In autumn our attention was turned to separating the wheat from the chaff in our lives. Our option was to let that chaff go and feel the lightness that comes from dropping what we don’t need. Autumn was also a time to reap the confidence that comes from acknowledging our accomplishments.
As we navigate this wild winter season in the northern hemisphere, we are called to increase our courage.
Winter can be a long journey and if we want to come into spring ready for renewal we will need forms of self care that offer us resilience in mind, body & spirit.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) winter is correlated with the water element.
The internal organs are much more than physical structures in the TCM view. They are complex systems also involving aspects of the mind, emotions and spirit. Not only does each organ have a physiological function, it has functions at the invisible level of vital energy, or Qi. Each organ is uniquely related to a body tissue, a sense organ, emotion, taste, sound, climate, and a direction. These qualities are organized in the Theory of Five Elements. This ancient system provides TCM practitioners with a framework to understand, diagnose and treat health problems.
Organs of the water element are the kidneys and bladder. According to TCM, the kidneys store our essence energy (called: Jing), which is our source of vitality, resistance and longevity. The kidneys play an important role in the proper functioning of our endocrine and reproductive systems.
The emotion dominated by the water element is fear. It is a normal adaptive emotion, but can become chronic when ignored. Kidney issues often arise when we are dealing with fear, such as a change in life direction or unstable living conditions.
When we experience extreme fright, our kidneys struggle to hold the energy and we can quite literally pee our pants!
When our water element is unbalanced, we may experience symptoms such as:
Isolation, absentmindedness, detachment, or fear.
Rigid joints, weakness in the knees and lower back. This is because the Kidney is related to the bones, joints, and marrow.
Tinnitus, ringing in the ears- as Kidney opens out to the ear.
Coldness due to lack of Kidney Yang.
Hot flushes, hot palms, and feet due to lack of Kidney Yin.
Premature aging due to lack of Kidney essence (Jing). This is the prenatal energy that you receive from your parents. After birth, this material will be used for development and reproduction. If there is little, to begin with or not nourished by the postnatal energy (from food), then it may lead to faster aging such as early gray hair and wrinkles.
So, it's a good thing that water in this context is also associated with wisdom, stamina and endurance. Qualities we are in great need of at this time!
LIFESTYLE
The winter season is an excellent time to practice anything that keeps our adrenal glands happy. The water element urges us to explore flowing movement practices like yoga or tai chi or find a mindfulness practice like meditation; guided or self-led.
Ginger foot soaks activate the Kidney meridian on the foot to build the Kidney’s energetic function. Also, it can simply be very pleasant to soak the feet!
Tea
Personally I find my motivation to drink water waning during winter, as the temperatures drop I’m less interested in cold beverages. Many people turn to things like hot water with lemon & honey, and that’s great if it works for them - I could, and may someday, write a blog piece dedicated to the miracle that is honey and how much I love it. Lemon can be harshly acidic for some people and may not be suited for everyone’s physiology. I usually turn to caffeine-free herbal infusions, commonly known as tea. They are just as hydrating as water and I get the benefit from our herbal allies.
One herb that can be taken by people in almost every age and state is Stinging Nettle. Nettles are high in plant chemicals called polyphenols - suggesting that nettles may play a role in aiding us with prevention and management of chronic diseases related to inflammation. The minerals found in nettles are calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium. Some of the vitamins found in nettles are A, C and K, as well as several B vitamins.
Stinging nettle is a mighty ally - just don’t go harvesting until you do some research and understand your potential for specific allergies. What’s in a name? Harvesting Stinging Nettles can really scratch some people up! Once harvested, dried and in a tea bag or ball, they pose very little threat to those with nettle-sensitive skin & allergies.
I also adore Ginger Tea and Lemon Balm Tea. Ginger is warming and great for calming my sometimes tumultuous belly during the day. Lemon Balm is a natural anti-viral and nervine. I use Lemon Balm tea when I feel myself leaning toward anxiety and nervousness. I usually take it at night due to its calming benefits.
— If you’re pregnant, or on any blood thining, diabetic or diuretic medication, then consult with your doctor before adding any of these herbs to a daily or regular health regimen. —
We can find benefits from foods that share the qualities of the water element: the colors are dark, the taste is salty, the quality is hydrating and nourishing. Be aware that too much salt will cause water retention; it’s all about balance! TCM examples include: nuts, seeds, legumes, shellfish, salt water fish, seaweed, dark colored berries, root vegetables, whole grains, stews and soups. Yay, soup!
Understanding what your body – and mind – need during the winter months will allow you to stay balanced and healthy.
*ACUPUNCTURE
For Water element, KI 3 Tai Xi and KI 1 Yong Quan are two commonly used acupoints.
When pressing the points, remember to:
Apply firm and deep pressure
Take long and deep breaths while pressing
Set the intention and focus your energy on the point that you are pressing
Press firmly for 15 seconds followed by 5 seconds release, and continue for about 5 minutes for each point
Press on a regular basis as acupuncture works cumulatively
KI 3 Tai Xi (Great Stream)
Location:
Located in the inner ankles.
Point is in the depression between the tip of the inner ankle and achilles tendon.
Functions:
Yuan (source) point of the Kidney
For most Kidney deficiency issues
Strengthens the lower back
KI 1 Yong Quan (Gushing Spring)
Location:
Located under the soles of the feet.
Point is one-third from the top.
Functions:
Lowest kidney accupoint of the body
Descending action
Returns the unrooted back to its source
Calms the mind
Water is majestically motivated by the cycles of the moon-led tides and gravity-fed winds. It can both nourish and destroy.
- Even at its slowest, water can influence the deepest cavern to form stalagmites and stalactites.
- A gentle river can dramatically change the landscape over a few short years.
- Water as ice is locked, preserved, ready.
From water we can learn to flow in the moment; play & laugh like a babbling brook, rush on gravity as a thunderous waterfall, be mirror-still as a lake and reflect our surroundings, or hold onto the history of ages like giant sheets of ice.
Water flows home, always to the seas and oceans. It dynamically rises, passes over, and in fullness, releases it’s bounty.
What does this precious resource mean in your life?
What aspects of your life are flowing like water, or are locked like ice?
Do these areas need the remedy of reminder that there are other ways of being?
What is your go-to remedy for dealing with stress?
How well does it serve you?
Could you make a healthy change to how you deal with or adapt during stressful times?
These aren’t the easiest questions, take your time in developing your relationship to water and learning it’s lessons.
Live Full!
Emily Ball LMT RMT
Disclaimer: the blog Big Magic, Fun Wisdom, Healing Touch by Emily Ball is meant to be uplifting, educational and fun, and is in no way intended to replace any medical advice from your primary care physician, acupuncturist, physical therapist, psychotherapist, psychologist, counselor or any other qualified medical specialist in whose care you are under. If you’ve read this blog and have questions, contact me.
© 2021 Emily Ball, All Rights Reserved
*Citation: https://www.thomsontcm.sg/articles/the-water-element-in-tcm/