Winter: A Season to Rest, Restore, and Reflect
As the days shorten and the natural world grows quieter, Winter invites us to slow down, turn inward, and gently replenish ourselves. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this is a time not for striving, but for stillness, silence, and restoration, perfect for laying strong foundations for the year ahead.
At Iwood Health, we encourage you to honour the seasonal rhythms and
give yourself permission to pause.
Dan’s Winter Message
As we enter this season, be grateful for what we do have. All of us at Iwood Health extend our heartfelt thanks to you, our valued community. Your trust in us, and your dedication to your health and longevity, continues to inspire us.
May this winter bring you nourishment, peace, and meaningful moments with those you love.
Ancient Wisdom for Winter
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Autumn and Winter are the seasons of Yin nourishment.
Yin represents cooling, moistening, grounding, and restorative qualities. During these months, you are encouraged to go inward on an emotionally, and mental level. On a physical level do keep active but do so in moderation, remember to enjoy the exercise if you are enjoying your surroundings and smiling then you are winning.
Winter is associated with the Water element and the Kidneys, which are considered the storehouse of our vital essence. How we care for ourselves now has a lasting impact on our resilience, vitality, and ageing process.
Winter invites us to: • Rest more deeply • Protect and restore our energy • Warm and nourish the body • Embrace stillness and reflection
Ways to Nurture Your Yin This Winter
Here are some gentle, practical suggestions to support Yin energy during the colder months:
• Prioritise sleep and regular rest
• Choose warm, cooked, nourishing meals such as soups, stews, and slow-cooked dishes
• Drink warm fluids rather than iced or cold drinks
• Keep your lower back, feet, and neck warm
• Opt for gentle movement such as walking, stretching, Qi Gong, or Tai Chi
• Reduce overexertion and constant “busyness”
Small, consistent acts of kindness, care and self care are far more powerful than extremes.
Seasonal Reflection
Winter is an ideal time to reflect quietly on the year that has passed.
You may wish to take a few moments to sit with these questions:
• What did this past year teach me about my health and wellbeing?
• Where did I push too hard, and where did I find balance?
• What habits or patterns am I ready to let go of?
There is no need to rush the answers. Simply noticing is enough.
Remember the Whole Picture of Your Health
True wellbeing is multi-layered. As you move through Winter, consider how you are nurturing each aspect of yourself:
Physical
Sleep quality, digestion, energy levels, pain, movement and physical comfort
Emotional
Stress levels, mood, emotional expression, and resilience
Relationships
Support systems, communication, connection, and healthy boundaries
Purpose
Feeling engaged, motivated, and finding meaning in everyday life
Spiritual
A sense of connection, calm, inner clarity, and reflection
Balance does not mean perfection — it means listening and responding kindly to your needs.
Looking Ahead
As Winter continues, keep an eye out for Dan’s Chinese New Year card for 2026, welcoming the Year of the Yang Fire Horse. This energetic shift will bring a very different quality of movement and momentum after the stillness of Winter.
A Closing Thought
Winter teaches us that rest is not weakness, and stillness is not stagnation. By nourishing ourselves now, we prepare the ground for growth, strength, and vitality in the seasons to come.
If you have enjoyed reading this newsletter please feel free to share it with your family and friends so that they can enjoy good health this Winter.
In Friendship Your Iwood Health Therapists,
–Dan, Jackie, John, Hazel, Áine, Lisa, Katie and Louise –
Iwood Health, Wrington 