Winter: A Chinese Medicine Perspective
If you’ve been feeling the urge to cocoon away in your sweet cave of a home this winter, you’re not wrong.
Winter is the most Yin time of year, meaning that it’s a time of darkness, inactivity, introspection, and nourishment.
This season is correlated with the Kidney Organs - that persistent low back pain (close to where the kidneys are located) might be telling you its time to take a break and rest.
It’s the perfect time of year to keep your body warm, eat hot nourishing meals, keep exercise to a mild intensity, and avoid overthinking and over-committing.
Go to bed early and sleep in a little bit later (just tell your partner/family/work I said it was okay.)
Nourishing your energy during winter will give you strong vigor for the seasons ahead.
Winter associations:
Element: Water
Nature: Yin
Organs: Kidney & Urinary Bladder
Color: Blue (Dark purple/Black)
Flavor: Salty
Winter is associated with the Kidneys. In Chinese Medicine, the Kidneys:
Governs body fluids
Rule of the Bones & Marrow
Opens to the Ears & Head Hair
Carries Essence (“Jing”) of maturation, reproduction, & sexual energy
Sensitive to fear & fright
Houses the willpower (“Zhi”)
If you notice any issues with your bones, ears, head hair, reproductive health, a heightened sense of fear, or lack of willpower — your Kidneys may be asking for more support.
The Winter season represents Yin.
This is an inward time — most animals are conserving energy, hiding away from the busy-ness of life. We must learn to live in harmony with the seasons, instead of jam-packing our schedules with too many overstimulating events this time of year.
Here are some tips during winter season from a Chinese Medicine scope.
Slow down & rest
Go to bed early
Sleep in a little later
Avoid overactivity & excessive exercise
Avoid sweating
Eat warm & cooked foods
Eat dark & Kidney-nourishing foods
Consume salt in moderation
Drink warm Kidney-supportive teas
Keep your body warm: sit by a fire
Maintain a quiet state of mind
Practice self-reflection
Best winter health practices:
Mindful movement: Qigong, Yin Yoga
Meditation
Moxibustion
Self-massage with nourishing oils
Epsom salt foot soaks or baths
Rest
I hope this information inspires you to approach not only Winter, but all seasons of life from a Chinese medical perspective.
Thank you for reading and please reach out if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Meghane Hernandez - Maui Acupuncturist & Herbalist (serving Kula, Makawao, Haiku, Pukalani, and more).
