Living in alignment with the seasons means embracing that that our bodies, like nature, move in cycles. We have seasons too.
When we see ourselves as a part of nature, not separate from it, we are invited into having a dynamic relationship with ourselves and the ways our bodies may shift and change with daylight, weather patterns, and seasonal shifts. Perhaps, connecting to nature helps us stay a bit more grounded and centered despite expectations of constant hyper-productivity. And maybe, this process can help us to take better care of our earth as an extension of our well-being.
In the earth-based tradition of Chinese medicine, winter is a time of seasonal rest. It is a time of preserving our qi, or energy.
The ancient texts recommend that winter, which correlates with the Kidney Organ Network, is about gathering and consolidating the qi. Our energy reserves correlate with our overall energy levels and our ability to regulate water metabolism in the body. Many aspects of our health are implicated here. Symptoms of imbalanced Kidney Qi might include tendencies towards:
low overall energy levels or fatigue
slowed metabolism
hair loss or thinning
low back pain and joint pain
fertility issues and low libido
certain types of low mood or depression, especially involving excessive fear
frequent urination, urinating at night
swollen feet or legs
ringing in the ears (tinnitus), loss of hearing, or changes in balance or dizziness
inability to keep the body, and fingers and toes warm
Chinese medicine has so much available to help with these patterns including specific lifestyle, dietary, herbal, and movement practices to nourish and restore the body. See below for some guidance on how to make the most of wintertime for your body.
Nourishing in Wintertime According to Chinese Medicine
Overall choose warming, sustantial and more nourishing foods. Like this recipe.
Eat more black and dark blue foods (forbidden rices and wild rice, mushrooms, dark winter greens and black seaweeds), drink bone broth, and balance your intake of bitter and salty flavors. (Salt cravings can be a sign of adrenal deficiency and salt can actually replenish energy for some people.)
Incorporate aromatic and gently warming spices into your meals (e.g. ginger, cardamom, cayenne, garlic, cinnamon, pepper, anise).
Drink warm and warming beverages such as ginger and licorice teas.
Seasonal Living Recommendations for Wintertime
Seek inner warmth while the external world becomes colder and darker: embrace the qualities of introspection and meditation.
Manage your stress and deepen your emotional hygiene. Just as the energy of nature is still, deep, and quiet during winter, do what you can to cultivate peace and quiet reflection in yourself. (Modern culture often undervalues rest and stillness.)
In Chinese medicine, honoring the water element means embracing the reservoir of energy of your own being, your genetic imprint and true nature without excessive fuss or manipulation. Accepting who you are, your innate ways of being and gifts and sharing this with the world lets you protect your kidney energy.
Reduce your screen time. Steady your focus and attention. Candle or firelight might help bring calm and introspection into your evenings.
Rest more, take advantage of the reduced daylight hours and restore your body. You may want to wind down a bit earlier and sleep a bit longer, but avoid falling into complete withdrawal from activity, over-sleeping, or allowing yourself to succumb to a dark mood.
Dress warmly. Be especially careful about keeping your feet, ankles, abdomen, and the back of your neck warm.
Honor the element of water (which is correlated with winter and the Kidneys) by being with water intentionally. Take baths. Participate in water conservation projects. Visit bodies of water and give thanks for all water offers. More on water honoring practices here.
Movement Practices to Support Kidney Qi in Wintertime
Practice regular movement therapies and/or bodywork that helps keep the low back and joints supple.
Conserve your physical energy; avoid excessive over-exertion or hyperactivity especially after dark.
Receive moxibustion (a gentle warming technique applied to the acupuncture meridians to help strengthen energy reserves and boost qi). This can also help with sleep, digestion, and fertility issues.
Custom Herbal Formulations
You may do well with a customized Chinese herbal formula to help with symptoms of fatigue, persistent cold body temperature, constant low back or joint pain, lingering illnesses and digestive issues, or any of the above listed conditions. Specific herbs can help nourish depleted reserves.
You might also do well to learn about adaptogenic herbs and how they protect the stress response system.