7 Ways to Maintain Good Circulation in Winter

katWinter may bring cozy vibes and scenic snowscapes, but for your body, it’s a season of challenges – especially when it comes to circulation. 

The winter season brings cold, yin energy according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which slows down movement in both the environment and in the body. If you’ve been feeling more stiff or sluggish lately, Jack Frost could be to blame. 

But there’s good news: with the right strategies, you can keep your blood flowing smoothly, stay warm and feel your best. Let’s explore why circulation is so important in winter and how you can maintain it with simple holistic solutions.

Why Prioritizing Circulation Matters More in Winter

How well your blood flows is important any time of year. Healthy circulation is what keeps you energized, balanced and pain-free. But in winter, there are some additional obstacles to free-flowing blood (and Qi). Let’s take a look at the science. 

The Science of Cold 

When temperatures drop, your body naturally directs blood away from your extremities to preserve heat where it matters most: your core. This process is called vasoconstriction. While vasoconstriction supports your internal organs with increased bloodflow, it also reduces blood flow everywhere else. This can lead to stiffness, discomfort and even injuries. For athletes or active individuals, this means slower recovery, reduced flexibility and decreased performance.

The Yin Time of Year

From a TCM perspective, winter is a yin season – a time for rest, reflection and conserving energy. While this is natural and healthy, it can also lead to stagnation if you don’t take additional self-care steps to keep your balance. Blood and Qi (vital energy) need to keep moving to nourish your muscles, joints and organs.

Who’s at Risk?

Poor circulation can happen to anyone, but there are some who may notice the effects of cold weather more than others: 

• Athletes: Reduced blood flow can increase the risk of injury and slow recovery times.

• Active Individuals: Even casual exercisers may feel tighter and less motivated to move.

• Sedentary Lifestyles: Those who sit for long periods of the day or have inactive jobs may notice more aches, pains, stiffness and drops in energy.

• Cold Climate Dwellers: If you live in a particularly cold area, you will notice these shifts in winter more strongly.

7 Ways to Boost Circulation in Winter

If you want to maintain good circulation during winter, you need more than just gloves and socks to keep you warm. The key is to keep your body active, healthy, and ready to face the season’s challenges. 

These simple strategies will help you stay warm and energized, whether you’re hitting the trails or simply trying to shake off the winter chill.

1. Stay Warm from the Inside Out

Keeping your body warm starts with protecting it from the elements. Layer your clothing to insulate heat, and focus on extremities with thick socks, gloves and hats. Don’t forget to shield areas like your neck and lower back with scarves or wraps, as these are considered vital areas for conserving warmth in TCM. 

Then, pair your external efforts with internal ones. For instance, trade cold or iced drinks for hot teas or broths infused with warming herbs like ginger, cinnamon or cardamom to boost circulation from within.

2. Adjust Your Training for Winter

Exercise is one of the best ways to stimulate blood flow, but your body needs extra care in the colder months. You’ll want to avoid long periods of inactivity by standing up and stretching throughout the day. Even small movements can prevent stagnation and keep your blood flowing smoothly.

When it comes to training or workouts, start with longer, more dynamic warm-ups to get your muscles and joints moving. Adjust your usual routine to include more low-impact activities like yoga or tai chi for winter, which encourage gentle, sustained circulation. 

3. Use Chinese Herbs for Circulation Support 

TCM offers powerful herbal remedies to invigorate blood flow, and these can be especially helpful in winter. Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) nourishes and moves blood (especially Dang Gui Wei), while Hong Hua (Safflower) promotes circulation and eases discomfort. Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig) is another excellent option, known for its warming properties that alleviate cold-induced stiffness. Incorporate these herbs into your diet through teas, soups, or herbal blends to keep your system balanced and energized.

Or, try an herbal formula, like Flexibili-Tea. This tonic tea naturally supports circulation while keeping muscles, tendons and joints limber. This is a top choice if you notice an increase in aching joints or arthritis in winter months. 

4. Apply Liniments and Topicals

Herbal liniments like Dit Da Jow are a go-to solution for improving circulation directly where you need it most. Massaging liniments into your muscles and joints can ease stiffness, reduce soreness and increase localized blood flow. Our expertly crafted liniments, such as the Ancestor’s Advanced Dit Da Jow or Flexibility Liniment, are perfect for pre- and post-workout routines, or after a long day in the cold.

5. Soothe with Herbal Soaks

Feel chilled to the bone? Want a relaxing way to warm up? A foot soak can do wonders for your whole-body circulation (and especially cold, achy feet). Adding fresh ginger slices or a pre-blended herbal soak mix to warm water helps open blood vessels, invigorate Qi and relax tension. For a more powerful soak, consider adding some homemade Dit Da Jow to your soaking water. 

6. Eat a Warm, Circulation-Friendly Diet

Did you know that what you eat can have a big impact on circulation, especially in winter? Focus on warm, nourishing meals like stews, soups and curries, and include spices like garlic, turmeric and black pepper to promote internal warmth.

Steer clear of excessive cold or raw foods – these can hinder digestion and slow blood flow. Hydrating with warm water or herbal teas throughout the day is another easy way to keep your system moving.

7. Leverage Massage and Acupuncture 

Massage and acupuncture aren’t just for pampering yourself or healing injuries. They can be powerful preventative measures that keep you in tip-top shape year-round.
Massaging specific areas of the body or using acupressure techniques can significantly enhance circulation and reduce stagnation.

Outside your visits, you can practice self-acupressure for even more benefits. Focus on points like Zu San Li (ST36), located below the knee, which boosts energy and circulation, or Bai Hui (GV20) on the top of the head to promote warmth and vitality. Wrap-up your self-care treatment with a warming oil or liniment to encourage deeper blood flow.

Move, Warm, and Thrive this Winter

Healthy circulation isn’t just about avoiding the cold; it’s essential for recovery, flexibility, and overall vitality. By adapting your training and self-care to this yin season, you’ll not only maintain your health but set a strong foundation for the months ahead.

Looking for natural, effective solutions to support your winter wellness? Explore our range of herbal products, liniments and soaks to help you stay warm and keep moving.