立冬 (Lìdōng ), November 7, 2025. Lìdōng marks the official beginning of winter, when Yang energy retreats deep within the body and the natural world. In TCM, winter is the season of the Kidneys, guardians of essence and vitality. Preserving Kidney Qi now ensures strength and resilience throughout the year ahead.

The diet should emphasize warming, nourishing foods: lamb, beef, bone broth, black beans, and warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and clove. Congee and soups are ideal, as they are easy to digest and warming to the center. Heavy cold or raw foods should be avoided, as they damage the Spleen and weaken digestion in cold weather.

Lifestyle aligns with storage and conservation. Sleep should lengthen, activity should soften, and exercise should be moderate and consistent rather than draining. Gentle practices like tai chi, qigong, or restorative yoga keep Qi circulating without exhausting reserves. Lìdōng reminds us that winter is not about pushing forward but about turning inward—nurturing the flame of Yang deep inside so it may rise again in spring.