HOW TO THRIVE THROUGH THE COLD WINTER MONTHS
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), your ability to adapt to seasonal changes and live in harmony with nature is essential for maintaining good health and preventing illness and injury. When you understand and align with the natural rhythms of the seasons, you can optimise your physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
The winter season in TCM corresponds to the Water element and the storage of energy. winter is seen as a time for reflection, introspection and stillness. There is a focus on conserving your energy and nourishing your spirit, preserving the energy you need to maintain good health through the cold months.
The energetic effects of each season are also associated with specific meridians and organs, emotions, colours, and tastes, all of which inform your experience and provide direction as to how to best manage our energy during the season.
According to TCM, winter is associated with the following:
MERIDIANS & ORGANS
The Kidney Meridian (Kidney Channel of Foot Shaoyin): stores essence (jing), governs growth, development, reproduction, and regulates water metabolism. Symptoms of imbalance you might experience, include: lower back pain, knee pain, frequent urination, tinnitus, and reproductive issues.
The Bladder Meridian (Bladder Channel of Foot Taiyang): is in charge of removing waste and regulating the flow of water. Imbalances in the bladder Meridian can include: Urinary issues, headaches, back pain, and stiffness.
EMOTIONS
Fear: Imbalances in the kidneys can lead to heightened fear or anxiety, manifesting as feelings of insecurity, apprehension, or panic. Symptoms of excessive fear include restlessness, insomnia, nightmares and fatigue.
COLOUR
Black: symbolises depth, stillness, and the mysterious qualities of water. It reflects the introspective and conserving nature of winter and is considered a protective color, providing strength and resilience.
TASTE
Salty: You may find yourself seeking out more salty, savoury foods to support your wellbeing, balance the water element, boost kidney health and strengthen your body's vital energy during the winter months.
Top tips for preserving your winter Qi...
Avoid excessive physical and emotional stress. Engage in gentle exercises like tai chi or yoga to promote circulation without overexertion. Rest and sleep more to conserve energy.
Keep warm to protect the body's yang energy. Wear layers and keep the lower back and kidneys warm. As the Bladder and Kidney meridians begin and end on the feet, avoid walking on cold floors barefoot, instead grab your favourite pair of wooly winter socks. and rug up your precious feet!
Eat warming, salty, nourishing foods such as soups, stews, and root vegetables. Incorporate foods with salty flavours, like seaweed and miso, that align with the Water element and support kidney function, and avoid cold and raw foods.
Drink plenty of warm fluids, such as herbal teas, to support kidney function.
Embrace the colour black in your food, clothing and surroundings, incorporating the protective qualities of this colour into daily life for additional strength, resilience and support during the colder months.
Reflect, meditate, and engage in activities that promote a calm and balanced state of mind to counteract fear and anxiety.
When you understand the relationship between winter, the Water element, and the corresponding meridians, it can help guide your lifestyle and health choices and align you with the natural rhythms of the season, for optimal mental, physical and emotional well-being.
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