Dear Montpelier,
Well, I guess winter has decided to stick around. What now?
A lot of people coming into the clinic these days are reporting high levels of anxiety. With the recent climate report and the constant barrage of political nonsense and division, this only makes sense as a natural response. Anxiety is a hot condition, whereas what is happening outside is cold, cold, cold. What can we do for our bodies to warm ourselves up for the winter, while cooling ourselves down from the collective anxiety?
First and foremost, we need to stay well nourished and fully hydrated. The indoor heating is very drying and zaps our fluids, which can make us more susceptible to anxiety and insomnia in the long run. Drink lots of water! This is the easiest thing to forego in the winter, and our bodies can pay a hefty price for this oversight. Leave the ice out of your water (since it is already falling from the sky and collecting on your roof, you don't need more of it, especially not in your stomach.) Warm water and room temperature water are ideal, but if cold water helps to get the water into you, go with cold water. It is better to drink than to have the perfect temperature, but leave the ice out. Ideally, add salt, lemon and maple syrup to your water to help you really retain it so you can maximize its positive effects on your being. Miso soup, seaweed, and seafood are all really great as well for deeper level hydration. Sweet potatoes and squashes will help your digestion stay happy and balanced.
For the anxiety, rose tea is really good. Rose buds specifically, but rose petals are great as well. Steep the roses for 5 minutes and drink up! Who can panic about the world when they're drinking roses? Be a faerie! Enjoy! Other great teas are passionflower, chamomile, lavendar and mimosa (both the flower and the bark.) The Grian Apothecary (Tulsi Tea Room on Elm St) is a great place to get these herbs. Ask Iris or Carmen what else they recommend :)
Here at the clinic we have 2 really great formulas for anxiety and insomnia. One is called Peace Pearls and another is Spirit Pearls. Depending on your constitution, there may be another formula that would be better suited for you. Come in for a consult and we can figure that out.
Another great thing to do for yourself when feeling anxious is to take a dry paintbrush or blush brush and run it up and down the middle of your inner forearm. This regulates and calms the pericardium, which is the heart protector. It should slow the racing heart, hence the racing mind, hence the anxiety, leading to an easier day and night. Five minutes in the morning and five minutes at night should make a world of difference.
For warming up, ginger, chaga, cumin, nutmeg, and cardamom are all great. Soup and tea, stews and meats will help you out. The spices in mulled cider, chai, or pumpkin pie are basically winter warming spices. Choose red wine over beer, baked potatoes over french fries. Warm baths are helpful, while always making sure your hair is dry before heading outside. Keep your neck, throat and shoulders covered in a scarf, as these areas are vulnerable to the cold due to their proximity to the respiratory system. Make sure your lower back and belly stay toasty. If you feel like you have caught a chill, put a hot water bottle on your belly or your low back to warm your core back up.
Stay dry! Take off wet socks and shoes immediately. If you need to bring a change of clothes to work or school with you, do it. An easy way to get sick in the winter is to catch a chill from cold, wet clothes or hair. Get dry and warm as soon as possible once you've come inside from your winter sport, or just from where you parked your car.
Don't forget to turn on the humidifier with the heat, or to put the tea kettle on the wood stove. Adding eucalyptus oil to the water on your wood stove can help out your lungs.
Come in for a treatment! Seasonal changes are hard on the system, as is the Vermont winter. This is a great time to boost your immune system and take care of any aches and pains so that they don't hound you while you're shoveling. Prevention is key, and we are here to help!
I also want to give you all a shout out for how well you take care of yourselves. I find myself constantly talking about how much I love my job and my patients. It is always so nice to see all of you and feels amazing to watch your conditions improve. Your dedication to yourself is inspiring and it is a joy to work with all of you.
Thanks so much and see you soon!
Best,Lara Foy
