Winter Wellness in TCM: Honoring the Water Element

How to live in seasonal harmony for more vitality now and in the spring

— contributed by Virginia Schuler, L.Ac.

We may have experienced some temperature fluctuations here in Western North Carolina, but it’s still technically winter! As many animals hibernate and the ground lies fallow, we currently dwell in the space between decay and renewal. Here’s a look at what that means for you within the context of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

According to TCM, invisible threads connect all natural things, creating a harmonic resonance between them. In this school of thought, winter resonates with the water element—a force of utmost yin. The element of water represents rest, nourishment, deep knowing and the profound changes that can occur with persistence. It serves as a necessary ingredient for life to thrive. Plants can’t grow in dry soil and neither can you.

But water isn’t just about passive nourishment; it’s also powerful. Consider how, over time, water can re-shape what appears to be static as a rock. That same force of fluidity can change the architecture of your life experience, no matter how calcified it may seem.

TCM also aligns the water element with the kidneys, the seat of willpower, vitality and our essential life force. We live in a society that values constant productivity, but now is the season to avoid burnout by replenishing your inner powerhouse.

Here are some ways to honor the water element this winter:

Rest

Allow yourself to relax and sleep more. Doing so is one of the best ways to live in harmony with the season, a practice that cultivates vitality, according to TCM. Give yourself permission to wind down (or better yet, go to sleep!) shortly after the sun sets. Throughout the day, luxuriate in the space between essential tasks and save your sense of urgency for the spring.

Listen to yourself

The water element represents intuition, a deep knowing that arises from within when you can hear your own heart. Sit in meditation and journal. Go for walks with no agenda. Get acupuncture and allow the wisdom of your own body to repair itself.

Wear warm socks

As mentioned, the water element corresponds with the Kidneys in TCM, both literally—as they regulate body fluids—and as a broader metaphor for your essential life force. Since the kidney meridian begins on the bottoms of your feet, you can help protect your energy by keeping your soles warm.

Eat food from the sea

Aquatic food is one of the best ways to nourish your water element. Think seaweeds like kelp and nori, as well as clams, oysters and cuttlefish. In Asia, seaweed stew is commonly served postpartum to help mothers recover from childbirth—a kidney-related endeavor. These cuisines are high in iron, iodine, omega-3s and other essential nutrients.

In addition to seafood, kidney-nourishing foods include—you guessed it—kidney beans. The idea that “like nourishes like” extends to the qualities of seawater as well, since many foods which support the kidneys contain sodium. While too much salt can harm the kidneys, foods with naturally occurring sodium, like black beans and seaweed, can help.

Get support

These simple lifestyle adjustments will help you ride the waves of the water element this season. And if you need more support, we’re here for you. Enter the healing portal of an acupuncture session, and let’s chat about the best ways to deepen your well of vitality. Your body will thank you now and in the spring!