6 Herbal Allies for Qi Support
During the winter months, it's important that we tend to our bodies and keep our Qi flowing. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the ancient Chinese viewed the Kidneys as our deepest reservoir of energy – the Kidney Qi (especially in the Winter) plays an important role in keeping us strong and active during times of stress. It also helps both in healing and in preventing illness, and increases our overall energy.
If you’ve read the Astro Forecast from our resident Astrologer Zamboni, then you know that this January, we’re in for a lot of energetic upheaval. As a part of the stars, the earth and collective consciousness—we may feel these shifts in one way or another.
6 Herbal Allies for Qi Support
Given the shifting energy of January, I’d love to offer some herbal allies from TCM and Abuela remedios to support our Qi and Immune System:
- Cinnamon: Invigorates circulation, and expels cold from the blood, removes excess bloat/water retention
- Ginger: Beneficial for digestion, helps ventilate the Lungs, and treats cough, keeps our belly warm and helps ignite our metabolism
- Elderberry: Strengthens immune system, nourishes blood and moistens the lungs, Adaptogenic, soothing our cortisol levels
- Nettle: Energy boosting, immune system support, anti-inflammatory, rich in vitamins
- Cacao: a stimulant and a food that enhances longevity, supports the heart energetically and helps create Qi in the physical body
- Dandelion: fresh feeling, moving, and stimulating. Moves heavy emotional energies out of the body and assists with flow
Before I head off to Brazil for a bit, I’ve re-created a tea that I often make for my one on one clients called Adaptogenic Tea Blend. It is choc’full of these herbs and stimulates our Lymphatic system. They will assist the waters of our body to flow, helping us to produce more energy (Qi) in the cold months ahead, helping our blood to move and nourish our kidneys.
7-Step Body Massage
I would also like to suggest self massage! Massage your body when you're out of the shower or before bed. Create actual heat with your hands on your skin and as you do so, thank your body!
- Massage your legs in an upward motion from the ankle up, stimulating more lymphatic movement
- Move down to your feet and press into parts that feel fleshy or tender, sending love and gratitude.
- Massage your belly and lower back in a downward motion or circular motion,
- Then, massage your chest outward towards your shoulders, your arms and your hands!
- Next, you want to find that kidney acupressure point right in the flesh part between your index finger and your thumb; press it and breatheeee.
- Then move up towards your neck, making sure to massage and activate your vagus nerve on the sides of your neck in a gentle downward motion.
- Massage your jaw area, your temples and honestly, anywhere and everywhere that needs some love and attention.
Take care of your body, it is your temple, your altar. Give it extra love especially in these slower colder months.
And lastly, Before I head out- Here's a little music lovin’ to keep these cold days a bit warmer and sunny: Litto’Bitto Sunshine