Winter Solstice: Rest, Restore, & Reflect
I grew up in the Northeast and accustomed to the cold and dark winter days. As a busy child, I participated in after-school sports, taking the late bus home when it was dark outside by 4 pm. Surprisingly, there were times when I didn't mind it; I enjoyed the silence and stillness of Winter. Once I entered my house, I would find dinner being prepared, most likely some delicious pasta dish. On cold nights, my Dad would build a fire in the fireplace while our two huskies played in the backyard, enjoying the brisk weather. At the same time, I remember longing for the sun's warmth. On winter days, when the sun graced us with its presence, I sat outside, all bundled up in a winter jacket, gloves, and hat, and felt the heat of the sun on my face, day dreaming of warm spring days (a whopping 50 degrees), the smell of rain, and the flowers blooming.
The Winter Solstice marks the "official" beginning of Winter and is the year's shortest day. It holds great significance, especially for those who live in colder climates farther away from the equator. From this day forward, the days will lengthen, and we will see more and more sunlight. Even in Florida, we experience shorter days and occasional mild chilly spells.
With Chinese Medicine theory, we can observe the cycles and rhythms of the seasons and how nature stays balanced during these transitions. Chinese Medicine utilizes five elements (Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood) to reflect all these natural cycles and rhythms. Each element corresponds to an organ/channel system, season, climate, temperature, color, emotion, and taste. The five-element theory helps us to navigate the world we live in. Understanding what your body, mind, and spirit need during Winter will encourage health and balance.
Winter is the element of Water, a time of diving deep into introspection and stillness.
As the most "Yin" time of year, Winter represents energy reserves moving deep into the body. According to Chinese medicine, the water element correlates to the kidneys and urinary bladder meridians, the color black, the taste of salt, and the emotion of fear. The energy of Winter is deliberate, profound, and reflective; it is a time for rest, restoration, and reflection. Just think of holiday traditions during the winter. We focus in on these smaller worlds, adorning a tree with ornaments, or lighting a candle each day. Even if you live in an area warmer than the rest of the country, it is time to conserve fuel. The days are colder and darker, which invites a slower pace and self-reflection. Winter season permits us to practice stillness and conservation, preparing us for springtime's bursting energetics.
Five Element Theory
Season: Winter
Element: Water
Color: Dark blue/black
Climate: Cold
Organs: Kidneys, Urinary bladder
Kidney Channel
The Kidney meridian regulates fluids and stores vital essences established at conception and determined by what has been passed down from our parents (Our DNA). This vital essence, called 'Jing' in Chinese Medicine, is the impetus for bone marrow and why the Kidney channel also governs the bones. When the Kidney channel is out of balance, we have a sore back and knees and may develop osteoarthritis.
Fear and Anxiety
The Kidney channel is associated with the emotion of fear and the virtue of willpower. When the Kidney channel is deficient, we may have a higher amount of anxiety and fear that wreak havoc on our nervous system. Symptoms manifest as what we call "running piglet Qi," as nervous energy flutters up to the Heart causing palpitations, disrupted sleep, and eventually, panic attacks.
We can apply these five elements theories to support the body better and align with nature's cycle. Below are a few wellness tips to strengthen your health during the Winter season.
Tips for Winter Rejuvenation
Practice "Rest"
Hard to do these days. I know. However, it is crucial to slow down this time of year and allow deep restoration in the mind, body, and spirit. We witness this in nature. Animals and insects hibernate, and trees lose their leaves and shift all their vitality into the deep reserves of the roots.
Go to sleep earlier and wake up later.
Spend your weekends with an empty schedule rather than running around town with an extensive "to-do" list. Less is more right now.
Hold off on the excessive exercises and find nurture and comfort in 'quieter' movements such as gentle Yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and walking in nature.
Meditate for emotional health. Insight Timer App offers great guided and free meditations to help with the art of stillness and introspection.
Winter Nutrition
Add salty and black foods to give the Water Element it needs for restoration: The color of the Water element is black, and the taste is salty:
Black sesame seeds
Black beans
nuts, seeds
darker root veggies
mushrooms
bone broths
soups
stews
fish
seaweed
Cook all your meals - avoid any raw foods, salads, or smoothies!
Add warming spices such as ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, garlic, and onion.
And remember hydration! Drink extra water with electrolytes to stay hydrated.
Acupuncture
Sometimes your acupuncturist may include additional therapies such as Moxa.
Moxibustion is a therapeutic herb called mugwort (Artemisia Vulgaris) that is burned near the skin's surface to warm the area, decrease pain, improve circulation and dispel stagnation in the body. Moxa penetrates to the level of infrared wavelength, which provides healing at a cellular level.
Ask about Moxa at your next acupuncture visit as it is a great supplement to the colder winter days.
Stay warm, Sarasota!
Dr. Jen