The Season of Winter - A Time For Rest and Restoration

Element: Water – the most yin of all the five elements

YIN ORGAN: KIDNEYS

YANG PARTNER ORGAN: BLADDER

EMOTION: FEAR

TISSUES: BONES

SENSORY ORGAN: EARS

THE KIDNEYS

Our kidneys are in Chinese Medicine the most important organ of your body. The kidneys are the source of all energy or “Qi” in the body.

• Physical imbalances in the body can show up as
• Premature ageing and greying of hair
• Urination problems such as cystitis
• Prostrate disorders in males
• Kidney stones
• Dark bags under the eyes
• Craving salty foods
• Fluid retention, bloating and oedema
• Lymphatic congestion
• Lower back pain
• Weak and brittle bones
• Aversion to cold
• Lethargy
• Poor short term memory
• Problems with knees
• Emotional imbalances can portray as
• Fear
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Intense phobias
• Lack of perception
• Lack of will power
• Being timid and weak
• Learning difficulties
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Apprehension
• Fear of failure
• Depression
• Complaining
• Suspicious and paranoid behaviour
• Workaholism

Inna Segal describes kidney imbalances as “Living with guilt, resentment, blame, ancient sadness. Holding onto destructive beliefs and memories from the past. Suffering, with a limited short-term memory, because all your attention is stuck in the past. Experiencing tiredness, depression, deadness, paralysing fear. Focusing on the negative aspects of life, unable to trust, difficulty in dealing with challenging situations. Crumbling under pressure. Giving up.

SUPPORTING THE WATER ELEMENT

• Introduce warm foods and drinks into your diet as the ‘cold’ aggravates the water element
• Avoid too much salt in your diet
• Ensure you are drinking enough water – preferably warm
• Watch for prolonged stress levels
• Take time to replenish your resources, to take time to slow down
• Go inward, self-reflect and have quiet time. Writing, meditation, reading and other soul-nurturing activities are required at this time. Winter is NOT the time for strenuous exercise!
• Go to bed earlier and get up later
• Nourish your body with warm foods and drink
• Essential Oils: Cedarwood, Juniper, Fennel and Thyme just to name a few
• Flower Essences: Bach Flowers: Aspen, Mimulis, Olive, Rock Rose and Star of Bethlehem
• Flower Essences: Bush Flowers: Water and Gaia essence

Affirmations: “Kidneys: I seek only good everywhere. Right action is taking place. I am fulfilled. Bladder: I release the old and welcome the new.”

Louise L. Hay, You Can Heal Your Life