Preparation for Winter

In Shiatsu terms, the best way to prepare for winter is to make sure that your ki energy is strong and functioning efficiently. Efficient flow of energy ensures greater resistance to winter ailments by keeping your immune system and other natural defences strong. It also gives you the impetus needed to see you through those dark and dismal days of winter.

So how can you achieve this? Firstly, and most importantly, keep your kidneys warm. In energetic terms, your kidneys are your ‘batteries', providing the energy to warm your body and keep ki flowing. Cold kidneys often result in lower back pain, and a propensity to colds and flu. Secondly, eat well. Nature provides certain foods at certain times of year for good reason. They provide the energy you need over winter, so make full use of winter foods - a salad in February is energetically no good to anyone. Finally see your local Shiatsu practitioner to get your energy flowing and iron out all those niggling problems before winter sets in.