01/18/2026
Winter= KIDNEY ENERGY TIME
If you're feeling the urge to hibernate, you're not lazy - you're aligned with one of nature's most fundamental cycles. In Traditional Chinese Medicine's 5 Element system, Winter is the domain of the Kidneys and Urinary Bladder.
Why your kidney are your battery bank
In TCM, the Kidneys store your foundational life energy called "Jing" (精).
Think of Jing as:
• Your inherited genetic constitution
• Your long-term vitality reserve
• The fuel for growth, development, and aging
Unlike daily energy (Qi), you're born with a fixed amount of Jing that slowly depletes over a lifetime. Winter is when we conserve and replenish this precious reserve.
The Kidney's Modern-Day Job Description:
☑️ Governs bones and bone marrow (hello, osteoporosis prevention!)
☑️ Controls the ears and hearing
☑️ Manages willpower, determination, and ambition
☑️ Houses our "Zhi" - the will to live and survive
☑️ Rules the lower back and knees
☑️ Manages water metabolism and fluid balance
☑️ Connected to the emotion of fear (both rational and irrational)
The Fear Connection Explained:
Ever notice increased anxiety or vague fears creeping in during dark winter months? In balanced state, Kidney energy gives us appropriate caution. When depleted or imbalanced, it manifests as:
• Chronic worry without cause
• Phobias
• Lack of courage to make changes
• Adrenal fatigue ("fight or flight" exhaustion)
Your Winter Prescription from Ancient Wisdom:
SLEEP MORE: Aim for 7-9 hours, ideally going to bed earlier
EAT WARMING, NUTRITIVE FOODS: Bone broths, black beans, walnuts, lamb, seaweed
PRACTICE QUIET MOVEMENT: Gentle yoga, Tai Chi, walking in nature
REFLECT & PLAN: Winter is for introspection, not frantic doing
