Embracing the ‘chill’ this Winter

Winter is a time of year when we naturally seek out warmth and comfort, turning inwards and cocooning ourselves against the outside elements.  It’s is a very ‘Yin’ time of year, with its qualities of darkness, coldness and introspection, so our practice of Yin yoga becomes particularly relevant during these Winter months.  Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yin yoga aligns seamlessly with the introspective and reflective nature of Winter, encouraging us to adopt restful practices in order to conserve energy in harmony with the principals of the Water element and its corresponding organs, the Kidneys and Urinary Bladder.

The Water element is associated with reflection, deep inner wisdom and intuitiveness.  When our Water energy is balanced we are likely to feel a fundamental trust and confidence in our ability to deal with life’s ups and downs, a sign of courage and strength.  When out of balance we might experience feelings of fear, poor memory, hormonal imbalances and perhaps an achy, indicating that our Kidneys may not be functioning optimally.

The Kidneys, considered the essence of life and source of vital energy in TCM, are responsible for providing a strong foundation for our overall well-being. The Urinary Bladder meridian, which runs along the spine and back of the legs, is closely related to the Kidneys and is vital for the body's water regulation.  Our Yin practice can support the healthy functioning of these organs through poses stimulating their meridians, which run along our inner thighs and up the front of the torso (kidneys), and the backs of the legs continuing up the spine (urinary bladder).  Incorporating a variety of hip openers (dragonfly, butterfly, squat) forward bends (caterpillar, child’s pose, dangling) and back bends (supported bridge, saddle, reclined butterfly) in our practices during Winter can help create balance and harmony physically, mentally and emotionally.

There are several ways off the mat that we can continue to support ourselves during this time of year:

Staying hydrated

Drinking plenty of warm drinks throughout the day, such as herbal teas and avoiding cold drinks as much as possible, can help invigorate the body and provide essential nutrients for kidney health.

Nutritious foods

This almost goes without saying, as nourishing our bodies with healthy foods is important throughout the entire year. During the Wintertime it is particularly beneficial to include warming foods like soups, stews and whole grains into our diet, whilst also incorporating kidney-friendly foods such as black beans, kidney beans, and dark leafy greens such as spinach and kale. Good quality sea salt in moderate quantities can also help support kidney function.

Staying warm

Wrapping up in layers to help stay warm along with wearing cosy socks and footwear is important during the winter, as the Kidney meridian begins in the foot and our extremities are often where we feel the cold the most. So embrace cosy knitwear and wrap up tight!

Adequate rest

The Winter season is a time for conserving energy, so prioritising sufficient rest and sleep is not only important for the optimal functioning of our kidneys but of all the systems in our body.  Sleep quality also has a significant impact on our mental and emotional wellness.  As we will all have experienced at one time or another, life’s challenges are easier to cope with when we feel well rested and nourished.

Embracing stillness and reflection

Winter is a reflective season in TCM. Taking time for practices that embrace stillness, such as Yin yoga, Yoga Nidra, breathing practices and meditation, can align with the introspective qualities of the Water element.  Additionally, incorporating grounding activities such as walking in nature can help balance and stabilise our Water energy.

As Winter unfolds, by implementing habits such as nourishing our bodies with healthy foods and drinks, keeping warm, taking time to rest and conserve our energy reserves, along with adopting restorative practices into our lives, we can navigate the season with more resilience and cultivate a deeper connection with our bodies and minds.