Make It A Healthy Morning
Good morning Calgary!
What does a healthy morning look like according to Traditional Medicine (TM) principles? What foods are beneficial to eat? What drinks should we choose? What habits can we cultivate?
What are the key principles for the morning?
Following the Body's Natural Rhythms
Traditional Medicine emphasizes living in harmony with natural cycles. The morning is the time when yang energy is rising, so the routine should align with this natural increase in activity and energy.
Wake up with the sun to harness the rising yang energy, helping you feel more connected with nature’s rhythms.
Hydration to Nourish Yin
Though the focus is on promoting yang energy in the morning, it's important to balance this with the nourishment of Yin.
Drinking warm water helps hydrate and cleanse the body without overburdening digestion.
*Drink warm water right after getting up
Gentle Awakening of the Body: Warm water helps to gently awaken the digestive system after a night of rest. It can stimulate the spleen and stomach, promoting better digestion throughout the day.
Improved Circulation: Warm water can help increase blood circulation, which is essential for overall health and vitality. It aids in the movement of qi (energy) throughout the body.
Hydration: After several hours of sleep, the body may be dehydrated. Drinking warm water replenishes fluids and helps maintain hydration levels.
Detoxification: Warm water can assist in flushing out toxins that may have accumulated overnight, supporting kidney and bladder function.
Support for Digestion: Starting the day with warm water prepares the digestive system for food intake, promoting smoother digestion and reducing the risk of discomfort.
Balancing Yin and Yang: In TCM, warm water is seen as a yin tonic, helping to balance the body's yin (cool, moist) and yang (warm, dry) energies.
Balance of Yin and Yang
Morning is Yang time, and, to support this, the morning routine should focus on gradually increasing yang energy to create balance between rest (yin) and activity (yang).
Avoid overstimulation (e.g., intense exercise or too much caffeine) right after waking up. Start gently to allow your body to naturally transition from yin (rest) to yang (activity).
Calm and Focused Mind (Shen)
In Traditional Medicine, Shen refers to the spirit or mind. A calm and clear Shen is essential for emotional balance and mental clarity.
Start the morning with mindful practices such as meditation, deep breathing, or journaling to calm your mind and set a peaceful, focused intention for the day.
Nourishing Qi
Qi is the body’s life force, and the morning is a time to replenish and stimulate it. Activities like Qigong, yoga, mindful movement or gentle stretching with breathwork can help stretch the meridians (energy pathways) without overexerting the body, which is still transitioning from rest, enhance the free flow of Qi, clear stagnation, and prepare you for the day ahead throughout the body.
Supporting Spleen and Stomach Qi
The Spleen and Stomach are central to digestion and transforming food into energy (Qi).
Morning is the peak time for these organs (between 7–11 AM), so a good morning routine should include practices that support digestion.
Eat warm, easily digestible foods like congee (porridge), warm cooked oatmeal, or steamed vegetables. Avoid cold or raw foods that could weaken digestive Qi.
Avoiding Excess Cold and Dampness
Cold and damp foods or drinks, like iced beverages or smoothies, can weaken digestion and introduce dampness into the body, which can lead to sluggishness or fatigue.
Stick to warm beverages (like ginger tea or warm lemon water) and meals to support the warming yang energy and promote smooth digestion.
*Cereal (with milk) for breakfast?
Cold Nature of Refrigerated Milk: Milk straight from the fridge is cold, which can disrupt Spleen function.
Dry Nature of Cereal: Cereal has a dry nature, which may negatively affect Stomach health.
Dampness from Milk and Sugary Cereal: Both milk and sugary cereals are considered damp, which can also impact the Spleen.
Cold cereal in the morning might not be the start you want in the morning
By implementing these practices, you can establish a morning routine that promotes both physical wellness and mental clarity. Focusing on the equilibrium of yin and yang, revitalizing your Qi, and syncing with the body's natural cycles will create a positive foundation for your day. Opt for warm, easily digestible foods and beverages, partake in gentle physical activity, and dedicate time to mindfulness to cultivate emotional harmony.
Integrating these components into your morning routine will not only improve your overall health but also enhance your sense of connection to your body and the environment. Welcome a morning that aligns with Traditional Medicine principles, and begin each day with energy and purpose. Good morning, Calgary!