Chinese medicine teaches us to live in harmony with nature, by emphasizing the interconnectedness between our bodies and the environment, recognizing the rhythms of nature as a guide for wellness, and promoting holistic practices that align with natural cycles for optimal health and balance. We’ve designed a 3-day reset to help you discover practices that you can incorporate into your daily life for sustained wellbeing in the new year and beyond. We want to remind you that you do not need to create a new version of yourself to be better, simply use these tools as a way to enhance the being you already are. Whenever you need a reset, use this as a resource to help guide you and implement holistic habits each day. 

   Before we dive into these rituals, it’s important to understand Qi, pronounced chee and known as the vital energy that flows through the body, and how traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views the winter season. Winter is the season to turn inward, conserve energy, and nourish the body's deepest reserves. It's a time for restorative practices, focusing on the kidney and bladder meridians, and embracing stillness to foster rejuvenation and inner strength. The kidneys are thought to hold our body's basic and fundamental energy, our essence, responsible for our vitality and longevity, and the root of all Qi. When we think of the kidneys, we also have to consider the water element, the element associated with the kidneys. Water energy is flexible, adaptable, and flows. The nurturing qualities of water energy resonate with the need to be kind and gentle with our bodies during this season.

   We designed this reset in 3 sections, to help improve the flow of Qi and empower you with tools to better prioritize your physical and mental health.  Prepare to reset, rebalance, and restore Qi for sustained wellbeing!

Reset: 
Rebalance your Qi, realign your energies, and ignite a journey towards inner equilibrium. Day one invites you to recalibrate and find balance through mindful practices to restore harmony within your mind and body.

• Acupuncture: By inserting thin needles into specific points on the body, acupuncture helps to stimulate energy flow, or Qi.
• Meditation: Practices such as meditation and mindfulness are thought to calm the mind, reduce stress, and promote the free flow of Qi.
• Breathwork: Deep breathing exercises, such as those practiced in meditation or yoga, are believed to enhance the flow of Qi and promote relaxation. Different breathing techniques, such as pranayama in yoga, aim to regulate and enhance the breath, which is closely tied to the flow of energy.

Rebalance: 
Embrace the power of a reset. Day two offers an opportunity to cleanse and revitalize your Qi. Let go of the old, invite the new, and embark on a transformative path. Engage in practices that clear stagnation and prepare for a rejuvenated self.

• Chinese Herbs: Some herbs include properties that can influence Qi and balance energy in the body. Explore ORA’s Herbal Tea Collection or consult with an acupuncturist to review personalized recommendations. 
• Healthy Diet: Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes the importance of a balanced and nourishing diet to support the body's energy. During winter, blue or black foods are believed to help nourish the kidneys as well as warm, cooked vegetables, which also supports digestion. 
• Bath Salts: Some traditions suggest that soaking in a bath with Epsom salts or sea salts can help cleanse and balance energy. The ORA x Campo Bath Salts bring balance to the body by enhancing your mood, easing your mind and body, and supporting your body’s defenses. 
• Holistic Therapies: Practices like aromatherapy, reflexology, and craniosacral therapy are thought to influence the body's energy systems. 
• Feng Shui: Feng Shui is the practice of arranging the environment to enhance the flow of positive energy (Qi). This can include organizing living spaces, incorporating natural elements, and optimizing the flow of energy in a space.

Restore: 
Experience the essence of restoration. Nurture your Qi to restore vitality, promote healing, and foster a sense of deep rejuvenation. Rediscover your natural state of balance and unlock the potential for sustained well-being.

• Massage: Specific massage techniques focus on stimulating the flow of Qi through the body's energy channels. The ORA Signature Massage is designed to target specific acupressure points to promote a deep sense of relaxation and general wellness.
• Tai Chi: Tai Chi is a martial art that incorporates slow, flowing movements, deep breathing, and meditation. It is believed to promote the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body.
• Qigong: Qigong consists of coordinated body movements, breath control, and meditation to enhance the flow of Qi and improve overall health.
• Sound Therapy: Sound vibrations, such as those from singing bowls or tuning forks, are thought to have a harmonizing effect on the body's energy.
• Reiki: Reiki is a form of energy healing that involves the laying on of hands to channel healing energy. Practitioners believe it helps to balance the energy centers (chakras) in the body.

   In essence, winter becomes an opportunity for holistic self-care, guided by the wisdom of Chinese medicine. By understanding and aligning with the energies of the season, we embark on a journey of profound well-being, nurturing our essence, and flowing gracefully with the gentle cycle of winter. As we embrace the teachings of Chinese medicine, winter transforms into a season of self-discovery and renewal.