Winter 2023Health and wellbeing during Water season

As we move out of autumn and metal season, we move into winter, which is covered by the element of water.

Winter is the darkest time of the year, with shorter daylight hours. It is the peak of yin, so time for hibernation and replenishing of energy, moving towards the spring and increasing yang.

Nature is laid bare, but appearances can be deceptive. It looks like nothing is happening, but we know that energy is being conserved, ready to grow again in spring. We can reflect nature by going within and doing the inner work to gather our strength for the coming season.

In traditional Chinese medicine, the organs relating to the water element are the kidneys and bladder. Our essence energy – ‘jing’ – is stored in the kidneys, which play an important role in our endocrine and reproductive systems, which is why there is so much focus on these in reflexology sessions for stress reduction and also fertility issues.

Jing also produces bone marrow which is essential for healthy bones. Jing decreases as we age, so we need to make sure we supplement our energy reserves with a good diet, gentle exercise, and reducing stress in our lives.

Fear is the emotion closely associated with the water element. When water is calm, it moves with ease and flow; however, when disrupted, it is turbulent and unsettled. When we are calm, we are grounded and alert, but when fear steps in, the balance is disrupted, leading to stress and anxiety.

Imbalances of the water element can present as physical issues, like lower back pain, knee pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, fertility issues, vertigo, and dizziness, as well as occipital headaches and high blood pressure.

Self-care is more important than ever during water season, so going to bed early and sleeping late, keeping hydrated, eating nourishing warming foods, and looking after our mental and emotional health is key.

Foods for this season are warming, so opt for things like soups and broths, rice, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, beans, leeks, lamb, beef, trout, chilli, ginger, garlic, carrots and parsnips. Eating according to the season will nourish your body, whilst choosing locally grown foods means they are fresher and more nutritious.

Foods rich in vitamin C are beneficial at this time of year to boost your immune system and ward off any colds, so choose fruits like oranges and berries, and vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli.

Exercise in water season focuses on slow, gentle movements: stretching, yoga, Pilates and qi gong are highly suited. Shorter walks outside are also suitable for this season. If you are outdoors, keep your back warm to protect your kidneys, and wear thick socks to protect your ankles as the kidney and bladder energy meridians run through these.

Having reflexology helps your body in a gentle, natural way to improve your mood, energy levels and boost your immune system at the same time.

About the writer

Suzanne Cooper is a complementary healthcare therapist using the principles of traditional Chinese medicine.