In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the winter season is associated with the energy of the element Water. Water represents our ability to flow, transform and overcome obstacles. Water is persistent and determined. Water always finds a way. Think of many forms of water: a wide rushing mountain river, a gently babbling brook, strong ocean waves, gentle rain or snowflakes falling, or a frozen lake.

The two meridians and organs related to the element water are the kidneys and the bladder. They manage hydrogen exchange and maintain homeostasis in the body, controlling the teeth, bones, bone marrow, brain and spinal cord. The kidneys store our “Jing”, which in other words is the “essence” or “vital energy” within us that is the ignition switch for our body, mind and soul. Jing is formed at conception and is responsible for our growth, reproduction and development, determining our constitutional strength and resistance to disease.

According to TCG there is a fire that burns between the kidneys (the ming-men fire) and the mental spirit in the kidneys, which is known as the will (Zhi). Together they fuel our energy, endurance, strength and willpower needed to overcome obstacles and persevere to achieve goals. If the kidneys do not work optimally – the fire in our internal boiler is extinguished – we lose our motivation and willpower, become depressed or suffer from seasonal ailments.

The emotion associated with the winter or water element is fear. In its healthy form, fear is an essential survival instinct because it keeps us alert and attentive to our situation and environment. However, when fear is out of balance, it can become an obstacle to living our lives to the fullest and create fear, panic and phobias. It can manifest itself as fear of heights, spiders, not being good enough and any other form. It can manifest as becoming rigid, unable to move forward, or trying to fill your life in an attempt to escape your fear.

How do you recognize if your Water element is in harmony and balance?

You can quickly check whether your own water element is in balance and in good health by answering the questions below.

If you are in balance, yes is the answer to the following questions:

• Are your body, mind and spirit in harmony and do you feel calm, stable and grounded?
• Do you have the courage to get through the dark winter months?
• Do you have the willpower to pursue your goals and know when to rest and recharge?
• Are your kidneys and bladder working properly?
• Do you have strong, healthy bones and teeth?
• Do you hear well and do you have no ear problems?

If you If you are out of balance, yes may be the answer to one or more of the following questions:

• Do you feel powerless, unmotivated or apathetic?
• Do you suffer from fear, anxiety, panic attacks, phobias or obsessive-compulsive disorder?
• Do you suffer from lower back pain or weak knees and legs?
• Do you suffer from fluid retention or bladder infections?
• Do you have a low libido or other sexual problems?
• Do you have tinnitus or regular ear infections?
• Do you have fertility problems?
• Do you feel tired or exhausted?
• Do you suffer from endocrine disorders or high blood pressure?

If your answers give you a picture of an unbalanced water element, you are not alone. This is no surprise in our Western society. The lifestyle we have adapted as an accepted norm and requirement for a happy and successful life is not harmonious or healthy.

Because your energy is consistently put into activities or work that is not in alignment with who and what you are, it depletes your Jing (vital essence energy) and leads to deep fatigue and many other psychosomatic symptoms.

If you like my previous posts you know how much I like to tune into the seasonal energy changes. I truly believe that if we tune into this change of energy, we can effectively rejuvenate our bodies and minds and maintain optimal health. Winter is the best time to rejuvenate and nourish the kidneys and bladder and bring the water element in our body back into harmony.

Paradoxically, the period from mid-November to January is one of the busiest times of the year, with lots of holidays, family gatherings and parties, shopping for gifts and getting our homes ready for festivities. This can make you happy and give you an energy boost, but if you don't make time to rest and turn inward, it will leave you exhausted.

If you want some practical and simple methods to take care of your vital energy and live in line with the winter season, then read my next post.