Tired of feeling sluggish and depleted during the winter months? This post explores the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine to help you navigate the season with grace. You’ll discover how to nourish your kidneys, the body’s energy storage unit, through mindful practices, nourishing foods, and a focus on rest. Learn how to embrace the winter slowdown and emerge from the season feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Winter. The season evokes images of cozy nights by the fire, warm blankets, and the irresistible urge to hibernate. And for good reason! Just as nature rests during these colder months, our bodies also crave a period of rejuvenation and renewal.

Embrace the Winter Slowdown

If you find yourself feeling guilty about not accomplishing your usual to-do list, remember to be kind to yourself. This is the time to slow down. Honor your body’s innate wisdom and embrace the need for rest.

Your Kidneys, Winter, & The Wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), winter falls under the ‘water’ phase in the 5-element theory.

Your body begins to rely heavily upon your kidneys/bladder in this phase.

Chances are, you probably don’t think about your kidneys regularly.  However, I encourage you to consider your kidneys act as the ‘storage unit’ for your energy reserve.  This is why it is essential to grab that blanket, slow down and rest in the winter.  By taking this time for yourself, you are allowing your body to encourage this transformative process.

In wintertime, we become dry – our hair is more brittle, our skin is less pliable and movement is less fluid.  Wintertime leads to the stagnation of toxins, and our bodily functions become much more difficult.  This can encourage common kidney-related ailments to occur, such as bone health issues, bladder infections, ear infections, poor hearing, fatigue, anxiety, swelling/edema, loss of libido.

Each organ in our body has an associated emotion.

The emotion associated with our kidneys is fear.  If your kidneys, the water element of your body, are imbalanced, depression, anxiety and phobias may arise.

Cultivating Inner Peace

One way to help balance these emotions may be to take a personal inventory and look inward.  Take your time, this should not be a forced or rushed exercise.  Journaling, meditation, or reading can be helpful in this process.

To counter these imbalances, it’s crucial to turn inward and cultivate inner peace.

    • Mindfulness Practices: Engage in practices like journaling, meditation, or simply spending time in quiet reflection.
    • Prioritize Sleep: Winter is the perfect time to establish a consistent bedtime routine.
      • Turn off electronics at least an hour before bed.
      • Lower the thermostat (aim for 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit).
      • Keep electronics out of the bedroom (except for an alarm clock).
      • Create a relaxing bedtime routine, such as dimming the lights and enjoying a cup of warm herbal tea (ginger, chamomile, valerian, or peppermint).

Winter-Friendly Exercise

Opt for slow, deliberate movements like gentle yoga or a brisk walk outdoors. Remember to bundle up warmly to protect yourself from the cold.

Winter Wellness: Diet and Nutrition

Embrace Seasonal Foods: Focus on warming, nourishing foods:

  • Root vegetables: Winter squashes, turnips, parsnips, rutabagas
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Winter greens: Cooked collard greens, kale, mustard greens
  • Mushrooms
  • Apples
  • Cabbage
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Onion, leeks, garlic

Warm Your Body From Within:

  • Bone broth and stock
  • Soups and stews
  • Veggie broth and stock
  • Spices: Bay leaves, cardamom, ginger, garlic, nutmeg, fennel, rosemary, thyme

Hydration is Key: Despite the cold, it’s essential to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and warm herbal teas throughout the day.

Foods to Support Kidney Health:

  • Black sesame seeds
  • Bone broths (from marrow)
  • Cooked leafy greens
  • Chicken
  • Avoid cold, raw foods

Listen to Your Body

Winter is a time for introspection and rejuvenation. By honoring your body’s natural rhythms, prioritizing rest, and nourishing yourself with warming foods, you can cultivate a sense of inner peace and support your overall well-being.

Remember, everything becomes drier in the winter…..make sure to drink plenty of fluids, such as water and herbal teas.

I wish you an incredibly warm, satisfying, deeply introspective winter!

If you are experiencing symptoms of possible kidney imbalance, including:

  • Dry skin
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Phobias
  • Bone health issues
  • Bladder infections
  • Ear infections
  • Poor hearing
  • Fatigue
  • Swelling/edema
  • Loss of libido

Contact the office and let’s evaluate your kidney health.  With the right natural support, you can take control of your health and restore balance in your body.

Phone:  630-699-5714

Email:  drbethbartlett1@gmail.com