Seasonal Self Care for Winter
We are now well and truly into the season of Winter which we associate with the “Water” Element in Chinese Medicine. In this most Yin season, there is an energetic predisposition of retraction as our Qi flows more deeply inside us. There is a depth to the season that invites us to connect with the core of our being. For some, the Qi of this season can easily contribute to depression, loneliness, and seasonal affective disorder. The Water Element is the most nourishing and essential substance for life. This element stores much of people’s reserves of energy. That’s why rest is crucial in the winter. This time of year, over-work and lack of sleep easily depletes the “water element” and the kidneys, especially. The “Water” element in Chinese Medicine is associated with the water element’s organ system pair, the Kidneys and Urinary Bladder. In Chinese Medicine theory, the kidneys are the storehouse of our vital energy and our Jing, or Essence. Jing relates to our genetics and governs growth, reproduction, and the cycles of life. Our bones, joints, teeth, ears, brain, and marrow are influenced by the kidneys.
The Kidneys (often called the Storehouse of the Vital Essence) ignite all processes and functions within the entire body, mind, and spirit. They provide the driving Qi energy and will power needed to overcome obstacles and press forward to accomplish our goals in life and live out our fullest potential. Our body will let us know when we are exhausting these reserves because symptoms along the channel will arise, such as lower back ache, weak knees, frequent urination, and menstrual or fertility issues. Some other signs of imbalance include: exhaustion, very low motivation, low libido, cold feet, excessive fear and anxiety, and muscular-skeletal issues.
As we move towards the Winter Solstice on the 21st of December everything around us is slowing down moving inwards and towards Stillness. At this time we have an opportunity to focus on the health and spirit of the kidneys and urinary bladder, restore their resources and replenish our reserves. Whatever your “winter hibernation” might look like (big or small), it’s essential that you take some time to replenish your resources that have been used throughout the year. The energy of winter is deep and potent. With rest, there is work going on, but inside energy is collected and held in reserve for the year ahead. This deeply nourishing “Yin” time gives us the needed energy, vision, and purpose with which to emerge into spring, a season of growth, renewal of spirit, and fresh starts.
If you find the these winter days difficult this would be a great time for you to come in for some nourishing Acupuncture treatment at the Blossom Tree Acupuncture Clinic to boost and support your Water Element.
Self Care for the Water Element
Food therapy
Focus on foods that share the qualities of the water element. Color’s are dark, taste is salty, content is hydrating and nourishing. Salty foods are directed towards the kidneys but too much salt will have the opposite effect. Simple water is good as is the avoidance of too many stimulants. Here are some foods which specifically nourish kidney energy.
Nuts and seeds: All nuts and seeds but especially: Walnuts, chestnuts, black sesame , pine nuts, seeds, almonds, coconut
Vegetables: Dark green leafy vegetables, Seaweed, alfalfa asparagus, courgette, kohlarabi, artichoke and root vegetables.
Fruit: Dark berries especially cherries, grapes, blackberry, mulberry.
Beans: All beans but especially Kidney beans (no suprises!), black beans and mung beans. Miso and tofu are also good.
Meat: All animal products nourish the Kidneys especially duck, lamb, beef, kidney, liver, chicken and pork. Eggs are also good.
Fish: All fish nourishes water element but especially shellfish, salt water fish, mackerel, anchovy, lobster, oyster, muscles, prawn and shrimp.
Spices: Use warming spices like garlic, ginger, and cardamom and cinnamon to boost kidney Yang.
Herbs and super foods: Herbs to strengthen the kidneys and adrenals, boost immunity, lift depression, ease anxiety, and help the body adapt to stress. Holy basil, ashwaghanda, astragalus, oat straw, and rhodiola are herbs that can be taken daily as supplements or tea. Bee Pollen benefits the essence. Medicinal mushrooms such as Lions mane and Cordyceps can also support Kidney energy. It’s best to consult with a Chinese Medicine practitioner before adding these super foods to your diet as they can advise more accurately based on your individual constitution and diagnosis.
Essential oils: Geranium, ylang ylang, jasmine, and basil can be used in a diffuser or on Acupuncture points to strengthen the water element. Floral oils nourish the yin and lift the spirit. Basil is used in blends for fatigue, depression, focus, and memory.
Other home self care
Winter is the time for internal work and the Water element is nourished through stillness. Rest plenty. Make more time to discover yourself through reflection, gentle walks, meditation, yoga, journaling or dreamwork. The focus at this time of year is rest but the Yang aspect of the Kidney is supported by some movement exercise and stimulation so make sure to have a balance. A healthy balance Between Yin and Yang means balancing the recipe of work, rest and play.
Fear is the emotion we associate with the kidneys in Chinese Medicine. Any way that we can explore and release fear will ultimately nourish the kidney.
Keep the lower back warm (the area associated with the kidneys). Simply wrap up or you can use a wrap around hot water bottle or a Haramaki. A Haramaki, pronounced ha-ra-mah-kee, is a traditional Japanese garment that wraps around your midsection, providing essential warmth and comfort during cold weather. Its design is simple but ingenious, and it has been a part of Japanese culture for centuries.
The Blossom Tree Clinic is an Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Clinic in Totnes Dartington. If you would like to book in with one of our practitioners please head to our BOOKING PAGE
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