Water element

Winter is connected to the Water element in Chinese medicine. This is a time for going inward, connecting to our emotions and nourishing the deep well spring of our life-force. Water element is related to the Kidneys and Bladder. All organs in Chinese medicine have functional as well as physiological qualities (except the Triple heater which has function but no form).

Life force of the Kidneys

The Kidneys are super important in Chinese medicine, they are known as the ‘root of all life’ and the area around the Kidneys- our lower back, is known as Ming Men, or ‘the gate of life’. We would be wise to keep this area warm and to support the kidneys by not burning out the adrenal system. In a culture where we are encouraged to be on the go constantly, this can be tricky. The emotion related to the Kidneys are fear/fright, and I see anxiety and fearfulness increase in my patients when they are edging ever closer to burnout.

Hibernation

As Winter is a time where we ‘should’ be hibernating a bit more, dreaming a bit more, in preparation for the activity of Spring, it is a time where we are at greater risk of depleting our life force.

Immune-boosting tips to stay healthy this Winter

• Look at nature and reflect; what is happening and how can we respond in a way that nourishes us? Life is going inwards- the sap is deep in the earth, the bees are dormant and huddled close together. When we try to push against the natural order, psycho-emotional symptoms such as depression, anxiety, fatigue, burnout, overwhelm and frustration can occur.
• Prioritise rest now so that you have good energy in alignment with the qualities of Spring & Summer, which is all about abundant Yang; lots of expansive energy, a time for busy activity, like the bee’s!
• Can’t conceive of slowing down or resting this Winter? Try acupuncture, massage or craniosacral once a week to help get you back into your parasympathetic nervous system. The part of the autonomic nervous system that we access when we’re in a calm, relaxed state. This is commonly considered to support immune health.
• Did you know that in acupuncture the immune system is related to the concept of ‘Wei Qi’ which can be understood as our protective Qi/energy. It’s like our force-field, cool, huh?  Wei Qi can become compromised when we’re over-stretched, allowing colds, flu and all sorts of nasties to invade. These are known as ‘exterior conditions’ in Chinese medicine.  Specific acupuncture treatments and proper self care can strengthen the Wei Qi. Source: Healing with Wholefoods, Paul Pitchford, 1993.
• If you do fall ill, eat foods that help ‘push out’ the exterior conditions such as warming broths, ginger, turmeric, turnip, horseradish, spring onions, garlic, lemon juice, grapefruit, broccoli and kuzu root. Avoid damp-forming foods such as dairy, eggs and excess sweets.

Eloise Minton is an acupuncturist and nutritional therapist. She is offering ‘immune boosting’ acupuncture treatments this Winter at her clinics in Hove and at Triyoga in London.