In Classical Chinese Medicine, each season reflects a plethora of correspondences like an element, emotion, organ, taste, color etc.
Winter is Kidney Time
Water is the element
Fear is the predominant emotion
Salty is the taste
Black is the color
Etc. Etc.
The Water Element in Chinese Medicine reflects the Kidneys, Bladder and Adrenal Glands [“Kidney Organ Network”] Winter is the time to strengthen this Kidney Organ Network.
In particular, the Winter SOULstice is celebrated and revered because it is the darkest time of the year (reflecting the YIN component) and also the shortest day. However, in Chinese medicine the shortest day is also seen as the pinnacle for the acute storage of Yang Qi and the return of the light (reflecting the YANG component).
How awesome?! The storage of vital Yang Qi is critical in how we access our health for the upcoming year. What should be seen as a time to Balance our systems, find rest, repose and restoration is the ultimate form of “non-doing” Doing – yes indeed, a rare time of extreme imbalance that portends a rebuilding of the Yang energy as it increases again towards the Summer SOULstice. where the full expression of Yang find its mark. (Note: 2 equinoxes have equal light/dark and are mid-way between the 2 extremes at the Soltice marks)
As we connect to the Essence of Kidney Network, we also access Pre-Natal Energy—that energy given to us VIA DNA by our biological parents. There is so much unseen darkness and light to be activated in our DNA.
As we age and advance in physical stature and consciousness, the opportunities to heal, reflect and heal those imbalances becomes more poignant and demanding. We have a choice to look at what scares us and heal the essence of fearful darkness obscuring the innate Divine light. The deeper we dive in this time of year, the easier it is to align with natural slower rhythms in the face of the HOLIDAZE.
-Sleep more to increase brain plasticity and adaptability
-Find time to Do Nothing
-Reflect and heal core wounds
-Eat warming soups, bone broths
-Cultivate Love for yourself and others
Interestingly, the Bladder represents “Qi Hua” or Qi Transformation..as we move from darkness into light, we must move slow and steady, taking an inventory of faults and weaknesses and make a resolve to understand and heal their impacts on the body and soul. SOULstice is our opportunity to see more clearly. The shortest amount of yang is also the most vibrant and condensed. This focused storage of Yang qi can be nurtured and harnessed for deep insight and wisdom.
Chinese medicine is holistic because it activates deeper layers and several dimensions at the same time.
This time of year is ideal to balance and de-stress all organ and tissues systems with an acupuncture and herbal session and to create a plan for staying healthy through the wintertime and preparing your vital Yang Qi Stores for the upcoming year.
Many Blessings to you all. I am honored to be of Service.
