products like Calming Herbal Repair Facial Massage Balm to accelerate cellular repair and healing. This balm to oil serum concentrate contains potent botanicals and Traditional Chinese Medicine herbs that heal the skin and lock in moisture and keep skin dewy throughout the night.
We also suggest practicing traditional treatment methods outside of gua sha, such as acupressure. With the help of our Acupressure Gua Sha Spoon, acupressure can be great for melting tension and draining puffiness in the face.
9:00 PM - Unwind for the evening.
Going to bed early is one of the easiest ways to nurture the Yin, which according to TCM requires more care in the wintertime. Slow down, rest, and take care of yourself!
