It’s Time to Align with the Energy of Winter!
Following our two-part blog about The Energy of Autumn, as the next season arrives, we’re keen to share the importance of aligning with the energy of winter.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), winter corresponds to the Water element. During this season, the weather becomes colder, wetter, and darker, reflecting a slow, inward-moving ‘Yin’ energy.
Water nourishes trees and plants, preparing them to flourish in the spring when the Wood element energy emerges. During this period, it’s important to take some time for ourselves and nurture our bodies ready for the next season.
The Water Element and The Body
When considering the energy of winter, we must remember the impact this time can have on the body. According to TCM, this is the period where our kidney energy can be particularly low. This can cause us feelings of fatigue and weariness, and life’s challenges can often feel a little more overwhelming than usual.
Alongside battles with our immune systems and weakened resilience, the factors of recharge and rest must come into play. A lack of sleep, being over-worked, and not allowing enough time to recover can disrupt the Water element and can deplete the kidneys.
The Water Element and Fear
The emotion of Water is fear, which is essential for us to survive. Without it, we wouldn’t be capable of navigating situations and life’s curveballs with caution and perspective. An imbalance of our Water element may cause us to experience more fear, phobias and potentially a lack of courage. This is another key element of aligning with the energy of winter.
How Can We Align with The Energy of Winter?
Just like with all the seasons, there are a few things we can do to align with the energy of winter. These include eating certain foods and/or preparing them in a particular way, exercises and massage techniques, and doing internal work.
Taking Care of Your Digestive System
A healthy gut microbiome is key to a strong immune system and overall body health. Good bacteria protect against harmful pathogens, while an imbalanced gut strains other organs.
Support your gut by minimising processed sugar, and eating daily probiotics and fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, or kombucha. In Part Two of this blog, we’ll go into a bit more detail about different foods that can help align us with the energy of winter.
Massage and Acupuncture
The transition of seasons is the perfect time to experience a Tuina treatment. Acupuncture can also be extremely helpful during the winter period, especially if you have indulged in excess food or alcohol during holiday celebrations.
The points around the body that acupuncture uses are focused on the areas of autonomic nerve fibres, which control involuntary body functions, and sensory nerve fibres. These transmit sensations such as pain, temperature and touch.
Acupuncture points are rich in nerve fibres, and when these points are stimulated, they can produce various physiological responses.
If you can’t come in for a treatment, you can stimulate specific acupressure points yourself. This can support overall well-being, relaxation and can boost energy. It can also help relieve hangovers, congested sinuses and contribute to general immunity.
To read about the 9 acupuncture points to massage over the Christmas period, click here.
Keeping Warm
To align with the energy of winter, it’s important to work with the cold, not against it.
Make sure to keep warm, especially around your kidney and lower back.
Keeping your neck and upper body warm is also a smart move during the cold months. Our neck warming scarves are really handy for this time, helping to protect you from the chills that can lead to neck pain and colds.
Wishing You a Restful Winter
We hope you found our advice on aligning with the energy of winter useful. If you find yourself in need of more information on how to best align with the change of season, feel free to make an appointment any time and we’ll be happy to help!
