Seasonal mindfulness: winter is the time of introspection

Winter is the ultimate yin season. The astronomical winter begins on December 21, the winter solstice. After the Chinese lunar calendar, winter usually begins in early November. This year the winter was 7 NS November (known as Lidong, the first Sonnenterm of the season). It is a time of silence in nature. Most trees are bald, the days are shorter and the animals go into hibernation. Even if we can only go to hibernation in spring, we can follow the indications of nature by becoming slower, saving our energy and using this opportunity to observe and restore it.

The organs associated with the winter are the kidneys (Yin organ) and the bladder (Yang organ) and the element is water, the strongest yin of the five elements.

The kidneys that are located below the lower ribs on the back of the body are referred to as 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 includes all life and controls growth, maturation, reproduction and decay. The bladder that is located in the pelvis works with the kidneys during the processing and excretion of liquids in the body and stores the urine produced in the kidneys. In the TCM, the bladder is called reservoir that stores the water from the body.

The kidney and urine bladder meridian

The renal meridian lines on the small toe begin in the upward direction, run through the soles, the inside of the legs and penetrate into the fuselage over the coccyx. From there, the lines move further through the middle of the body, cross the kidneys and the urine bladder and further to the throat and end on the tongue root.

The bladder lines run down, start in the eyes and flow over the forehead and head of the head into the brain. You then go down your back, leading a branch into the lumbar spine and is connected to the kidneys and the bladder. In the meantime, the outer branches flow down on the back of the legs and end on the little toes.

Fear is the primary emotion that is connected to the kidneys, urinary bladder and water.

Due to the position of the kidneys, an unbalanced kidney qi can sometimes appear as problems in the lower back area and are confused. Physically and emotionally, an unbalanced kidney and urine bladder Qi can also look like tiredness, flatulence, anxiety, worries, depression and difficulties in dealing with new situations.

When we pay some attention to the kidney and bladder channels, we can feel more relaxed, calmer and courageous, with a stronger feeling of stability and emotional balance in ourselves, as well as greater willpower to achieve our goals and overcome obstacles.

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

show your ears some love

In the TCM, the ears are the sensory organ connected to the kidneys and it is advisable to keep them warm in cold weather. It is said that the stimulation of the ears can be an advantage by massaging, pinching and snapping for the kidneys and the general health. Try massaging your ears for about five minutes during the day. To do this shortly after waking up while lying down or sitting, is a way to make this part of your daily routine. (Avoid this practice if you are pregnant):

rub your palms together to warm your hands and then put your palms over each ear. Take several depths here, even breaths.

rub the front and back of each ear gently with its warm hands.

Massage your earlobes with your index fingers and thumb and gradually drive away with the massage on the outside and top of each ear. Repeat this four to five times.

To complete your exercise, use your index finger and thumb to press the top of each ear or move the ears carefully up to five times.

yin Yoga for kidneys and bladder - butterfly posture

Sit on the floor with a straight back and stretched legs. You can sit here on a block or a folded ceiling if this is more pleasant for your lower back. Place the soles of the feet together and let your knees fall out on both sides so that your legs have a diamond shape. Bring your upper body forward and let your back round. Come to the front as far as your body allows it, without strength or effort.

If you want to add some support:

-Maybe you would like to put your forehead on one or more yoga stones or pads.

- Place a brick or a rolled -up blanket under any thigh when your hips feel particularly tight.

Stay here for three to five minutes. To leave your butterfly pose, roll up gently when you inhale.

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