Welcome to soup season, the time of year when cozying up with a bowl of soup and a crusty loaf of bread in front of a kindling fire is just what Nature intended. The body loves to keep warm throughout the year, but when it’s cold outside, it’s especially important to nurture your digestive system with foods that are warm in both temperature and essence. Foods and herbs with a warm essence, such as ginger, cinnamon, pepper, and turmeric will maintain their warming healing properties no matter how they are prepared. Vegetables should always be cooked, even partially, to aid the body in digestion.

Last week, after a few days of enjoying Thanksgiving leftovers, we had a container of steamed carrots remaining. They had been simply dressed with a drizzle of maple syrup and a hint of salt. With just a few added ingredients, these carrots were elevated to royal status in a soup fit for a queen. Plus, its gorgeous bright orange hue was a fond reminder of warm summer nights. But the best part? This savory masterpiece was on the table in under 10 minutes.

Give this soup a try today! For an added boost, serve alongside a piece of baked salmon (Kidney Qi) or with sauteed broccoli rabe (Heart Qi).

Carrot Soup

Ingredients

• 3-4 cups steamed carrots
• 2 cups coconut water
• 1/4 teaspoon dried ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• salt to taste

Directions

1. Place the steamed carrots in a tall, narrow pot. Add the coconut water and bring to a simmer.
2. Using a hang blender, puree the carrots until smooth.
3. Add the herbs and a dash of salt. Taste and season as needed. Serve warm.

Expand Your Thinking!

Enjoy this blog post where Master Lu explains the difference between temperature and essence and the importance of keeping the Stomach warm.

Join an Upcoming Program!

Advanced Xiao Dao Study

Xiao Dao is an advanced training course led by Master Lu, focused on applying the Xiao Dao system to address complicated health conditions with clarity and confidence. Practitioners learn Five Element diagnosis and meridian-location treatment to identify the body’s true starting point and guide healing without creating unnecessary difficulties or side effects. Continuing Education credits are available. This virtual program runs December 6 – 7, 2025. REGISTER

Spirit Gate Breathing

This workshop is our holiday gift to you to experience inner nurturing. Spirit Gate Breathing is a natural technique that brings an overall feeling of calm to the body and mind. This virtual session is free and takes place on December 15, 2025. REGISTER

Yin Yang of the Season: Winter

This program opens our year-long Seasonal Series, where Master Lu reveals how Yin and Yang form the blueprint of your physical, emotional, and spiritual life. Over seven days, Master Lu will guide you to experience how your inner world responds to Winter’s Yin and Yang. Through Wu Ming Qigong practices, seasonal Eating-for-Healing principles, and insights rooted in Chinese psychology, you’ll learn how your Organ Systems listen to Nature’s message—and how this dialogue shapes your energy, emotions, and direction in life. Each session reveals a new layer of who you are and the Qi that animates your life. This virtual program runs January 18 – 25, 2026. REGISTER