SEASONAL WELLBEING

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, there is the belief that the five elements that exist in nature, also exist within us. These elements are closely related to the different seasons, and the different organs of the body, emotions, colors, tastes and values. By observing and being in tune with nature and its cycles, we can assist and nourish our body and health.

WINTER IN CHINESE MEDICINE

ELEMENT: WATER

YIN ORGAN: KIDNEYS

YANG ORGAN: URINARY BLADDER

EMOTION: FEAR

SPIRIT: ZHI (WILLPOWER)

CLIMATE: COLD

COLOR: BLACK/DARK BLUE

TASTE: SALTY

SENSE ORGANS: EARS

TISSUES: BONE

VALUES: STRENGTH, COURAGE, WISDOM

SEASONAL SELF-CARE

The classic texts of Chinese Medicine guide us on how to follow the patterns of nature. More specifically, the Huang Di Nei Jing ("The Inner Classic of the Yellow Emperor"), contains some of the oldest teachings about winter and its relationship to the Kidneys:

“During the Winter months all things in nature wither, hide, return home, and enter a resting period, just as lakes and rives freeze and snow falls. This is a time when yin dominates yang. Therefore one should refrain from overusing the yang energy. Retire early and get up with the sunrise, which is later in Winter. Desires and mental activity should be kept quiet and subdued, as if keeping a happy secret. Stay warm, avoid the cold, and keep the skin covered. Avoid sweating. The theory of the Winter season is one of conservation and storage. Without such practice the result will be injury to the Kidney energy. This will cause weakness, shrinking of muscles, and coldness; then the body loses its ability to open and move about in the Spring.”

The above excerpt helps us understand the importance of balance between action and cessation in order to look after the water element.

Find below some more tips on how to achieve your self-care momentum during the winter months:

~ Food as therapy: try to find in food the qualities of the water element as described by the Traditional Chinese Medicine. That being said, try to mostly consume foods that are dark in color, salty, hydrating and nourishing. Here are some examples: nuts, seeds, legumes, shellfish, salt water fish, seaweed, dark colored berries, root vegetables, whole grains, stews and soups. Focus on warm and cooked foods, and limit cold and raw foods. Warming spices like garlic, ginger, and cardamom offer great benefits during the winter months.

~ Adaptogenic herbs: strengthen the kidneys and adrenals, ease stress boost the immune system, and sooth depression. Such herbs are holy basil, ashwaghanda, astragalus, oat straw, and rhodiola, which can be consumed daily as supplements or tea. It’s crucial to consult with your health care practitioner before adding herbs or any supplements to your diet.

~ Essential oils: floral oils like geranium, ylang ylang, and jasmine nourish our yin side and help us connect and identify with our inner beauty and essence. Basil also strengthens the water element and eases depression and fatigue, while boosting focus and memory.

~ Make time to work with yourself: Journaling, yoga, meditation and breath-work are great winter activities that can help you reflect and discover more about your purpose.

~ We tend to look for things that bring us light and joy this time of year, such us outdoor winter adventures and connection with beloved people. It is vital to find the balance of Yang (fire, action, joy) and Yin (water, darkness, introspection) for our body and spirit!

~ Kidney and urinary bladder meridians: Important areas along these channels are the feet, knees, low back, and neck. Acupuncture (or self-acupressure for the times of quarantine) points located in those areas are used to strengthen kidney and urinary bladder function, ease pain, support immunity, and treat emotional imbalances of the water element. Keeping these areas warm and covered during the winter months will protect the meridian channels and enhance your mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

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