Every season has its changes! As we saw in the article on Chinese calendars, each season has its own energy, and the body must constantly adapt to it to stay healthy.

Winter in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a time of rest, introspection and energy conservation. Here are some tips from the team Nuence MTC to live this season in harmony:

The Calendar

Chinese seasons are several weeks ahead of their Western counterparts.

Winter will be at its peak on December 21, the day of the solstice, the shortest day of the year.

The energies

What if we went home as nature suggests?

Even though this period seems sterile, it has not put an end to fertility. Under the cold and humid Earth, the seeds are preparing... a period of waiting, of rest... but not of inactivity.

Winter expresses extreme Yin or introspection, and interiority are essential before approaching a new cycle. It is necessary to rest and save one's strength.

The element: WATER

It is the season of Water, an energy that may appear frozen and frozen on the surface by the cold, but it is nevertheless powerful, capable of flowing deep and overcoming all obstacles. By allowing seeds buried underground to germinate, Water is symbolically associated with the fundamental essences of life.

According to the cycle of the 5 movements, only the Earth element can exercise control over Water, by mopping it up when it is in excess, by slowing down or diverting its flow.

Organs: Kidneys and Bladder

The kidneys play a vital role in maintaining the overall health of our body.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the kidneys are the body's great energy reserve. They are involved in the storage of our Essence (Jing). It is one of the three fundamental treasures, with Qi (energy) and Shen (spirit). It is the fundamental vital essence that supports growth, development and reproduction (see above about the element WATER).

Jing is therefore stored in the kidneys and plays a crucial role in bone marrow production, bone health, hair and tooth growth, as well as fertility and longevity.

The bladder, on the other hand, stores and removes impure fluids from the body.

During the winter, it is essential to nourish and protect these organs in particular to maintain health and longevity.

“When the Kidney Qi is sufficient, the 100 diseases are eliminated.”

Dietetics: what food should you turn to?

To support the kidneys during the winter season, traditional Chinese medicine suggests that we follow an adapted diet by following some of the advice below:

Foods to favor

1. Black Foods: Black beans, black sesame and black rice are beneficial for the kidneys.
2. Animal Proteins: Seafood like shrimp, mussels and oysters, rich in zinc, are excellent for kidney health.
3. Root Vegetables: Carrots, turnips and sweet potatoes provide the energy needed to fight the cold.
4. Soups and Broths: Nourishing soups and broths warm the body and support the kidneys.
5. Foods Rich in Omega-3: Chia seeds, walnuts and fatty fish like salmon are beneficial for the kidneys.

Practical Advice

• Salt Moderation: Although Winter in TCM is associated with salty flavor, avoid excessive salt consumption to avoid overloading the kidneys.
• Hydration: Drink enough water to flush out toxins and support kidney function.
• It is important to avoid foods high in sodium, potassium and phosphorus, such as processed foods, deli meats, processed meats and dairy products.

Skin Imbalances in Winter:

Winter can cause several skin imbalances due to cold, wind and dryness. Here are some of the main imbalances observed:

1. Dryness: Skin can become dry and rough due to decreased humidity in the air and exposure to cold. Chapped lips and cracked skin are common.

2. Itching: Dryness can lead to itching, often exacerbated by indoor heating which dries the air even more.

3. Redness and Inflammation: Exposure to cold can cause redness and inflammation, especially on exposed areas such as the face and hands.

To give the skin all the hydration it needs this season, NUENCE-MTC has developed a rich face cream associated with the WATER element with plant active ingredients from the Chinese pharmacopoeia: GAN CAO, the licorice root with multiple dermo-cosmetic and nutritional properties (see our next article), and SANG CHEN, the fruit of the white mulberry, rich in iron and antioxidant substances that limit skin aging.

Hyaluronic acid, the most powerful hydrating molecule known to date, helps attract and retain water in the skin, improving skin barrier function and reducing moisture loss.

The organic raw materials used in the composition of this cream (shea butter, olive oil, sunflower oil) help protect the skin against drying out, deeply nourish, soften and smooth the skin.

What activity could do me good?

"The Kidney Self-tonification Method", or "Wailaogong Kidney Tonification Method":

Every evening just before going to sleep, place the back of both hands against the lower back, lying on your back, after 5-10 minutes, the feeling of heat will gradually spread to the whole body. At the beginning, with both hands crushed by the lower back, you may have numbness, after 3-5 days of practice you adapt and this phenomenon disappears, you will be able to feel relaxation and flexibility in both legs.

Qi Gong exercises

A stretch of the Bladder meridian helps promote circulation and elimination during this season.

• Standing, feet apart, shoulders flexible, knees slightly bent. Place one hand on your back, the back of the hand against your lower back.
• The other hand comes to position itself in front of the thigh. We come to push with the hand by pivoting the pelvis as if the hand were a spoon which comes to collect the water and raises it towards the Sky like a paddle wheel by making a complete turn.
• Change hands.

The color of the season:

The WATER element is represented by the color black or deep blue like the darkness of the night or the oceans.

It is the color of spirituality, of the mystery of life and of origins.

What is the emotion most particularly associated with this season?

This season is a time of withdrawal and introspection, where energy is focused inward. The kidneys play a crucial role in managing this emotion.

People with a balanced WATER nature possess strong will, strength of character, tenacity and determination.

In case of energy imbalance, if the Qi of the Kidneys is weak, we observe discouragement, passivity, lack of self-confidence, feeling of insecurity which can lead to excessive or irrational fear.

To conclude:

Winter is a time to rest, recharge, and reflect on yourself. It is a time when it is important to take care of your vital energy and prepare for the renewal that will come in spring.

The wisdom and experience of traditional Chinese medicine recommends that we support kidney energy and protect ourselves from the cold.

Take care!