02/12/2025
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the Kidneys and the Urinary Bladder are associated with Winter.
Some of the common issues associated with Kidneys include symptoms such as hearing problems, low back pain, knee pain, urinary issues, infertility, and toothaches. It is vital to cover ears and neck so cold doesn’t invade the body. Slow movement activities such as Qigong and Yoga are helpful to keep body aches and pains away.
Emotions
In Chinese medicine, fear is associated with Winter and therefore with the Kidneys. Excessive fear can damage the normal functioning of Kidneys and Urinary Bladder. This results in poor bladder control, resulting in frequent urination. Hence we have a tendency to urinate when experiencing nervousness. For people who are prone to anxiety, sadness, worry, or live with fear, these emotions can get very intense this time of the year and create imbalance within the body.
Therefore, it is very important to slow down, meditate to make our inner selves stronger, and gently overcome these emotions.
Winter Clothing
Wear clothes according to the season. There will be days when the temperature may increase and it might feel like a non-winter day, but one must not forget, the essence of Winter is Cold. Dressing up according to the season is important in an effort to stay in harmony with the season.
Sleep
As the days are starting to get shorter, it’s vital that we get plenty of rest this time of year and sleep longer hours. Sunshine during this time of the year is limited, which means there is less Yang energy, so it is important that we conserve our energy.
And if it snows, go outside and play in the snow. Since we stay indoors most of the winter season, it is important to get some fresh air.
Seasonal Foods for Winter
Most of us know that eating healthy food is important for having improved immunity. The nutritional value of the nutrients in food plays an important role in selecting the food we eat, but in Chinese medicine, the essence of the food plays an important role in staying healthing and living in harmony with the winter season.
Eat Cold Food in Moderation
It is a good idea to minimize consumption of raw salads in an effort to keep your body temperature warm. Leave those salads for the summer. Avoid iced foods and drinks such as smoothies, frozen foods, cold drinks.
Satisfy Sugar Cravings
Many of us experience an increase in sugar cravings this time of the year. According to Chinese medicine, sweet flavors belong to the Spleen and an excess consumption of sugar can damage the Spleen. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of consuming that extra sugar. However, sweet cravings can be supplemented by various traditional recipes such as using baked apples and pears.
Cook It Slowly
The aim of foods for this time of the year is to provide Yin and Fluids to the body. Cooking foods slowly at a lower temperature but for longer periods of time, using various broths, hearty stews, and root vegetables, will help to maintain and generate heat in the body without damaging the Yin.
Nourish the Kidneys
Kidneys belong to the winter season. Take care of the Kidneys by eating foods that nourish them this time of year. Foods that help to nourish the Kidneys are kidney beans, black sesame seeds, dark leafy vegetables, walnuts, chestnuts, stews with legumes, lamb, and beef.
Spice It Up!
There are many spices with a warming nature and when added to foods such as soups, stews, or desserts, they will enhance the warming nature of the dish. Some of these commonly used spices are star anise, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and cumin. Using these spices with moderation in various recipes will add flavor and health benefits.
