Living in accordance with seasons:  Winter

Winter’s Qualities

• A Yin season

• The withdrawal of Qi

• Slowing down

• A Water Element

• The color of black

• Cold, dark, quiet

Winter vs. Health

* Water Element meridians/organs:

– The Kidneys (Yin)

– The Bladder (Yang)

– Health issues: Kidney and bladder issues, problems with bones, ears and the reproductive organs

– Emotions: Fear, anxiety

Winter’s Months

(Chinese Solar calendar)

• November

• December

• January

The Kidneys

• They store Jing, the deep primordial energy that governs aging

• Control water

• Center of the body’s Yin and Yang

• Control the reception of Qi

• Responsible for growth & development

• The seat of Zhi (willpower)

• Related emotion: Fear

• Kidney time: 5-7 pm

Winter is a good time to:

• Rest more

• Sleep longer

• Go to bed early

• Reflect

• Meditate

Winter cooking and foods

• Cook longer; use a low heat and less water

• Bake in the oven

• Add a pinch of salt

• Consume warm soups

• Cook bone broth

• Add kidney and black beans to your menu

• Include black sesame seeds, wolfberry, mushrooms and black fungi, seaweeds and micro-algae in your meals

• Eat more duck, goose, beef, lamb and rabbit meat; also consume eggs

• Enrich your diet with some walnuts and nuts

• Cook with winter veggies such as squash, leeks, carrots, cabbages and winter greens

• Consider taking ginseng and/or cordyceps (especially if you are experiencing a lack of energy)