Tips to Nourish the Kidneys - Water Element this Winter Season - Jenny Ahn Wellness - Traditional Eastern Medicine + Holistic Living

Here in the Western hemisphere, in particular Southern California, the seasonal shifts are much more subtle. Not as drastic and apparent compared to other parts of the continent. Nevertheless, Winter is an invitation from nature to reset and rest in preparation for the energy required in Spring and Summer. There is a reason why animals hibernate , fruit and vegetation lay dormant and are not as bountiful as in the other seasons.

In traditional Chinese medicine, Winter is dominated by the water element and it is considered more Yin in nature with qualities like darkness, cold, moist, and quiet.

Yin and yang theory is used to explain the organic structures of the body. Material substances like blood and lymphatic fluid for example generally describe yin while yang describe bodily functions.

Spring is just around the corner! Tonifying the kidneys, nourishing yin, and jing are essential during this Winter season to preserve our resources for the lighter and more active seasons to come.

In TCM, the kidneys are said to be the “root of life”. Our life essence, also known as jing is stored in our kidenys. Jing is one of the 3 treasures of Chinese medicine. It is the essence of who we are. It is the substance inherited at birth, and its conservation is essential for a long and healthy life.

Kidney yang is responsible for metabolic functions, keeping our body temperature regulated, and warms and promotes the functions of the organs.

Good sleep, avoiding burnout, and sufficient rest nourishes kidney yin.

Tips to Tonify Kidney-Water Element this Winter Season:

Eat foods to nourish the kidneys: Enjoy warm, unctuous, nourishing soups, broths, root veggies, black sesame and lamb.
Sleep early and rise with the sun: We need more sleep in the Winter. Rest as much as you need to.
Keep your body warm: Protect your neck, feet, and belly from cold.
Warming the body up from the inside out: Enjoy hot baths, saunas, hot yoga to support kidney yang.
Movement: Cold congeals! Circulation is key during the colder season. Self daily massage with warm oils, a goos sweat, or workout is a must.
Stress less: Don’t overwork, and maintain healthy routines to de stress. Practices to regulate the nervous system keeps stress and sickness at bay.