Seasonal advice: Winter - a time for contemplation and reflection

Winter's stillness and darkness are the ideal time to turn inward and feel ourselves.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), winter is linked to the water element and is thus connected to our bladder and kidneys.

The 5 elements are considered the fundamental elements in nature and in us, and are: metal, earth, fire, water, and wood.

The water element and the organs linked to it are responsible for regulating the energy of “cold” in the body and maintaining balance during the cold months.

As soon as it gets colder, it is therefore natural to start working on strengthening the energy in the bladder and kidneys to avoid discomfort and signs of imbalance such as bladder infections.

If you are curious to learn about and understand the elements and Traditional Chinese Medicine, you can read more in my book "The Energy of the 5 Seasons", which you can buy here.

The Water Element and Bladder-Kidneys

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the kidneys are considered the source of our life force (Jing), while the bladder helps regulate fluid balance and excrete waste products.

When the water element is in balance, we feel calm, confident, and harmonious. But winter's cold can challenge this balance, making it especially important to support bladder-kidney energy.

When out of balance, we easily experience heavier emotions such as insecurity, anxiety, fear, and worry. Emotions that are all connected to the water element.

Signs of imbalance in the bladder and kidneys

When energy is strained in the bladder and kidneys, it can manifest in several ways. Typical symptoms during winter include:

• Soreness and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, back, and lower back
• Bladder infection
• Headaches and dizziness
• An unpleasant ache in the bones
• Poor blood circulation and cramps
• Ear problems
• Emotional challenges such as fear, anxiety, or lack of confidence

These imbalances can be alleviated and prevented through targeted exercises, acupressure, warmth, and a nourishing diet.

Winter's emotions: fear, anxiety, and insecurity vs. trust and security

Emotions that we all experience and cope with differently. Emotions that we might prefer to avoid or "get rid of." We can, of course, work on letting go of emotions, but first, it is important that we identify them, perhaps even get to the root or cause of them, but most importantly, that we acknowledge the emotions. Otherwise, they will insist again and again, like children who are not heard. So, let us allow the emotions to be there for now.

When we work on negative emotions, it is usually because we avoid them, but it is important to note that we can also swing too far to the "positive" side and appear naive or cling to what gives us security. So, it is about finding balance.

All emotions have a function. Fear acts as an internal warning system that seeks to help us avoid dangers. To release fear, however, we must first acknowledge and accept it, instead of suppressing it or fleeing from it.

When we understand and identify our emotions and their causes, they fulfill their functions and naturally lose their grip on us.

Meditation, yoga, and yin yoga can help us find trust in ourselves and the world.

Soreness in the lower back, back, and neck throughout winter

The bladder and kidneys are responsible for regulating the "cold" energy in the body. The bladder and kidneys are therefore also affected by cold. It is especially important that we keep warm when the weather changes and it gets colder outside.

When it gets colder, the bladder and kidneys therefore easily become overworked.

If we also expose the body to further cold, e.g., by drinking ice water or eating cold foods, it can create stagnation and imbalance, so the body has to use a lot of energy to keep warm.

The result is often stiffness, pain, reduced blood circulation, or perhaps an unpleasant ache deep into the bones.

You can prevent and alleviate some of the symptoms and imbalances by helping your body retain heat; especially your feet, back, lower back, and ears. The ears are important! So protect them from cold and drafts, so that the body's warmth does not dissipate and cold does not penetrate through the ears. Another important piece of advice from traditional Chinese medicine is: Never walk barefoot on cold floors.

How do I support my body this season?

• Keep warm, especially around the lower back and neck
• Keep your ears warm: Wear a hat as soon as it gets colder
• Avoid bare feet on cold floors
• Avoid cold drinks and cold food
• Use yin yoga and acupressure to release tension and support the body's energy

4 recommendations for food that can strengthen the water element

In winter, TCM recommends warm and nourishing dishes that strengthen the body and support bladder and kidney energy. Therefore, the following are recommended:

Warm meals instead of cold dishes: Eat dishes that warm the body and nourish the internal energy and "digestive fire," as spoken of in Ayurveda. Warm soups, stews, and oven-baked vegetables are ideal and help maintain the body's internal warmth and support digestion, which can be more sensitive in winter.

Strengthening foods for the bladder and kidneys: Use ingredients that specifically support the energy in the bladder and kidneys, such as:

• Kidney beans, which nourish the kidneys and contain many proteins.
• Seaweed, rich in minerals and trace elements, which strengthens the body and provides nourishment.
• Walnuts, traditionally considered to strengthen both the brain and kidneys in TCM.
• Black sesame seeds, believed to strengthen and protect kidney energy.

Warming spices for increased circulation: Add spices like ginger, cinnamon, chili, and cloves to your cooking. These spices help create warmth in the body, stimulate blood circulation, and support digestion. A small sprinkle of cinnamon in your morning porridge or a cup of ginger tea can work wonders.

Avoid cold foods and drinks: Cold drinks like ice water and foods directly from the refrigerator can weaken or even "extinguish" digestion and create stagnation in the body. Instead, try drinking warm water or herbal tea and replace raw salads with baked vegetables.

These small recommendations can make a big difference to your well-being during the cold season. I myself have experienced a great effect from cutting out ice water – all year round.

The Organ Clock - focus on bladder and kidneys

In Traditional Chinese Medicine , the organ clock shows the body's natural energy circulation throughout the day.

In winter, when the bladder and kidneys are working hard, it makes extra good sense to strengthen the energy in the bladder and kidneys at the times of day when the energy is highest in these two organs:

• Bladder (3-5 PM): Here, the body works intensively to excrete waste products. It is an ideal time for gentle exercises like yin yoga, lymphatic drainage exercises, or acupressure to promote circulation and support bladder function. It is also the perfect time to drink good hot tea.
• Kidneys (5-7 PM): This is the ideal time for relaxation and recharging. Feel free to spend the evening on self-reflection and contemplative activities such as meditation or gentle yin yoga. It is, of course, also a good time to eat a light, nourishing evening meal.

By understanding the rhythm of the organ clock, we can better work with the body's natural needs throughout the day.

You can read more about the organ clock in my book; "The Energy of the 5 Seasons", which you can buy here.

Acupressure and self-reflexology

Acupressure is an effective method for stimulating and activating stagnant energy. By gently massaging the points below for a few minutes daily, you can help improve circulation and create balance.

I have selected a few points for you that I myself press during the winter:

BLADDER 10:

• Location: In the depression on each side of the skull. (There is also a good gallbladder point GB20, which can relieve headaches)
• Benefits:
  • Strengthens bladder energy
  • Relieves tension in the neck and shoulders
  • Promotes energy circulation in the body
  • Has a wonderfully calming effect
• How to do it: Place your hands on each side of your head so your thumbs fall into the two indentations at the base of your skull on your neck. Gently massage the point in small circles for 1-2 minutes. Alternatively, you can place two balls in a sock, then place the sock on top of a yoga block on the floor, and gently lay your head over the balls so they rest in the indentations in your neck.

KIDNEY 1 (KI-1)

• Location: On the sole of the foot, in an indentation between the two large pads of the foot, approximately one-third of the way from the toes towards the heel. The point is located exactly where the foot naturally bends. See the image below 👇🏻
• Benefits:
  • Strengthens kidney energy
  • Provides grounding and calmness
  • Soothes restlessness and calms the mind
  • Supports the body's natural balance and energy
  • Energizing point, even though it also relieves overactivity
• How to do it: Massage the point in small circular movements for 1-2 minutes. Repeat on both feet. Alternatively, you can use a massage ball - or even better, a bouncy ball: Sit or stand, and gently roll the ball under the sole of your foot to stimulate the point.

Remember that these points are only guidelines, and it's important to keep in mind that you might also activate other points when working with them. If needed, please consult an acupuncturist or reflexologist.

My 6 seasonal tips for winter

According to TCM, it is important to accept the slow rhythm of winter and focus on strengthening bladder and kidney energy. Winter is a time for calm, reflection, and self-care. It's a time to slow down, "hibernate," and turn inward.

1. Stay warm: Protection against cold is important. Wear warm clothes, and especially make sure to keep your lower back, back of the body, and feet warm. Avoid cold environments. And even more importantly: remember your hat! The ears are connected to the water element, and it makes good sense, as they are openings in the body that allow cold to penetrate but also where heat can "leak out." So make sure to keep your ears warm.
2. Create a cozy atmosphere: Your home should be your "temple" - a source of calm and well-being. Create a cozy space for inner reflection and self-care during these cold months. This might involve candles, warm blankets, or some good relaxing music.
3. Eat warm and nourishing food: Warm soups, stews, and spices like ginger, chili, and cloves are ideal. Avoid cold foods and drinks that can extinguish the "digestive fire" as it is called in Ayurveda.
4. Rest and recharge: Allow yourself to slow down. Spend evenings relaxing and perhaps create small cozy rituals that nourish both body and mind.
5. Keep circulation going: Use yoga, acupressure, or a gentle walk to release tension, increase circulation, and boost energy.
6. Reflection and introspection: Use winter to turn your gaze inward. Winter is the perfect time to journal, meditate, be mindful, or simply take a quiet moment to find new insights and connect with yourself.

Winter course for bladder-kidney

If you wish to work with the energy of winter and prevent or alleviate some of the imbalances that can arise during the cold months, I highly recommend my winter course for bladder-kidney, which is tailored to support you through winter.

The course focuses on supporting the body's natural cleansing, creating warmth in the body, bringing calm to the mind, and alleviating discomforts from imbalances in, for example, the back and lower back. All courses are season-themed, inspired by Traditional Chinese Medicine.

What you get in the winter course:

• Myofascial Release (MFR) - the good deep self-massage
• Acupressure for bladder-kidney
• Venous pump exercises that aid heart function
• Foot yoga, which, among other things, stimulates blood circulation
• EFT; Emotional Freedom Technique
• Simple meditations and relaxations
• Gentle Yin Yoga programs
• Focus yoga
• Cleansing exercises to support the body's natural detoxification
• Relevant themes for working with the emotional aspects of winter.

Read more about the course HERE.

Good exercises and programs for winter

There are so many other good exercises and yin yoga programs that I can recommend for working with energy in winter, including:

• Foot yoga - you'll find a lovely program in my winter course and more exercises in my 8-week Foot Yoga Course (click HERE)
• Exercises to boost blood circulation (click HERE)
• Cleansing exercises to support the body's natural detoxification, including my Natural Detox course (Click HERE)
• Yin yoga program for bladder-kidney (click HERE)
• The energy of the 5 seasons – a book where you can read much more about how to balance your body through the year's cycles. Buy the book here.

I hope you have a wonderfully calm winter 🙏

Warmly,

Isabelle Evita