Snow berries: Photo by leojmelsrub
Winter has arrived. It seemed to take a while, but when it did, it was quite dramatic. Weeks of snow (with more to come!), wind, and chilly temperatures have clearly notified us that the season of Winter is here. Staying indoors and sleeping are more appealing as our bodies try to keep us warm, and cravings for certain foods may also be at the forefront of our minds. This is the season in Chinese Medicine of TCM organs the Kidneys, which holds the essence of our being and our energy.
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WATER
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WOOD
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FIRE
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EARTH
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METAL
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|
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Season
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Winter
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Spring
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Summer
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Late
Summer
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Autumn
|
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Climatic
Qi
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Cold
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Wind
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Heat
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Damp
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Dryness
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Yang Organ
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Bladder
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Gallbladder
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Small
Intestine
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Stomach
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Large
Intestine
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Yin Organ
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Kidney
|
Liver
|
Heart
|
Spleen
|
Lung
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Sense
Organ
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Ears
|
Eyes
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Tongue
|
Mouth
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Nose
|
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Body
Tissue
|
Bone
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Sinews
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Blood
Vessel
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Muscles
|
Skin
|
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Emotion
|
Fear
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Anger
|
Joy/Shock
|
Worry
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Sadness
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Color
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Black
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Green
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Red
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Yellow
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White
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Taste
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Salty
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Sour
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Bitter
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Sweet
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Spicy
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Chart borrowed from: http://www.chinesemedicinesampler.com/theory5elements.html
Winter is also the season that shows the most "Yin" aspect of Chinese medicine. Yin is darker, movement is slower, and it is a cooler outside. This is compared to the "Yang" summer season, where it's light outside much longer, there are a million things happening, and it's usually warm. In winter, it's a good time to stay inside, sleep in a little bit, and take some time for some reflection after the mayhem and social activity of the holidays. Eating warm foods such as nourishing soups and fragrant stews help our bodies be still and prepare for the coming of Spring in a few months. Elson Hass, MD wrote an interesting book: "Staying Healthy with the Seasons," that discusses how to eat and exercise with each season and the changes that occur in nature and within our own bodies.
It's also important to keep up with some form of exercise routine, such as yoga, (read this article for more information), and to continue drinking water. Even though we may not be sweating as much, out bodies still need water in this season. After all, it is the season of the Water element...