At Coastal Natural Therapies on the Gold Coast, we strive to provide quality treatments using the fundamentals of Chinese Medicine, we use a style of traditional medicine based on more than 2,500 years of Chinese medical practice.

Monday 21st June 2021, the shortest day and longest night of the year ~ Winter Solstice. In Chinese Medicine the short day and long night is the balance point of Yin and Yang.

Winter solstice is a powerful time in the tradition of Taoist alchemical practices. The power of the moment as the earth’s yin movement (toward increasing darkness) mysteriously transitions to a yang movement (toward increasing light) and is considered as one of the most important times of the year. Within the exact moment of the transition, there is thought to be a moment of perfect harmony, a mysterious blending of the yin and yang that opens the possibility of new creation and rebirth. It is a time to bring together those parts of ourselves we hold in the light and those that we hold in the dark. A time of redemption, reconciliation, acceptance and rebirth.

So what does this mean for you? Although the days will incrementally start to get a little longer, winter is considered a very yin time in Chinese medicine. This means it is a time to look within- a time to rest a little more, to reflect on yourself, and to save up your energy during winter. It becomes important in the yin time of year to focus on nourishing your body and mind.

Some simple Yin-nourishing ideas include:

Surround yourself with people you love.
Get some acupuncture, a massage, healing touch, or some other kind of comforting self-care.
Eat foods that are especially nourishing, such as soups and stews. Don’t worry too much if you gain a couple of kilos. Your animal self is programmed to store a little extra around the waist this time of year as both a survival mechanism and in preparation for the activity of springtime.
Reflect on the year that has just past and the new year to come. What went well last year? What would you like to do differently next year? Make plans for the coming year based on your answers.
Honor the natural cycle of winter. Sleep a little more, slow down and stay warm.

If you would like more information or to book in for an appointment with one of our practitioners, please call us on (07) 5531 6461 or you can book online via our website.