Traditional Chinese Medicine integrates nature and the seasons into its concept of healing and the body. It has a much more holistic picture of the universe and the interconnected dance of life. The seasons influence elements, which influence our meridian systems and organs. Everything is connected. You cannot compartmentalize, like you can in Western medicine, everything affects everything…
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With this in mind, lets take a deep dive into the season of Winter. What elements, organs, energies, emotions and organs does winter affect most? What is it best to know and do in the winter? How do we create harmony within our bodies and move with the ebbs and flows of the seasons within our beautiful, ever changing lives?
WATER: Winter is associated with the Water element in TCM. Water represents the deep, inward, and contracting energy. It is associated with the kidneys, which are considered the foundation of yin and yang energies in the body.
YIN ENERGY: Winter is considered a yin season in TCM. Yin represents darkness, cold, and stillness. During this time, nature contracts and conserves energy in preparation for the regeneration and growth of spring.
KIDNEYS: The kidneys are considered the main organ associated with winter. In TCM, the kidneys are responsible for storing the vital essence (jing), which is the basis of all yin and yang energies in the body. It is believed that nourishing the kidneys during winter helps strengthen overall vitality.
FEAR/ CALM: Fear is the primary emotion associated with the winter season in TCM. It is believed that fear weakens the kidneys and disrupts their harmonious functioning. Therefore, it is important to cultivate a calm and balanced state of mind during winter.
REST + REFLECTION: Winter is a time for rest, stillness, and conservation of energy. It is a time to reflect inward, restore the body, and conserve strength for the upcoming seasons. Engaging in activities that promote relaxation, such as meditation and gentle exercises like tai chi or qigong, is beneficial during this time.
WARMING FOODS: It is recommended to consume warming foods during winter to counterbalance the cold environmental influence. Foods such as soups, stews, root vegetables, whole grains, and warming spices like ginger and cinnamon are commonly recommended. Warm and cooked foods are preferred over raw and cold foods during this season.
Balancing Yin and Yang: Winter is a time to focus on restoring and nurturing yin energy in the body. Balancing yin and yang energies is essential for overall health and well-being. It is believed that by embracing the qualities of winter and following TCM principles, one can support the harmonious interplay of yin and yang within the body.
Image Credit: Pinterest, Parichehra Suleymanova
Keen to warm & conserve your kidney yin/ yang and flow with Winter?
We have practitioners that integrate Traditional Chinese Medicine into their sessions at The Collective.
Maree - practises Kinesiology & Mind Body Medicine, she draws on TCM theory during her counselling and impliments acupressure during bodywork.
Holly - currently studying a bachelor of Traditional Chinese Medicine Holly offers Relaxation Massage infused with Tainui (chinese massage), which follows meridians and seeks to harmonise qi flow. She will also be offering accupuncture and moxibustion upon completion of her degree later in the year.
Thanks for reading,
Helena