The season of winter is a time of slowing down and hibernation. According to Traditional Chinese Medical theory, the winter months are the perfect time to recharge your batteries and to start storing up the body’s vital energy reserves. The ancient Chinese believed humans should be at peace and in harmony with nature and follow the natural cycles of the seasons, while taking cues from the surrounding environment.
Winter is dominated by the water element in TCM theory. The water element is associated with the kidneys, bladder and adrenal glands. The kidneys are considered the source of all energy or Qi (pronounced “chee”) found within the body. They store the reserves of Qi in the body for usage during times of stress and change. This Qi also helps in healing, preventing illness and graceful aging. Fundamentally, during the winter months, our bodies are following the cues of nature, which include rest, reflection, storage and conservation.
During the winter months it is important to nourish the kidney qi, as this is also the time when this energy is most easily depleted. Some things that can help nourish the kidney qi include regular acupuncture treatments, moxibustion, proper diet, increased sleep and light exercise.
TCM utilizes numerous modalities and tools to help keep the body balanced and prepped for the seasonal changes. Acupuncture and moxibustion are two of the tools that are regularly used to boost the kidney qi. Moxibustion is a practice where dried mugwort is burned very near the skin to warm and boost the Qi within the body. There are certain acupuncture points that are essential for boosting kidney qi. Most are located either on the lower abdomen, below the umbilicus or on the lower back above the hip bones, in the areas of the kidneys. Applying moxibustion to these areas is a wonderful way to boost the kidney’s energy reserves.
Acupuncture can do essentially the same thing as moxibustion, but on a deeper level and it can physically affect the hormone levels of the adrenal glands, which sit just on top of the kidneys. When the adrenals are supported, they allow for balanced hormones throughout the body. This then helps the body use hormones properly without over-expenditure, thus preventing depletion of the body’s energy reserves.
As the kidneys are closely associated and ruled by the water element, which is the element associated with winter, it is important to remember that water is essential. Drinking room temperature water is a vital step to keeping the kidney qi sufficient throughout the winter months. Eating darkly colored foods like blueberries, blackberries and black beans are also recommended during the winter months, as they boost the kidney qi. Warming foods like hearty soups, whole grains and roasted nuts also keep the body warm and nourished
Keeping the body warm, getting ample amounts of restful sleep and going to sleep early are all recommended during the winter months. Doing all of these things, getting regular acupuncture treatments and eating according to the season, will keep everybody healthy throughout the winter and when spring hits, energy reserves will be ample to take the body into the warmer months ahead.
