Embracing the Wisdom of Winter & the Water Element
Winter, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is associated with the Water Element - symbolising destruction & creation, governing a state between death & rebirth. It signifies a moment of introspection and relaxation, hitting pause before blossoming anew in spring. Just like an object at rest in physics, holding potential but no kinetic energy, our need to hibernate in winter is paramount. Conservation of energy is key during this period of absolute yin - darkness, cold, passivity, and receptivity.
Unfortunately, our Western lifestyles often neglect this essential time for rest and repair, leading many to experience burnout. Acupuncture can play a pivotal role in this season - we have a few slots remaining this year, with the January booking calendar now open.
The Water element and its associated organs (the kidneys and bladder) govern inner strength - an opportune moment to acknowledge our ability to navigate life’s challenges. Fear, the emotion of the Water element, arises when doubts about inner strength and feelings of isolation surface. In TCM, we address self-doubt and fear through kidney treatments, recognising that fear can paralyse us as profoundly as winter's cold freezes the earth. Winter is a time for connectivity. A time to foster connections with others, nature, the universe and, most importantly, oneself. Winter calls for deliberate self-care, healing and rest, particularly relevant as we get exhausted by venturing beyond our ordinary boundaries.
Winter Nutrition Tips
Cold inhibits digestion, highlighting the importance of consuming warming, hearty, and nourishing cooked foods during winter. Soups, stews, and casseroles take centre stage, preferably cooked for an extended duration at a low temperature.
Salt, the flavour of the water element, is important in winter - miso soup, soy sauce and a small amount of good quality sea salt aid in bringing heat inward from the body’s surface.
TCM recommends bitter foods which include fennel, celery, oats, quinoa, and rye. For those that have not yet tried ground chicory as a coffee substitute, it is a delicious bitter option available at most health food shops.
Ginger, cloves, and cinnamon are warming herbs to include in your cooking. Ginger especially, is recognised for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties helping get rid of any winter colds & flus that may be lurking. Additionally, nettle tea is great in winter as it nourishes the kidneys.
Citrus fruits, rich in phytonutrients, not only warm the extremities for those that suffer from cold hands and feet, but enhance blood flow to the brain, promoting clear thinking and reducing stroke risk.
For those indulging in more alcohol in winter, pair it with cooling, energetic foods like mint to counteract its heat, a practice observed in Middle Eastern countries offering mint tea after wine-filled dinners.
A Winter Routine Must
Make sure to open your blinds first thing in the morning to ensure natural light exposure, even during the limited daylight hours. This is crucial for managing cortisol, melatonin, and serotonin levels, regulating our sleep/wake cycles. A must during this season is a Vitamin D supplement - I personally recommend the VitaminD and K2 oral spray from Better You.
Winter presents us with an opportunity for introspection and self-care. Wishing you a season of balance, warmth, and good health.