Winter is the season of stillness, whispering to us to look inward, and explore our innermost selves.

***

Chinese Medicine encourages us to live in harmony with the cycles of nature for maintaining robust health of body, mind, and spirit. Winter is the most yin time of the year, directly opposed to summer, the most yang time of the cycle. Winter is still, cold, and dark in nature as contrasted to summer, which is active, warm, and bright.

Wintertime beckons us to find the stillness and to look inward, embracing the darkness and seeking deeper self-reflection.

Water is the element associated with winter, the very essence of life, the beginning of all things. Water is a feminine element, the element of the subconscious, purification, intuition, and mysteries of the self. We can learn from the essence of water by awakening our own divine wisdom and awareness.  This can be a time of truth-seeking and finding the deeper meaning of life.  Water is love – life-giving, and is flexible, adaptable, powerful, and gentle.

 

“In one drop of water are found all the secrets of all the oceans”
— Kahlil Gibran Jr.

 

The yin of winter is an ideal time for inner reflection, purification, and revitalizing your qi (life force).
These are a few ways to build your yin and life force during the winter months:

Qigong, pronounced “chi gong,” developed in China over five thousand years ago as part of traditional Chinese medicine. Qigong is an ancient Chinese health practice that harmonizes mind and body to increase mental and physical well-being. This practice encompasses flowing postures, breathing exercises, and meditation.

Practicing qigong is a way to cultivate the free flow of “life energy” within the body and mind. When the qi or “life force” is in free flow there is optimal health and wellness in our bodies and minds.
As an acupuncturist, this is the basis of our practice. The meridian system is how the qi “life force” flows through the body. Acupuncture, tui na, gua sha, and cupping, encourage the free flow of qi to optimize health and well-being. There are several forms of qigong; medical (healing), and spiritual and physical qi gong.

Practicing qi gong can provide lifelong benefits for cultivating the free flow in body, mind, and spirit. Enjoy this easy-to-follow practice from Lee Holden.

I have begun a formal study of medical qigong. This practice is an extension of Traditional Chinese Medicine that works to improve health and wellness for me as well as my patients.  This is an interesting and rewarding study that will deepen my knowledge and practice of TCM in my clinic.

Yin yoga
The practice of yin yoga is based on ancient Chinese philosophies and Taoist principles and the understanding that there are pathways/meridians of qi “life force “moving through our bodies. Yin yoga can help restore the free flow of life force with poses.
The yoga poses open and releases blockages and stagnation within the meridian system of the body. A slower, more meditative practice that uses longer holds to target deep connective tissues like fascia, ligaments, and joints. Postures are mainly performed on the floor and held for 2-5 minutes. These classes can help restore calm, and relaxation while balancing your parasympathetic nervous system.

Sound therapy
Sound Therapy uses sound, music, and specialized instruments played in therapeutic ways, combined with deep self-reflection techniques to improve health and well-being.
This therapy is an efficient and effective tool for achieving physical, mental, and emotional clarity and harmony. Incorporating sound healing can help restore mental, physical, and energetic balance.

For group sound therapy, you may be interested in OHM Center.

Journey box is a home device that can bring sound healing into your daily life whenever you need it! I love this device. I use it during my retreats, in my clinical practice as well as in my personal use during mediation practice.

Meditation
Starting a practice of quieting the mind and taking that deep dive to your inner knowing can be life-altering.
My current practice is based on Vedic Meditation practice.

Journaling
Organizing your thoughts and writing them out on paper can help your mind reframe and heal from stress and trauma.

 

 Warming Winter Elixir

I would like to recommend these two easy-warming Gogi Berry recipes to boost the immune system during the winter months. Enjoy!

*Boost your constitution with Nettle + Goji Berry Tea Infusion Recipe 

  • Fill an 8 oz jar with:
  • 4 tablespoons of nettle leaf (or 2 tea bags)
  • 4 tablespoons of the red Raspberry leaf (or 2 tea bags)
  • 2 tablespoons of Goji Berries
  • Pour boiling water over the herbs in the jar.
  • Cover the jar and steep for 4 hours.
  • Strain and enjoy 1-2 cups a day.

I like the “Traditional Medicinal Tea” brand which is organic.

Warm yourself with medicinal Goji Berry Infused  Vodka Recipe 

  • 3 cups organic Vodka
  • 1 cup organic goji berries
  • Soak in an airtight mason jar for 1-2 weeks
  • Strain and decant in a glass bottle

Benefits of Gogi Berries 

  • Provides high levels of antioxidants and nutrients
  • Improves immune function
  • Promotes healthy glowing skin
  • Helps stabilize blood sugar
  • Detoxifies  the liver
  • Increases energy and uplifts mood
  • Enhances fertility

Winter Special

 Immune Boost Sweat Therapy
-Renew and Regenerate in our PW 55 min session   –
$100 for December and January 2023.

The session begins with;

  •  A full body dry skin brush to stimulate lymphatic drainage
  • Followed by a lymphatic massage with organic massage oil to stimulate and enhance circulation
  •  Gentle cupping using soft silicone cups to move lymph and release tight fascia, to couture and tone the legs and buttocks.
  • Your body is now prepared for the optimal sweat experience.
  • You are then enveloped in our infrared body wrap for 55mins of relaxation and inner reflection.
  • During the session, you will also receive a mini facial treatment. You will experience the magic of gua sha and jade roller.  We complete the treatment with the organic reoxygenating mask from Oryza. This will leave your skin smooth and radiant.
  • After the sweat, you will be soothed with a eucalyptus-scented hot towel.
  • 32 oz immune-boosting herbal tea + electrolyte drink.

 

Facial Microneedling
Book 3 sessions with Dr. Parris, and you will receive the gift set of :

  • Yin Facial Serum
  •  the organic reoxygenating mask from Oryza.

 

Natalie Evans

Parris Wellness is excited to host Natalie Evans. She will be at our office bi-monthly on Wednesdays and Thursdays offering facial therapies, including active sculpting and face gym, as well as clinical-focused treatments. She is a dual-licensed, medical massage therapist and master esthetician, in the State of New York. For more information about Natalie and her treatments at Parris Wellness, click here.

To book appointments, please contact

  • Or cell phone text if you have Natalie’s number