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

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

Tonifying the kidneys, nourishing yin, yang, 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 kidneys. 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 function, keeping our body temperature regulated, and warms and promotes the functions of the organs.

Good sleep, avoiding burn out, and sufficient rest nourishes kidney yin. In essence, yin is associated with our blood, moisture, and bodily substances.

Tips to Tonify Kidney-Water Element this Winter Season:

Foods to Nourish the Kidneys: Keep your back and kidneys warm! Focus on warm, unctuous, and nourishing foods such as nourishing soups, bone broths, root veggies, black sesame, and lamb.

Go to Bed Early: We need more sleep during Winter months to recharge our vital resources. Try to be in bed by 10, and wake with the sun. Take naps if possible.

Avoid the Cold: We are more susceptible to getting sick in the colder months. Cold invasion can lead to dryness, sickness, stiffness, etc. Avoid cold foods, long exposure to cold, and going to bed with wet hair.

Warm your Body from the Inside Out: Enjoy hot baths, warm herbal foot soaks, saunas, and hot yoga ( most appropriate time of the year to practice) to support kidney Yang.

Movement:There is a propensity for stagnancy when its cold. Movement is the key to healthy circulation. Self daily massage with warm oils, a good sweat, or a workout is a must.

Reduce Stress + Fear : Fear “injures” the kidneys. Avoid overexertion and maintain healthy routines to relieve stress. Practices to cultivate inner stillness like meditation or spending time in nature mobilizes jing and promotes peace of mind.