Winter represents the most Yin aspect in Chinese medicine. Yin is the dark, cold, slow, inward energy. Growing, saving, and building potential for new life in the spring. Rest is important for revitalizing the kidneys. It is a good time to look inward and self-reflect. Relax and calm the mind but raise the spirit with carefully chosen activities.
Organs and Meridians: Kidneys yin, Bladder yang
The Water energy is a strong generative force centered in the lower belly. When the Kidney energy or Chi is strong, a person is fearless, determined, and can endure many hardships in pursuit of their goals. Persevering by will power is characteristic of strong kidney energy and Longevity is also considered to be associated with healthy Kidney Chi.
Kidney vitality declines with aging, prolonged stress, anything done to excess. This person could be anxious, fearful, and withdrawn, and in more severe cases, phobic. When the Kidney energy starts to weaken, dark circles or pouches appear under the eyes. The Kidney Chi rules in the winter, a time when living things are contracted with cold. Like a seed deep in the cold ground, Qi is dormant, waiting for the time to sprout.
The sense organ of Winter is the ears, and our ability to hear clearly is related to kidney health. The quiet and stillness of winter allows us to hear more of the world than the buzzing activities of summer.
References:
Chinese medicine living .com
acupuncture-online. com
