Winter & Jing
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, winter is ruled by the water element, which is associated with the kidneys, bladder, and adrenal glands. According to the philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine, the kidneys are considered the source of all energy (Qi) within the body.
All organs can be classified as either Yin or Yang. Within each organ system, there is a nourishing Yin aspect and an active Yang aspect. The Kidneys govern Water through their Yang aspect, known as the ‘Life Gate Fire’. This Yang aspect is drawn to the cold nature of Water, transforming it into a 'mist' that circulates throughout the body. Water is highly effective at storing warmth, similar to how a bath retains heat for a long time. Thus, the body's heat is stored in the Kidney Water (Kidney Yang). The balance of Kidney Water Yin and Yang harmonises the movement and transformation of the body’s fluids.
The presence of Yin provides the foundational essence, the material that can be heated and circulated, enabling life to flourish. Without Water, without Yin, there is no potential or possibility for life. Hence, the Kidneys are considered the house of Yin in the body. Kidney Yang transforms potential into life, making a person energetic rather than stagnant.
When the Water stores are heated and moved, strength and endurance emerge. This leads to a desire to undertake significant tasks, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual.
Winter is the season of Yin energy, it is a time to nurture and nourish from within. It’s time to let our Yang senses settle and create more time and space to bring our Yin elements to the forefront.This nourishment is aimed at keeping our internal organs, particularly in winter our kidney energy and Jing well reserved and far away from depletion.
Jing, which is contained in our kidneys is our vital energy. The thing with Jing, is that it comes from our genetic makeup. We are given our Jing by our parents, born with a certain amount that is not replaced once we start to ‘burn through’ it.
The way Jing works is that it naturally declines as we get older, so if you’re using up your reserves now, you’re hastening the ageing process and stealing from your future self.
We think of Jing as our ‘backup’ energy, when our Qi - our life force energy is compromised and we don’t have enough to keep pushing through or when we are stretching ourselves beyond our limitations, we then start to take from our Jing energy, putting our adrenals and our kidneys at a state of stress.
Adrenal fatigue is deficient kidney energy. If you notice that when you stop, you can’t slow down or you fall into a heap, you’re probably running off adrenaline.
Now I get it, it’s easy to always be ‘on the go’ and it becomes a habit, almost addictive. I get it, that was me, for many years. But unfortunately, the longer we live in this over stimulated, high adrenaline, fight or flight state of being, the more we are shortening our life span.
Warming, nourishing and augmenting foods, hydration - good quality water, meditation, adequate sleep, appropriate ‘down time’ are just a few things to help keep your Jing nourished.
Taoist traditions work with the elements of nature. To be a part of, to be with and within, working in harmony.
Think winter, think warm, think nourishment, think Yin energy, think restoring.
Think about your longevity and your future self.
How do you want to live and feel 10, 20, 30, 50 years from now?
Still thriving, healthy and happy I’m sure.
Lifestyle Practices for Winter
During winter, it's essential to release the expectation of doing more than you have the capacity for. Winter is a time for rest, hibernation, and rebuilding energy and resources. Your practices should reflect these intentions, which is why this list is simple. Embrace the magic of rest, the ritual of meditation, and the power of the breath to restore you.
Meditation
Gentle Movement - slow, long nature walks
Yoga Nidra
Kidney Yin Yoga Sequences
Journaling
Prioritize Rest
Keep Your Kidneys Covered
Wear Socks and Beanies
Warm the Body with Breathwork
Get in the Sun (if you can)
