As the days turn colder and darker, many people notice familiar changes in their bodies — stiffer joints, slower movement, and a dip in energy. The chill causes blood vessels to tighten, which can reduce circulation and make muscles feel tense or heavy. You might find yourself craving warmth, comfort and rest more than usual. These shifts are completely natural, but they can also be a reminder to give your body a little extra care as the season changes.

The good news? You can do a lot to support your body during the colder months. By improving circulation, keeping joints mobile, and staying gently active, you can feel more energised and resilient all winter long.

Why Cold Affects Your Body

When exposed to lower temperatures, your body prioritises warmth in your core. This means less blood flow reaches your hands, feet, and muscles, which can make you feel sluggish and achy. If you already live with stiffness, arthritis, or muscle tension, winter can amplify those sensations.

Slower circulation also means your body’s cells receive less oxygen and nutrients, which can impact energy and recovery. Supporting blood flow helps keep everything working smoothly, from your metabolism to your mood.

Keep Warm and Keep Moving

The simplest way to stay warm is also one of the most effective: movement. Gentle stretching, walking or yoga all encourage circulation and help your joints stay flexible. Regular movement signals your body to send more oxygenated blood to your muscles, warming you naturally from within.

At Luck’s Yard, we often see patients who feel their back or neck pain flare up in the colder months. Chiropractic and physiotherapy treatments can be especially helpful here, improving joint mobility and reducing tension that restricts circulation. Even small postural adjustments can make a big difference in how energy flows through your body.

Acupuncture: Restoring Balance and Warmth

Traditional Chinese Medicine views winter as a time when energy, or “Qi,” can slow down. Acupuncture helps stimulate circulation, support the immune system, and rebalance the body’s internal warmth. Patients often describe feeling lighter, calmer, and more energised after a session.

It’s not just about treating symptoms, but helping the whole body adapt to the season more gracefully.

We offer both Chinese acupuncture and Dry Needling at Luck’s Yard.

Elaine Williams practises the Chinese Medicine model of acupuncture and our Chiropractors Laura Hack and Dan Andrew offer dry needling/medical acupuncture.

Find out about our Acupuncture Services

Warm from the Inside, Too

Warming up isn’t only about layers and heating. The food and drinks you choose can make a real difference.

  • Choose warm, cooked meals like soups, stews, and porridges.
  • Add circulation-supporting spices such as ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric.
  • Stay hydrated, even when you don’t feel thirsty.

Supporting digestion with warm foods and fluids helps the body conserve energy, rather than using it to heat cold meals from within.

Find out about our Nutritional Therapy Services.

Simple Ways to Stay Energised

  • Keep moving throughout the day, even short walks or gentle stretches.
  • Prioritise rest and regular sleep.
  • Book supportive treatments to help your body release tension and stay mobile.
  • Listen to what your body needs. Cold seasons are about steady, sustainable energy, not constant motion.

When your body feels warm, open, and well-circulated, everything works more smoothly — your muscles, joints, and even your mood.

Therapies to Support You This Winter:

By staying proactive and kind to your body, you can stay strong, comfortable, and energised throughout the colder months.

Sources

  1. Harvard Health Publishing (2023). How Cold Weather Affects Your Body.
  2. Arthritis Foundation (2022). Managing Joint Pain in Cold Weather.
  3. National Institutes of Health (2021). Physiological Effects of Temperature on Circulation.
  4. British Acupuncture Council (2023). The Role of Acupuncture in Seasonal Health.
  5. Sleep Foundation (2022). The Link Between Temperature, Circulation, and Energy Levels.