冬至|数九寒天冬至到！除了吃饺子，这些养生之道也要记牢

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significance of the winter solstice, its traditional customs, and health practices associated with this time of year in Chinese culture [1][5]. Group 1: Winter Solstice Significance - The winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night in the Northern Hemisphere, with the sun directly overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn [1]. - Traditional beliefs include the behavior of earthworms, which curl up during this time due to strong yin energy [1]. - The shedding of antlers by elk is noted as a sign of the waning yin energy as the yang energy begins to rise [2]. Group 2: Traditional Customs - The "counting of the nines" tradition starts from the winter solstice, where every nine days is counted, culminating in 81 days, indicating the end of winter [4]. - The "nine song" describes various weather patterns and activities associated with each phase of the counting [4]. - The practice of drawing the "Nine to Eliminate Cold" chart involves painting a flower with 81 petals, where one petal is colored each day until spring arrives [4]. Group 3: Health Practices - Emphasis on winter health includes avoiding cold and ensuring proper warmth, particularly for vulnerable body parts like the head, back, and feet [7][8]. - Recommendations for winter health include maintaining a balanced diet, with specific foods suggested for nourishment, such as warming meats and various vegetables [10][11][12]. - The article suggests herbal teas like longan, red dates, and goji berries for those with cold extremities [14]. Group 4: Disease Prevention - The article highlights the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases during winter due to cold weather affecting blood circulation [16]. - It notes the importance of kidney health, as winter can exacerbate kidney-related issues due to cold exposure [17]. - Respiratory illnesses are prevalent in winter, with advice to maintain good air circulation indoors to prevent the spread of viruses [19][20].