Today’s #meridianmonday takes a look at the water element, the associated meridians, season, emotions and self-care.
Kidney and Bladder meridians correspond to water, and therefore to Winter
Winter is a time of Deep Yin, going inwards.
During Winter, our Qi (life force) flows more deeply within.
The energies of winter are deep and potent.
Winter is the season where those close to death often take advantage of the slowed energy to depart.
Water is also the most nourishing and essential substance for life. It takes many forms (gas, liquid, solid) and can appear as shallow as a puddle through to the depths of the oceans.
Some correlations include…
- Feeling: Cold
- Action: Softening, astringent
- Taste: Salty
- Sense organs: Ears
- Tissues: Bones (stripped back to bare bones)
- Virtues: Courage, strength, wisdom
- Colour: Black
Kidneys are considered the “root of life” and the bladder is associated with holding on or letting go of emotions, such as fear, grudges, suspicion and jealousy.
The adrenal glands sit right on top of the kidneys, too, forming part of the HPA (Hypothalamus – Pituitary – Adrenal) axis that governs our stress response.
Why are seasonal correspondences important in understanding our health and wellbeing?
Because our energies function in rhythms, and seasons are rhythmic. So when we align with the rhythms of our energy and our body, we’re doing what’s best for our overall health!
The wisdom of water is to flow.
Water moves effortlessly and takes the form of whatever contains it.
When the water element is balanced, we’re able to move smoothly with strength, courage, and willpower. There’s a sense of flow and ease, and an alignment to one’s purpose or destiny.
In Chinese Medicine theory, emotions come in pairs as part of the experience of duality in this world
The question we need to ask ourselves when we feel stuck in a particular emotional state is… what would it take to move to the opposite feeling? What do we need to make that shift?
Any time we’re unsure of how to create a shift, it’s useful to come back to self-care.
So what’s useful in Winter to take care of kidney and bladder energies?
Keeping yourself warm and nourished is key.
- Eat and drink warmer foods and liquids
- No cold foods or chilled drinks (brrrrr for your organs!)
- Keey your kidneys warm – no crop tops!
- Keep your feet and head warm too (socks and hats)
- Conserve your energy
- Slow down
- Add warming herbs to your food (ginger, basil, clove, fennel, cardamom, dill seed, cinnamon, chive seed, fenugreek, nutmeg)
- Meditate and learn to appreciate stillness
- Practice your boudaries/saying no to things that don’t feel good
- Replensih resources that have been used throughout the year
- Rest/hibernate – Winter is not the time to expend a lot of energy
- Spend time in community as well as in isolation
- Warmth in connection with people as well as food and clothing
- Find your flow
Happy Monday. Stay warm!
Much love,
 |
Ambha Amanda Roberts is a Kinesiologist, Intuitive Healer, educator and facilitator based on the Sunshine Coast, Australia. She offers Kinesiology sessions both in-person and via Skype/Zoom all over the world. Ambha Amanda is the co-creator of Adventures of Staria, which includes a series of Staria cards, and an upcoming book for children (including inner children). |
