As we mentioned in our previous blog, https://bit.ly/3TpTMuQ, to be balanced in all aspects emotionally, physically, and spiritually, we must live in harmony with the seasons. So, moving to winter what should we do?
According to traditional Chinese medicine and the book “The Inner Classic of the Yellow Emperor”
“During the Winter months, all things in nature wither, hide, return home, and enter a resting period, just as lakes and rivers 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.”
In winter, as you see there is death in nature. Similarly, we have less energy to induce stimulation and excitement. For some, the qi of the season can easily contribute to depression, loneliness, and seasonal affective disorder. Others may feel relief for an opportunity to pause and do internal work.
As a result, winter is the best season to slow down and conserve our energy. Whatever your “winter hibernation” might look like, you must take this time to replenish the resources that have been used throughout the year.
The energy of winter is deep and potent. With rest, there is energy being used, but inside- energy is collected and held in reserve. 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.
It’s recommended that in winter we aim to go to bed around 9 pm and wake up with the sunrise – around 7 am. This helps us work with our body’s natural biorhythms and ensure that we are beginning to restore any energy reserves that have been drained over the past 3 seasons.
The organs associated with the winter are the kidney & bladder. So, winter is ruled by the water element -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, overwork and lack of sleep easily deplete the water element and the kidneys, especially.
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 how we move through the cycles of life. Our bones, joints, teeth, ears, brain, and marrow are influenced by the kidneys.
The kidneys ignite all processes and functions within the entire body, mind, and spirit. They provide the driving qi- energy, and willpower- needed to overcome obstacles and press forward to accomplish our goals in life and live out our fullest potential. We draw upon the energy reserves of the kidneys just by living, working, and aging.
Here are some self-care tips to follow for the winter months ahead:
Focus on foods that share the qualities of the water element. The colors are dark, the taste is salty, content is hydrating and nourishing. Examples include nuts, seeds, legumes, shellfish, saltwater fish, seaweed, dark-colored berries, root vegetables, whole grains, stews ,and soups. Beginning your day with some lemon in warm water will also stimulate your digestion and hydrate you while warming the body. We are also suggesting mostly warm and cooked foods and limiting cold and raw foods. Use warming spices like garlic, ginger, and cardamom.
Light exercise, walking, Qi-gong, meditation, yoga, journaling, dreamwork, and breathwork are great winter activities. These activities can also help to work through fear and depression.
Schedule an acupuncture appointment. A seasonal tune-up will be restorative, deeply nourishing, and strengthening for the kidney qi.
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