The Chinese were keen observers of the natural world and noted the climatic effects of each particular season on the health and well being of their patients. They saw that certain organ systems and functions were more likely to become imbalanced at particular times of the year. In Chinese medicine theory, there are five natural elements (earth, metal, water, wood and fire) that exist within us, as they do in nature. Each season belongs to a particular element and has unique correspondences. When we study nature’s patterns and cycles, we can learn how to support our own health and stay well year-round.
It is understood from a Chinese medicine point of view that the external climate associated with a particular season, cold, hot, damp, or dry, has a tendency to manifest itself in the body, presenting as symptoms within the organ systems associated with that particular time of year or season. Winter is associated with the water element. If we take time to observe what the animals and plants are doing at this time we will learn a lot about what is required of us to remain in balance with the season both internally and externally. Winter is the perfect time to slow down and focus on strengthening and storing our bodies' energy reserves.
Winter is a time when our “yin” energy (the passive, cold, and inward force) dominates, as opposed to the "yang" energy of the body which peaks in the summer and which is more active, warming and outward. If we try to do too much during the cold winter months, not only are we going against the natural flow, but we risk depleting our Qi (vital energy), setting ourselves up for future health issues.
The Water element in Chinese medicine is associated with the health of the kidneys and urinary bladder. The water element influences both our fundamental physical vitality as well as our emotional well-being. During this season, it's particularly important to focus on working with our fears and anxiety which can deplete and even exhaust our vital Qi. Nurturing kidney energy can help you to work with those emotional states and transform them into a greater feeling of trust and stability.Winter is an ideal time to honor this connection by taking proactive steps to maintain kidney health, alleviate emotional tension and enhance our overall vitality.
Being that winter is the most yin of all of the seasons we must be especially careful to balance our energies and not keep moving through life at that same fast pace as we are accustom to in the other seasons. If we embrace this idea of slowing down and taking more time for reflection and rejuvenation, come spring we will have a deep reservoir of energy to draw on.
Key foods to help support & build kidney energy:
The main focus should be on foods that are warming. Some mildly cooling foods can be ok for people that tend to be warmer in general, but we should take care and resist the temptation to eat raw, overly cooling or cold foods that may put out the digestive fire.
Water – The body depends on proper hydration to function properly.
Salty flavored foods: miso, sea salt, tamari, salted raw sauerkraut.
Salt is the taste associated with the kidneys meaning in small amounts it is beneficial. Too much may be harmful. So balance is always essential and listening to your bodies needs.
Kidney shaped foods: black beans, kidney beans, most beans
Because beans are kidney shaped, as well as seeds with potential for new life, these foods have long been considered especially nourishing to the kidneys.
Blue and black foods: Blueberries, blackberries, mulberry, black beans
The colors blue and black correspond to the water element of the kidneys. It is possible to strengthen the water element by eating blue/black foods.
Seafood: fish, shrimp, seaweeds
All support the water element.
Seeds: flax, pumpkins, sunflower, black sesame
Seeds relate to fertility and growth which is governed by kidney energy.
Nuts: Walnuts, Chestnuts
Nuts are seeds. These nuts are particularly recommended for kidney energy.
Animal Products: Pork, duck, eggs, chicken, turkey, lamb
Small amounts of animal protein can be used therapeutically here. Too much meat, particularly without the balance of vegetables, will stagnate the liver and create excess heat in the body.
Bone-Marrow Broths & Soups
This will nourish marrow which is governed by the kidneys. Especially beneficial for people wanting to prevent or heal osteoporosis.
Grains: Barley, Millet.
These are both mildly cooling and nourishing to the yin aspect of the kidneys.
Vegetables: Root veggies, dark green leafy vegetables.
Dark green leafy vegetables build the blood, and since blood is a yin fluid, they are highly recommended in the winter.
Fruits: Eating what is in season in your region is the best rule of thumb. Too much fruit can be too cooling resulting in imbalances.
Tonics: Spirulina, kelp, chlorella, wheatgrass
These mineral rich foods build the blood which enhances yin. They are also high in nucleic acids (RDA/DNA) which have been shown to reduce signs of aging. They are mostly cooling so use with caution if you tend to be on the cold side.
Mineral rich herbs: Nettles, Oatstraw.
Nettles are a gentle tonic that supports the blood and kidneys, while oatstraw strengthens and calms the nervous system.
Warming spices: ginger, cardamom, cloves, garlic, cinnamon, cayanne
Remember that balance is key to optimize your health. Although mildly cooling foods nourish the yin aspect of the kidney, being that it is winter time and cold outside, those that tend to be very cold, especially in the winter should use caution with foods that are too cooling. Most people need a more warming diet in the winter. Think soups and stews, roasted root vegetables, lots of tea drinking, and include more warming spices in your diet.
Activities that nourish yin and support your health in the winter season include: yoga, prayer, meditation, qi gong, gentle walks in the forest, journal writing, crafting, reading, listening to guided imagery, listening to relaxing music, yoga nidra practice, stretching, weight bearing excercise, going to sleep early
It is said that the kidneys store our life force essence (jing) in the bones and marrow. By taking care during the winter season and staying in balance and harmony with the season we protect our life force and in doing so support a healthy and long life.
Stacey Small, L.Ac.
[email protected]
www.acupuncture-in-arcata.com
310.985.3780
It is understood from a Chinese medicine point of view that the external climate associated with a particular season, cold, hot, damp, or dry, has a tendency to manifest itself in the body, presenting as symptoms within the organ systems associated with that particular time of year or season. Winter is associated with the water element. If we take time to observe what the animals and plants are doing at this time we will learn a lot about what is required of us to remain in balance with the season both internally and externally. Winter is the perfect time to slow down and focus on strengthening and storing our bodies' energy reserves.
Winter is a time when our “yin” energy (the passive, cold, and inward force) dominates, as opposed to the "yang" energy of the body which peaks in the summer and which is more active, warming and outward. If we try to do too much during the cold winter months, not only are we going against the natural flow, but we risk depleting our Qi (vital energy), setting ourselves up for future health issues.
The Water element in Chinese medicine is associated with the health of the kidneys and urinary bladder. The water element influences both our fundamental physical vitality as well as our emotional well-being. During this season, it's particularly important to focus on working with our fears and anxiety which can deplete and even exhaust our vital Qi. Nurturing kidney energy can help you to work with those emotional states and transform them into a greater feeling of trust and stability.Winter is an ideal time to honor this connection by taking proactive steps to maintain kidney health, alleviate emotional tension and enhance our overall vitality.
Being that winter is the most yin of all of the seasons we must be especially careful to balance our energies and not keep moving through life at that same fast pace as we are accustom to in the other seasons. If we embrace this idea of slowing down and taking more time for reflection and rejuvenation, come spring we will have a deep reservoir of energy to draw on.
Key foods to help support & build kidney energy:
The main focus should be on foods that are warming. Some mildly cooling foods can be ok for people that tend to be warmer in general, but we should take care and resist the temptation to eat raw, overly cooling or cold foods that may put out the digestive fire.
Water – The body depends on proper hydration to function properly.
Salty flavored foods: miso, sea salt, tamari, salted raw sauerkraut.
Salt is the taste associated with the kidneys meaning in small amounts it is beneficial. Too much may be harmful. So balance is always essential and listening to your bodies needs.
Kidney shaped foods: black beans, kidney beans, most beans
Because beans are kidney shaped, as well as seeds with potential for new life, these foods have long been considered especially nourishing to the kidneys.
Blue and black foods: Blueberries, blackberries, mulberry, black beans
The colors blue and black correspond to the water element of the kidneys. It is possible to strengthen the water element by eating blue/black foods.
Seafood: fish, shrimp, seaweeds
All support the water element.
Seeds: flax, pumpkins, sunflower, black sesame
Seeds relate to fertility and growth which is governed by kidney energy.
Nuts: Walnuts, Chestnuts
Nuts are seeds. These nuts are particularly recommended for kidney energy.
Animal Products: Pork, duck, eggs, chicken, turkey, lamb
Small amounts of animal protein can be used therapeutically here. Too much meat, particularly without the balance of vegetables, will stagnate the liver and create excess heat in the body.
Bone-Marrow Broths & Soups
This will nourish marrow which is governed by the kidneys. Especially beneficial for people wanting to prevent or heal osteoporosis.
Grains: Barley, Millet.
These are both mildly cooling and nourishing to the yin aspect of the kidneys.
Vegetables: Root veggies, dark green leafy vegetables.
Dark green leafy vegetables build the blood, and since blood is a yin fluid, they are highly recommended in the winter.
Fruits: Eating what is in season in your region is the best rule of thumb. Too much fruit can be too cooling resulting in imbalances.
Tonics: Spirulina, kelp, chlorella, wheatgrass
These mineral rich foods build the blood which enhances yin. They are also high in nucleic acids (RDA/DNA) which have been shown to reduce signs of aging. They are mostly cooling so use with caution if you tend to be on the cold side.
Mineral rich herbs: Nettles, Oatstraw.
Nettles are a gentle tonic that supports the blood and kidneys, while oatstraw strengthens and calms the nervous system.
Warming spices: ginger, cardamom, cloves, garlic, cinnamon, cayanne
Remember that balance is key to optimize your health. Although mildly cooling foods nourish the yin aspect of the kidney, being that it is winter time and cold outside, those that tend to be very cold, especially in the winter should use caution with foods that are too cooling. Most people need a more warming diet in the winter. Think soups and stews, roasted root vegetables, lots of tea drinking, and include more warming spices in your diet.
Activities that nourish yin and support your health in the winter season include: yoga, prayer, meditation, qi gong, gentle walks in the forest, journal writing, crafting, reading, listening to guided imagery, listening to relaxing music, yoga nidra practice, stretching, weight bearing excercise, going to sleep early
It is said that the kidneys store our life force essence (jing) in the bones and marrow. By taking care during the winter season and staying in balance and harmony with the season we protect our life force and in doing so support a healthy and long life.
Stacey Small, L.Ac.
[email protected]
www.acupuncture-in-arcata.com
310.985.3780