(Y)in-ward Winter Kidney Love
Reading time :
bare roots : 2 minutes (470 words)
Winter, kidneys, downward, inward - T'is the Yin of Yin season, can you feel it?
The natural tendency to slow the pace, nourish deeply and conserve resources in order to keep healthy until spring. While our culture may continue to reward 'keeping the pace' under any and every circumstance, your body will thank you if you take the time to move in tune to the season.
Chinese Medicine sets the premise for health by balancing the internal ecosystem with nature and the seasons. This season is associated with the kidneys, urinary bladder and adrenal glands. These organs require support because they can easily become depleted if they don't have time or resources needed to replenish. Supporting the kidneys means staying warm, eating nutrient dense and easy to digest food, getting sufficient rest and relaxation. When it comes to the mind, the kidneys represent motivation, will to live, and instinct to survive. Balance within these areas allow firm rootedness and resilience throughout the season.
One of the most precious "treasures" in Chinese Medicine is our Jing Qi. It is the basis of growth, development, and reproduction; it organizes the most basic composition of life, it is the most condensed form of qi. At the time of conception, the kidneys receive a specific amount of energy that will carry us through our lives. This essential Qi (vital Qi, Jing Qi) is important to protect because the amount received is finite. The mind and body at times draws on this reserve, usually during times of stress, healing, or change on deep levels.
Preserving Jing is best through the right lifestyle practices and food choices. Proper sleep, stress management and nutritional habits all help nurture and preserve Jing essence. While we can't 'add' Jing, we can certainly develop more awareness around the things we do have more control over. The lungs breathe in air qi, and the spleen takes in and transforms food qi. If good practice is developed to sustain these two main functions in the body, there is less need to draw on the precious jing qi reserves.
The kidneys, urinary bladder and adrenals work hard every single day, filtering blood and other body fluids, removing toxins from the Liver, and excreting these liquids through urinary bladder and urine. Stimulants such as caffeine can deplete the kidneys because they can mask fatigue, allowing us to push past the cry for more rest and care. Over time, this will inevitably deplete kidney energy and jing qi.
Winter is the perfect time to keep kidneys in mind. Keep your neck warm. Soups, stews and congees are the perfect choice for winter-yin vibes. Make a list of things you feel determined to accomplish. Soak in a warm bath with salt. Take time to cultivate a practice that feels really good for you. Connect with family and friends. Take Care :)
Curious about eating in tune to the season? Download my free e-book here!