Happy and Healthy Christmas

A Smile for Immunity

If you feel overwhelmed and stressed in this beautiful but challenging pre-Christmas period, remember that emotions have a big impact on our health. And the most important emotion for health is joy and gratitude! Research shows that laughter activates NK cells - a type of lymphocytes that protects us from pathogens and tumor growth.

Even if you only pretend to laugh, your immune system can’t tell the difference. Research on actors in California has shown a better immune response in those who played in comedies, and weakened in those in depressive movies! So cultivate friendship, joy and gratitude. It is a good habit to start in the morning by realizing the 3 things you are grateful for and giving yourself a smile when brushing your teeth! 

Food as Medicine

Traditional Tibetan medicine, Sowa Rigpa advises the right amount and kind of food to manage the winter season. It is important to warm and nourish our body and keep strong metabolic heat. It is not recommended to fast longer and starve during this period. On the contrary, the diet should be nutritionally rich, containing enough quality fats, proteins and slow carbohydrates.  

You can enrich your nutrition by using herbs, spices and adaptogens such as cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, star anise, anise, Ashwagandha, and more.

These herbs support our psyche and nervous system, which is associated with the element of wind (Lung), which is manifesting in winter. They also improve digestion (ginger) and support stressed kidneys (cardamom) in winter.

Use this great spice, for example, in Christmas cookies. The candy should not contain too much sugar, gluten and milk so as not to weaken the immune system. You can use hazelnut flour, like almonds, cashews, or walnuts, add a little honey and rapadura instead of sugar — see the recipes below

External Therapies

From external therapies, include lubricating the whole body with warm sesame oil and hot compresses to the kidney area. It helps to relax and calm down at bedtime, as well as strengthen the kidneys.

Supplemens Tips

Padma Digestib is a great form of herbal supplement for this season, to support the kidneys, digestion and warm the body. It is ideal to have it in the morning on an empty stomach with hot water, but it can also be used after a heavy Christmas dinner 🙂

And for nervous system support, stress management and good sleep, get Padma Nervotib in the evening before going to bed. You can mix it into tea, broth or even a hot wine.

I wish you a beautiful and healthy Christmas and the whole winter season!

Dr. Anastazja