As we enter the season of winter, it is essential to tune into the cues from nature. This is the time for inner reflection, replenishment, rest, and restoration. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), winter is associated with the water element and the Kidney and Urinary Bladder meridians, which govern the body's energy reserves.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) water is believed to carry nourishment for the bones and regulate metabolism through the urinary system. Cues from Water reveal to us the characteristics of both yin and yang. forceful & flexible, raging & calm, forceful & gentle. Water flows around obstacles, moves or burrows through, and even takes on the form of its container, it overflows,
The meridians in Chinese Medicine theory are pathways, or channels that essentially carry vital substances throughout the body. The optimal state is balanced, unbound, free flowing and harmonious flow through out, which means that each system is integrated, connected and smoothly operating and functioning optimally in concert.
In Winter, our bodies.are naturally inclined to remain synchronized, and adjust accordingly to the season's temperature, or we adapt- dress to stay warm for survival, homeostasis is maintained via redistribution of nutrients and energy to vital organs in crisis situations.
Water is the Five Element for Winter, Cold is the nature/temperature. Yin is the characteristic of the Cold- Water depiction of the Winter Season, which is embodied by the organs of the Urinary Bladder and the Kidney, and correlates to the bones.
Yin/Winter is the best time to embrace the slower pace, enjoy activities that are restorative and conserve the three treasures in TCM, which are Jing (essence), energy or vital energy (Qi) and Shen (Spirit and mental wellness).
During the Winter Season activities to nurture and sustain the TCM Three Treasures iare very crucial. The TCM Three Treasures are especially important substances for maintaining and supporting health and wellness. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Jing, Qi, and Shen, the Three Treasures are crucial for life and health. They determine & define our vitality, immunity, longevity, and survival. Jing/Essence is our sets the foundation for reproduction, growth, and development. Qi/ Energy is the fuel of life, bodily movement, and function. Shen/Spirit represents our mental and spiritual wellness. TCM practitioners consider the roles of The 3 Treasures for building & collaborating composing & implementing the best patient treatment plans.
Consider altering winter activities to conserve more effectively, suit and support health and wellness of the kidneys and urinary and bone health. Yin and Restorative Yoga, Tai Chi, and Qi Gong are physical and energy practices that are beneficial for maintaining and preserving healthy mind, body, and spirit during the chilly winter months.
TCM Food therapy recommendations for the winter season include nurturing the Kidneys and Urinary Bladder and promoting bone health include consuming local in season winter vegetables such as, turnips, kale, broccoli, greens, cabbage, pecans, walnuts, black sesame seeds and black beans, mung beans, apples, pears, citrus fruits for vitamin C, and for maintaining proper urinary and respiratory function and proper fluid/moisture ( yin) fluids to prevent sore throats, colds, flu l and improve immunity, and promote overall health.
The Kidneys and the Lungs are interconnected in TCM. They work together to promote and maintain balance and conserve the three treasures in TCM. Regarding lung health- repair and maintenance is emphasized during the Fall Season to ensure and promote the healthy flow if energy (Qi) throughout the body, resulting in improved function of urinary and renal systems during the conservative period during the winter season.
In conclusion, the Kidneys support homeostasis and control the water/fluid balance and our essence (jing). This balances both the regulation of the respiratory, urinary, and renal systems, which are key to sustaining a homeostatic environment and maintaining our overall health and wellbeing and influences our vitality and longevity. Focus on renal and urinary health is essential all year, implementing extra TLC, and special seasonal attention, such as, preventative measures, wellness maintenance and curative health services can help optimize, manage, and restore function, conserve vital substances and optimal health and wellness during the wintertime.
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Here is a mantra and affirmation for Winter Health:
Mantra
"I am grounded and centered, embracing the stillness of winter."
Affirmation
"I release what no longer serves me and welcome healing and renewal."
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AMZ has special winter wellness regimens and TCM protocols that provide extra TLC for promoting healthier lifestyle and holistic wellness practices available for this tome of year. Be sure to schedule your integrative health and wellness sessions. Call or text Dr. Sharon at ShowĀn Medi-Zen: at 662-877-4555 or book a consultation or wellness appointment online at:
Happy New Year from,
~Dr. Sharon
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