In East Asian Medicine, there are specific aspects of nature that we follow closely. The most basic of these are the concepts of yin and yang. For the body to maintain homeostasis between yin and yang, it is important to observe and adapt to each season. When we fight the seasons, we can end up in a diseased state and life becomes more difficult.
Winter is the season of utmost yin according to East Asian Medicine (EAM). Yin is the dark, cold, slow, inward energy that is the direct opposite of yang energy – hot, quick, expansive, light. The cold, darkness of the winter season urges us to slow down. It is time to let our bodies restore and rejuvenate.
There are also elemental correspondences to each season in EAM. Winter is ruled by the water element, the most nourishing and essential substance for life. This element stores much of people’s reserves of energy. That’s why rest is crucial in the winter. This time of year, over-work and lack of sleep easily depletes the water element and can negatively affects the kidneys.
The wisdom of water is to flow. Water moves effortlessly and takes the exact form of whatever contains it. A balanced water element is able to move smoothly through the season with strength, courage and willpower. The emotion associated with the water element is fear. In appropriate amounts, fear is essential to survival because it enables us to navigate situations with care and caution. When the water element is out of balance, one might experience excess fear, phobias and a lack of courage.
In EAM, the organs / meridians corresponding to water element are the kidneys and bladder. Water types may have a disposition for urinary problems, bladder infections in women or prostate difficulties in men. Regular consumption of coffee weakens the kidneys, while cocaine and marijuana abuse causes irreversible kidney damage. These toxic substances, including alcohol and other drugs, should be avoided.
Kidney yin and kidney yang are the roots of the genes in EAM, also commonly referred to as Jing. If one is deficient, the other one will be too. The kidneys store essence and govern birth, growth, reproduction and development. They produce marrow, fill up the brain and control the bones. The kidneys govern water and control the reception of qi (breath energy) from the lungs. The kidneys open into the ears and also manifest in the hair (baldness, thinning, greying). The kidneys control the opening and closing of the lower orifices like the spermatic duct, urethra and anus. They house our willpower and motivation. And lastly, the gate of vitality, called the Ming Men, provides heat for all body functions, warms the intestines, stomach and spleen to aid in digestion, harmonizes sexual function, warms the kidney yang and nourishes kidney yin and supports all other organs and meridians.
Water energy is a strong generative force centered in the lower belly. When the kidney qi (energy) is strong, a person is fearless, determined and can endure many hardships in pursuit of their goals with ease and gentleness. Persevering by willpower is characteristic of those with strong kidney qi, as is longevity.
When water energy is out of balance, we find ourselves in survival mode. We feel weak, tired and defeated. When the kidney qi is weak, there can be problems with water metabolism, urination, fertility or sexuality. A person can feel anxious, fearful and withdrawn. And in more severe cases, people can develop extreme adrenaline and cortisol spikes that lead to fits of despair, anger, depression and powerlessness. When the kidney qi starts to weaken, specific symptoms may arise, like dark circles or pouches under the eyes, weakness and pain in the legs, knees and low back, fatigue, bad teeth, loss of hearing, frequent urination, incontinence, osteoporosis, cold extremities, declining sexual vigor, kidney stones and baldness. Kidney qi naturally declines with age and there may be diminished hearing or ringing in the ears. In menopause, the kidney yin also declines, which is associated with classic signs of heat and dryness, such as hot flashes, night sweats, dry skin and dry mucous membranes.
But don’t despair. There are things everyone can do to help balance your yin. These suggestions are valuable regardless of the season, but should be followed closely during the winter months.
1. Food – There are healthy foods that you can integrate into your diet to promote balance. Some of these foods may already be part of your diet, so continue on. There may be foods that you haven’t tried before, so it’s fun to experiment by expanding your diet. Food is medicinal, but should also be pleasurable, so don’t force yourself to eat foods you don’t enjoy. It’s also important to eat warm, nourishing foods like stews and soups, while limiting raw, colder foods during the winter months.
Some options include: barley, buckwheat, millet (avoid millet if you have a thyroid disorder), oats, rice, wheat, alfalfa sprout, artichoke, asparagus, cucumber, mung bean sprouts, mushrooms, peas, potatoes, seaweed, string beans, squash, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, water chestnuts, yams, zucchini, apples, apricots, avocados, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, lemons, limes, mangos, pears, persimmons, pomegranates, coconut (coconut oil, coconut milk, unsweetened fresh or dried coconut), sesame seeds and tahini, black sesame seeds, walnuts, aduki beans, black beans, kidney beans, lima beans, mung beans, coconut yogurt, raw honey and eggs.
2. Rest – Proper rest during the winter months aligns with the yin principle, which emphasizes restoration, introspection and balance. Rest during this time is particularly important because it allows the body to strengthen its immune system and recuperate from the active yang seasons. Adequate sleep and downtime support the lungs and large intestine, which are key for both physical immunity and emotional release. By embracing rest, you’re not only replenishing your body’s vital energy, but also fostering mental clarity and emotional stability.
3. Adaptogenic Herbs – Supplementation with adaptogenic herbs can strengthen the kidneys and adrenals, boost immunity, lift depression, ease anxiety and help the body adapt to stress. Holy basil, ashwaghanda, astragalus, oat straw and rhodiola are herbs that can be taken daily as supplements or made into teas. It’s best to consult with a health care practitioner before adding supplements to your wellness regimen.
4. Slow Down – Slowing down is different from resting. Resting means to embrace naps and not doing much of anything. In other words, veg out or lie still like broccoli. Slowing down still allows for things like gentle exercise and mental health work. Winter is a time for internal work and following the cues of nature. It’s important to schedule more time to discover yourself through reflection. Practices like meditation, yoga, journaling, tai chi, dreamwork, sound healing, qigong and breathwork are great winter activities. These activities can also help to work through fear and depression. Don’t forget to schedule an acupuncture session for a seasonal tune up. This is another slow down type practice that can be very beneficial.
If you have questions about any of this or would like more info, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I’m here to help, regardless of the season.