The winter solstice brings the shortest day of the year, encouraging us to look inward and reflect. Ancient Chinese texts offer guidance on how to live in harmony with the season during these months. Taking this time to contemplate life is both a way to survive the harsh, cold weather and an opportunity to connect with your heart and spirit.
The Yellow Emperor states: In the three months of winter, all grasses and most of the trees are withered, the insects are in hibernation, the water ices up and the ground is frozen with gaps. Things mostly are shut up or go into hiding to guard against the cold. It is called the season of shutting and storing. In this period, one should be kept warm in the room, dress warmly and take strict prevention against the cold, so that the Yang energy may not be disturbed, he should go to bed early in night and get up late to wait for contacting the sunlight; keep the spirit hiding and subsiding, like having a private consideration in heart but not revealing or seem to have a definite idea in mind already for meeting the situation.
When it comes to yoni/vaginal care, two unexpected things can support your yoni, and they have nothing to do with the actual yoni! Firstly, wearing socks is crucial. The feet and the womb are closely connected through meridians or channels and it is said that if the feet are cold, the womb is cold. The womb by design is meant to be warm and dark, much like a bear's hibernation cave. It's crucial to keep the womb warm, especially during these winter months. Secondly, intense exercise should be avoided during winter. In Chinese medicine, opening the pours in the winter through vigorous exercise can deplete you as you will "leak" yang qi through the pores. Instead, engage in light exercises such as qi gong, yin/restorative yoga, or gentle stretching. These exercises will help preserve and store energy for the spring. Cycling, running, and intense cardio exercises are not recommended during winter.
For additional Chinese Medicine guidance for yoni health, you can read this blog post, where the diet is also discussed and just as important to consider in the winter months.
By following these tips in addition to the overall guidance for the winter, you will find that come spring, your overall health is less likely to be imbalanced.