Embracing Winter: Seasonal wisdom from Chinese Medicine
As we move into the colder months, Chinese medicine offers valuable insights on how to align our bodies with the natural rhythms of the winter season. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or what I practice, Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM), each season is tied to specific elements and organs, reflecting changes in our environment and the internal workings of our bodies. Winter, associated with the Water element and the Kidney system, is a time of stillness, reflection, and deep nourishment.
Winter and the Kidney: A Time to Conserve and Replenish
Winter is considered a yin season—cold, slow, and introspective. “In the winter months, nature slows down, and we too should take time to conserve energy, allowing for reflection and regeneration” (Maciocia, The Foundations of Chinese Medicine, 2005). This conservation of energy is crucial for preserving our jing (essence), which is stored in the Kidneys.
The Kidney system, in Chinese medicine, is the foundation of all the body’s energy (Qi), and during winter, it is particularly important to support and nourish the Kidneys. Weak Kidney energy can manifest in issues such as fatigue, lower back pain, and weakened immunity, making us more vulnerable to the cold and illness. Therefore, winter is the ideal time to strengthen the Kidney energy and protect our reserves of Qi for the year ahead.
Dietary Recommendations for Winter
In Chinese medicine, food is seen as a primary way to harmonize the body with seasonal changes. During winter, the goal is to warm the body and support the Kidneys with nourishing, cooked foods. Some of the things that are most nourishing to the water element and the Kidneys are below:
• Bone broths – rich in minerals, these nourish the essence (jing) and strengthen the bones, which are governed by the Kidneys (if you are vegetarian or vegan, you might consider adding a miso sipping broth instead)
• Black beans and dark foods – the color black is associated with the Water element and the Kidneys, making foods like black beans, black sesame seeds, and seaweed particularly supportive.
• Root vegetables – such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and parsnips, which help to anchor the body’s energy and provide warmth.
• Walnuts – known to tonify the Kidneys and strengthen yang energy, making them an excellent addition to a winter diet (Walnuts are actually in the Materia Medica of Chinese herbal medicine, known as he tao ren- in the category ‘tonify yang’. They are not only good for strengthening the Kidneys, but they are also good for chronic cough, something that makes an appearance in the winter season as well! Pop a few extra in your morning porridge).
Cooking methods should also reflect the season. Slow-cooked stews, soups, and steamed dishes help retain the internal warmth necessary during cold weather. These foods help to conserve and protect the body’s yang energy, which is especially vulnerable in the cold.
Warming Drinks for Kidney Support
In addition to a warming diet, certain drinks and herbs can further strengthen the Kidneys and provide inner warmth. Simple teas made from ginger or cinnamon are perfect for winter as they have a warming effect on the body. You might also consider adding black sesame or goji berries to your morning oatmeal or tea, both of which help nourish the Kidney essence and support immunity.
Warming spices and teas are crucial during the winter months, not only for digestion but also to keep the body’s energy flowing smoothly and prevent the stagnation that cold weather can cause (The Practice of Chinese Medicine, 2008).
Lifestyle Adjustments for Winter
Winter is a time to slow down. Just as the animals hibernate, we too should embrace rest and reflection. TCM advises us to align our lifestyle with the season by incorporating more restful activities. Gentle practices like qigong, meditation, and yin yoga are excellent activities to add during this time.
In Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion (1999), it is noted that acupuncture points such as Kidney 3 (Taixi) and Bladder 23 (Shenshu) are particularly useful for tonifying Kidney energy during winter. These points help support the body’s reserves, strengthen immunity, and boost energy levels for the colder months ahead.
Embracing Winter for Optimal Health
Winter is nature’s way of reminding us to hit pause, cozy up, and give our bodies a little TLC. Instead of fighting the cold with endless busyness, it’s the perfect chance to nourish yourself and sync up with the season’s slower pace. Think of it as a winter retreat for your Kidney energy—warming foods, gentle rest, and a lifestyle that prioritizes reflection and recharging will have you thriving through the colder months, and ready to bloom when spring rolls around.
I know we live in a world that glorifies hustle, but winter gives you full permission to relax and embrace the long, chilly nights. Remember, slowing down isn’t lazy—it’s smart. As Giovanni Maciocia puts it, “In winter, all living things, including human beings, conserve energy. Winter is the season of rest, and this is reflected in the Kidney energy.” So listen to your body, take this season to restore, and you’ll be better for it.
