"Winter Blues?” Tap Into Your Yang for a Seasonal Boost
Let’s start with the obvious: winter has a way of making us feel like hibernating bears. And honestly, there’s nothing wrong with that. Leaning into the Yin of winter—feeling less energetic, more introspective, maybe even a little hermit-y—can be exactly what we need. After all, Chinese Medicine is all about living in harmony with the seasons.
But (and this is a big but), Yin doesn’t work alone. It needs its partner in crime, Yang, to create balance. Yang is the opposite of Yin—it’s warmth, movement, light, energy. Basically, it’s like Vitamin D with a side of espresso.
Enter Du20 Baihui (pronounced bye-hoo-eh). This little acupoint superstar is perched right on the crown of your head.
Here’s the deal: Du20 can either calm you down or pump you up. Today, we’re focusing on the pump you up part. Thanks to its location and the convergence of Yang meridians, this point is your go-to for lifting energy, mood, and focus. It’s like an internal pep rally for those days when you can’t get off the couch or your brain feels stuck in neutral.
For a DIY boost, you can tap on Du20 with all five fingers. Feeling fancy? Add a drop of peppermint or citrus essential oil to your fingertips before tapping. It’s like giving your brain a citrusy high-five.
Not into tapping? Here are a few other ways to crank up your Yang this winter:
Light a candle: Stare at the flame. Feel the warmth. Pretend you’re in a cozy cabin, even if you’re just on your couch.
Put on some Cha-Cha music: Because nothing says “goodbye winter blahs” like a little rhythm and sway. You’ll feel like you’re on a tropical getaway, even if you’re in fuzzy socks.
Take a brisk walk outside: Even if it’s chilly, a quick walk in the fresh air can wake you up and get your blood moving. The contrast of cool air against your skin can be incredibly invigorating, and it’s a great way to shake off the winter sluggishness.
So, this winter, don’t let the Yin take over completely. Channel your inner Yang, give Du20 a try, and maybe—just maybe—you’ll find yourself feeling a little brighter, a little lighter, and a whole lot more balanced.