Warm Kidneys, Warm Soul
WINTER
Warmth in Winter is vital for nurturing Kidney Chi.
Cold temperatures can constrict blood vessels, which compromises circulation and immune function. So the body becomes more susceptible to catching a cold and disrupting overall well-being.
Classical Chinese Medicine, is rooted in the principles of traditional Chinese philosophy, and a significant emphasis on balancing the body's vital energy, known as "Ch’i" or "Qi." Each organ system is associated with one of the Five Elements—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Kidneys, crucial in Chinese medicine, are linked to the element of Water.
Winter is represented by the Water element, and is associated with kidneys, bladder, and adrenal glands. According to Chinese wisdom, Kidneys are the source of all energy (Ch’i), and store Ch’i for times of stress and change, to heal, prevent illness, and help aging.
The Kidneys are believed to store the body's essence and plays a vital role in the regulation of water metabolism, bone health, and the production of marrow, which nourishes the brain and spinal cord. Warmth in Kidney Chi is considered revitalizing as it promotes optimal energy flow, enhances organ function, and fosters overall vitality.
In winter, Water and Kidneys are clearly noticeable by the wet cold weather around us. These colder darker days of Winter change emotions, and we can feel moody, depressed and lethargic. This is the time to store and conserve, much as bears hibernate or farmers prepare for winter. Many of us feel like hibernating and tucking inside by a warm fire. Listen to your body calling you, and take time to rest. If we are in harmony with our world, we adapt to life and stay healthy.
Winter is a time of conservation, where nature retreats and energy is drawn inward. Maintaining the warmth of Kidney Chi in winter is crucial for overall health. Warmth in Kidney Chi supports proper organ function, regulates bodily processes, and contributes to the harmonious flow of energy. Acupuncture can enhance and balance the flow of Chi to support warmth and vitality.
Kidneys are considered the root of Yin and Yang energies in the body, influencing balance of all other organs and systems. When Kidneys are nurtured and protected from the cold, they are better able to function, including supporting the body's immune system, promoting proper fluid balance, and providing the essential foundation for strong bones and a healthy nervous system.
Kidneys are associated with Water, and believed to be most vulnerable to cold. This season stresses the ears so cover your head and neck to fortify Kidney energy.
In Winter, digestion slows and heart function is at a low ebb so your circulation also slows. Sugar lowers the white blood count, so moderation is key. Watch the winter snack intake! Winter also includes the Holiday season, which can be filled with a hectic pace of shopping, socialising, travelling, decorating and other high energy consumption, so find time to slow down and get in sync with Natures cycles. Consuming warming foods like soups and stews, and activities that promote internal warmth, such as moderate exercise and adequate clothing shields the body from cold.
Kidneys govern the low back, so be mindful with the snow and cold, and conserve your Kidney Ch’i by treating back injuries quickly as they can persist in winter. Focus on practices that keeps Kidney Chi warm during winter.
It is important to nurture and nourish your Kidney Ch’i and keep this area warm and covered, since this energy can be easily depleted. By prioritizing the well-being of Kidneys during winter, we enhance overall vitality and resilience, aligning with the holistic principles of Chinese philosphy. The more we understand the energy of Nature around us, the better our emotions will be in balance with the world.
In Chinese Medicine, Winter Is:
Element – Water
Colour – Black
Nature – Yin
Organs – Kidney/Bladder
Emotion – Fear/Willpower
Taste – Salty
Condition – Cold
Direction – North
Stay Healthy in the Season of Winter
Chinese believe we can live in harmony with the cycles of Natures to be healthy. The cold and darkness of winter urges us to slow down, and our bodies instinctively understand the principles of winter. This is the time to reflect, replenish, and conserve energy and strength.
Here are a few tips to staying healthy this season:
Emphasize warming foods like hearty soups and stews, whole grains, roasted nuts, root vegetables, beans, garlic, ginger, miso and seaweed. Helps warm the core and nourishes Yin.
Sleep early, rest well, stay warm, and expend less energy. Restores Kidney Ch’i.
Find ways to relax and release stress on a daily basis. Include yoga, meditation, relaxation therapy or nap. Releases stress and pressures of life.
Share thoughts and release emotions that are stuck or repeating, and find moments for meditation. Nourishes and strengthens wisdom/willpower.
Seasonal acupuncture help tonify the organ system. Preventative treatment for body harmony.