According
to traditional Chinese medicine, when the seasons change different
organs become vulnerable as our bodies shift to keep balanced. In
winter, the water element predominates which corresponds to our
kidneys, adrenals and bladder.
The
kidneys are the primary source of vitality, energy and heat as well
as vital essence. Energy is drawn from this source during times of
stress and anxiety or when the body requires healing. The Kidney
Meridian is also called the “Root of Life” because it houses the pre-natal force that we are given from our parents at
conception. The kidney meridian also includes the adrenals
(which physically sit on top of the kidneys.) The adrenal glands
secrete a wide array of essential hormones that regulate metabolism,
support immunity, and control sexual potency and fertility. (The
kidney system also includes what the Chinese call the ‘external
kidneys’: the testicles in men and the ovaries in women, so is very
important in sexual vitality.)
It is critical during the coldness of winter to support our kidneys
and adrenal glands through proper diet and lifestyle, good hydration,
as well as energetic practices such as yoga and Tai Chi which I love doing myself. This helps to keep your core warm and well nourished.
In
relation to diet:
focus on warming foods like hearty soups and stews, whole grains,
roasted nuts, root vegetables, beans, garlic, ginger, miso and
seaweed. These specific foods help to fortify the kidneys, uplift emotions, nourish the body, warm the core and help you to conserve
energy.
It
is also important to avoid too many raw foods during winter because
they tend to cool the body and can deplete our digestive “fire”
which is the ability to assimilate food efficiently.
In
relation to lifestyle there are many good old recommendations that
help conserve energy so that there is enough to see us through to
Spring
- Sleep early, rest well, stay warm, and expend less energy. This restores Kidney energy. Getting to bed early and rising after the sun has risen - at least during weekends - will help you preserve your warmth and vitality.
- Find ways to relax and release stress on a daily basis. Include yoga, meditation, relaxation therapy or a short nap. This will support the adrenal glands.
- Use seasonal acupuncture to help tonify the organ system. This can be a superb preventative (or if you've left it too late, corrective) treatment for body harmony. And as you may know – I offer auricular acupuncture treatments £ 10 per 45 min to support your body and mind.
For
other diet and lifestyle recommendation during winter I have found
the following pages to be really good for general advice:
