During the holiday season, many of us could benefit from stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yin yoga, massage, breath work, mindfulness, acupuncture, and of course eating well while maintaining good hydration.
We are a true reflection of the natural world, and ever changing with the ecosystem. In order to remain balanced, we need simply to open our eyes and observe the world. In TCM each season has it’s own set of characteristics.
Winter governs the water element, or Zhi. The color of the water element is black, its direction is north, its flavor is salty, and the associated organs are bladder, adrenals and kidneys.
Water is the most yin of all the five elements. The organ systems associated with Water rule metabolism and maintain homeostasis, a dynamic continual rebalancing.
The earth’s surface is approximately 75% water, and water makes up about 60% of our adult body weight, yet it has no shape, taking the form given to it by its container. It is mutable and can become solid as ice or manifest only as vapor. The most yielding of all the elements, it will break down even the hardest rock over time and find the path of least resistance to move around any obstacle.
During this time of year, the temperature falls and the seasons change from weak Yin (autumn) to extreme Yin (winter) the Kidneys become stressed and our Kidney qi becomes deficient. It is therefore especially important to nourish the Kidneys at this time of year and we should actually start in autumn to help the Kidneys cope with the transition of the changing seasons.
Winter teaches us that the only way to embrace the powers of the season is to surrender to it and learn from what it has to offer us. The earth grows quiet and in the deep stillness of nature, winter calls upon us to look inward, to reconnect to our inner being, to befriend the darkness within us and around us.
So how do we maintain balance?
• Take Time to Listen and Recharge:
Winter is a time to recharge; so learn to listen—listen to what others have to say and listen to your heart speaking to you. This is a time of receiving, not doing. Be patient: as winter is a time to go within, your inner being comes closer to the surface in winter. Keep a journal and record your feelings, thoughts, and dreams: donʼt analyze them, just record them. Donʼt fear your darker side; allow any and all images to unfold; look at them again later and see if the images convey an inner message to you.
• Rub, flick and massage the ears: Rub, flick and massage the ears until they become hot. In Chinese medicine the ears are related to the kidneys. Since stress can wreak havoc throughout the entire body, treating the ears is an effective and efficient counter measure. Rubbing your ears is a great stress-reduction tool. Use your thumb and index finger to apply acupressure to the whole ear, moving from the top of the ear down to the earlobes. You can do this simultaneously on both sides. The ears are also a microcosm of every physical and energetic system of the body. When we work on the ears we work on everything!
• Massage/Tap the kidneys: Massage the Kidneys in ‘inward’ circles (applies to winter only) Up on the outside, the hands come together on top of the circle, downwards in the middle and continue, to nourish the Kidneys. Massage with open palms inwards until the Kidneys become warm. You are using the Heart fire (summer, pericardium 8) to warm Kidney water (winter) We are also activating the Ming Men (GV4), an Energy Gate that is also known as the Door of Life or Gate of Vitality and which is directly associated with the Kidney Organ/Energy system and the health of Kidney Qi.
When you have finished massaging and feel heat in the Kidneys, tap over the area with loose fists, this removes any excess qi or stagnation. Continue to tap bringing the fists together and moving down the spine to the tailbone, then tap out to either side of the Gluteus Maximus, this is the way the Kidney energy drains downwards. Wipe off. You can always follow by tapping further down the inside of the leg, following the Kidney Meridian, and finish up at Kidney 1, massaging or tapping the point. This is maybe more effective but optional. The important part is moving stagnant energy out and nourishing the Kidneys, which balances our basic Yin & Yang and therefore has a positive influence on every system of the body.
• Keep Warm: Chinese medicine says that the neck and shoulder areas contain the “Wind” points through which pathogens can enter, so keep these areas protected; wear a scarf and keep your neck covered. Meanwhile, enjoy everything that winter has to offer, within nature and within your inner self.
• Take a hot bath: Hot baths are a wonderful way to indulge in self care. Light some candles, fill the tub with hot water. Add essential oils that you connect with to encourage relaxation and flow. Add flowers or herbs like chamomile, rose petals, lavender flowers, rosemary, eucalyptus, honey, sage, lemons or anything your heart desires. The possibilities are endless! Slip in and soak for 30 minutes while listening to a guided meditation or soft soothing music.
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• Drink lots of water: Water, water, and more water! Drink a mug of warm water first thing in the morning to help hydrate the tissues and organ system. Add some lemon, honey, ginger or keep it simple. Just drink up! Continue to drink a glass every couple of hours throughout the day. Water in, water out. Keep it flowing!
• Go with the Flow: There is a famous Chinese medical saying: “If there is not free flow, there is pain. If there is free flow, there is no pain.” In other words, physical and emotional health is achieved when there is free flow throughout the channels of the body. Disease arises when the flow stops. We can take this thinking and apply it to holiday stress. Things never go according to plan. Whether it’s to do with travel, food or gift giving, Try to focus less on the details and more on your ability to flow through them.
• Spend more time in nature: This is a beautiful time of the year, not only a nice break from summers heat but also a reminder of the magnificent beauty and gifts that surround us every day. Get outside, hug tress, imagine sending grounding roots deep into the center of the earth, and release any stress down and out. Take long walking meditations in the woods and listen to the creaking and swaying of the trees, communicate with everything in your surroundings. Embrace the quiet moments sensing the grace that every breath offers you!
• Eat warming foods of the season: In winter our bodies need warming foods like soups made with hearty vegetables and rich stocks. Whole grains, steamed winter greens and roasted nuts are good on cold days and offer nourishment to feed the body and tonify/fortify the kidneys. Nourish yourself well with warm foods and lots of water.
You all have an abundance of tools to use to feel safe, secure and happy in every season of life. Choose to step into your inner knowing and take the time to nourish yourself on every level.
Stay balanced, stay hydrated, and enjoy!
Happy holidays!
with love and ease,
Angel