Seasonal Mindfulness: Winter is a time for introspection

Winter is the ultimate yin season. Astronomical winter begins on December 21st, the winter solstice. However, according to the Chinese lunar calendar, winter usually begins in early November. This year the beginning of winter was 7^NSNovember (known as Lidong, the first solar term of the season). In nature it is a time of silence. Most trees are bare, the days are shorter and animals go into hibernation. Although we may not be able to go into hibernation until spring, we can follow nature's cues by slowing down, conserving our energy, and taking this opportunity for introspection and restoration.

The organs associated with winter in TCM are the kidneys (yin organ) and the urinary bladder (yang organ), and the element is water, the strongest yin of the five elements.

The kidneys, located below the lower ribs on the back of the body, are called the “root of life.” They are also the home of our ‘Jing’ or Essential Essence. Jing is inherited from our parents and is considered the substance that encompasses all life and controls growth, maturation, reproduction and decay. The urinary bladder, located in the pelvis, works with the kidneys to process and excrete fluids in the body and stores urine produced by the kidneys. In TCM, the urinary bladder is referred to as a reservoir that stores water from the body.

The kidney and urinary bladder meridians

Moving upward, the kidney meridian lines begin at the little toe of each foot, run through the soles, the insides of the legs, and enter the torso via the tailbone. From there the lines continue through the middle of the body, cross the kidneys and the urinary bladder and continue to the throat and end at the root of the tongue.

The urinary bladder lines run downward, starting in the eyes and flowing over the forehead and crown of the head into the brain. They then go down the back, with a branch leading into the lumbar spine and connecting to the kidneys and urinary bladder. Meanwhile, the outer branches flow down the backs of the legs and end at the little toes.

Fear is the primary emotion associated with the kidneys, bladder and water.

Due to the position of the kidneys, unbalanced kidney qi can sometimes appear and be confused with lower back problems. Physically and emotionally, unbalanced kidney and bladder Qi can also look like fatigue, bloating, anxiety, worry, depression, and difficulty dealing with new situations.

If we give some attention to the kidney and urinary bladder channels, we can feel more relaxed, calm and courageous, with a stronger sense of stability and emotional balance within ourselves, as well as greater willpower to achieve our goals and overcome obstacles.

In winter it can feel like things are over, but experience teaches us that in the silence and darkness of this season there is a cultivation taking place beneath the surface that will emerge when it is finished. This winter, allow yourself space for self-reflection, calm, and a willingness to let go of fear so that you too can cultivate the seeds of goodness and abundance that you desire and deserve, ready for the renewal and growth of the coming spring.

Show your ears some love

In TCM, the ears are the sensory organ associated with the kidneys and it is advisable to keep them warm in cold weather. It is said that stimulating the ears through massaging, pinching, and flicking can be beneficial for the kidneys and overall health. Try massaging the ears for about five minutes during the day. Doing this while lying or sitting shortly after waking up is one way to make it part of your daily routine. (Avoid this practice if you are pregnant):

Rub your palms together to warm your hands, then place your palms over each ear. Take several deep, even breaths here.

Gently rub the front and back of each ear with your warm hands.

Using your index fingers and thumbs, massage your earlobes and gradually continue massaging the outside and top of each ear. Repeat this four to five times.

To complete your exercise, use your index fingers and thumbs to squeeze the top of each ear or gently move the ears up to five times.

Yin yoga for kidneys and bladder – butterfly pose

Sit on the floor with your back straight and your legs extended. You can sit here on a block or folded blanket if that is more comfortable for your lower back. Place the soles of your feet together and let your knees fall out to either side so that your legs are in a diamond shape. Bring your upper body forward and let your back round. Come forward as far as your body comfortably allows, without force or effort.

If you would like to add some support:

– You may want to rest your forehead on one or more yoga stones or cushions.

– Place a brick or rolled up blanket under each thigh if your hips feel particularly tight.

Stay here for three to five minutes. To exit your butterfly pose, gently roll back up to sit as you inhale.

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