Five Key Areas to Keep Warm in Winter

As the weather turns cold, it’s important to protect certain parts of your body to stay healthy and prevent illness. In traditional Chinese medicine, these five areas are especially vital to keep warm during the winter months:

1. Navel (Shenque Point) The Shenque Point is located at the center of your navel. This area is rich in nerves, and just beneath it lies the abdominal venous network and small intestine. If the navel gets chilled, it can easily lead to diarrhea and poor digestion. Keeping your abdomen warm supports healthy digestion and energy flow.

2. Knees. The knees are the body’s largest weight-bearing joints. Because blood circulation here is naturally weaker, cold can easily accumulate in this area. Keeping your knees warm helps protect the joints and maintain flexibility.

3. Feet. As the saying goes, “Cold enters from the feet.” The feet are farthest from the heart and most prone to poor circulation. When heart or lung function is low, cold feet are often the first sign. In winter, soaking your feet in warm water or keeping them covered at night can improve circulation, help you stay warm, and reduce the risk of catching colds.

4. Lower Back (Shenshu Point). The Shenshu Point is closely related to the kidney’s yang energy, which is considered the root of the body’s overall vitality. Warming this area helps relieve coldness in the lower back, abdomen, and legs. Gently massaging or applying moxibustion to the lower back in winter is especially beneficial.

5. Back of the Neck (Dazhui Point). The Dazhui Point is where all six yang meridians meet with the Governing Vessel. Stimulating this point helps activate the body’s yang energy and promote clear thinking. Keeping the back of your neck warm helps prevent chills and tension, especially during windy or cold days.

In summary:

These five areas — the navel, knees, feet, lower back, and back of the neck — are the body’s key “warm zones” in winter. Moxibustion or simply keeping them warm can strengthen your body’s defenses and help you stay comfortable throughout the season.