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Feeling tired lately? It might be the "February Temperature Rollercoaster."

Now that we are in February, have you been feeling sluggish, suffering from lingering fatigue, or dealing with unexplained headaches? You might be thinking, "I just don't feel like myself."

This could actually be due to the "Change of Seasons" (or specifically, the phenomenon we call San-Kan-Shi-On in Japan).

Last weekend we saw snow, and right now, the temperature difference between days is at its most extreme. Many people are falling ill because their bodies simply can't keep up with these rapid shifts in weather.

So today, I’d like to share some traditional Japanese wisdom known as "Onkatsu" (温活) to help you cope!

◆ What is "Onkatsu"? This word has become popular recently, but simply put, it means "raising your body temperature to boost your immune system." There is an old Japanese saying: "Coldness is the root of all illness." It is said that raising your body temperature by just 1 degree can significantly strengthen your immunity.

So, what exactly should you do? Here are two simple methods you can start today.

1. Warm your body with food We highly recommend "Root Vegetables" (Konsai). Daikon radish, Lotus root, and especially Ginger are excellent for warming the body from the inside out.

Is cooking difficult for you? The "Conbini" is your friend! You don't need to cook from scratch. Just grabbing some "Oden" (simmered hot pot items) from the counter next to the register, or choosing "Tonjiru" (Pork Miso Soup) is a fantastic way to practice Onkatsu.

2. Massage or Moxibustion on the "Sanyinko" pressure point There is a pressure point called "Sanyinko" (San-Yin-Jiao) that is effective for cold sensitivity, digestive fatigue, and female-specific health concerns.

• [Where is it?] It is located on the inner side of your lower leg. Place four fingers above the highest point of your inner ankle bone. The point is right along the edge of the shin bone.

• [How to do it] Try pressing this spot firmly with your thumb after a bath or while watching TV. Using store-bought Moxa (Okyu) is also highly recommended.

Let's get through this crazy climate with warm meals, hot baths, and pressure points!

However, if you feel like "self-care just isn't enough to get rid of the fatigue," please don't hesitate to seek professional help. At our clinic, we offer treatments specifically designed to address cold sensitivity and balance the autonomic nervous system. We look forward to welcoming you!