THE STILLNESS OF WINTER
In the heart of winter, when the days are short and the nights long, there's an invitation to turn inward, both literally and metaphorically. It’s an opportunity for rejuvenation and introspection, a chance to align with nature's rhythm.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each season is linked to a natural element and organ system. Winter belongs to water, which, in turn, is tied to the kidneys. This isn't just poetic, it's practical. The kidneys in TCM are akin to our body's battery, storing our vital energy. When winter comes, it's time to charge that battery.
ORGAN: Kidneys
EMOTION: Fear
TASTE: Salt
COLOR: Black
DIRECTION: North
Yin energy - cool, quiet, restorative - is at its peak in winter. It's a counterpoint to our go-go-go culture, a reminder that there's strength in stillness.
What does nurturing yin look like? Think slow yoga flow, Qi Gong (a Pointe favorite), a meditation session, a solo walk in the snow or simply doing nothing.
Winter nutrition isn't just about warming foods, it's about foods that support the kidneys and nourish the yin. Dark, leafy greens are winter staples. Soups and stews? Absolutely. Bone broth is a mainstay all season long. We recommend eating ginger to bring warmth to your body, and goji berries to nourish your yin. It's not just about what you consume; it's about cultivating a relationship with the natural world, even when that world is frozen solid.
Eat with intention and respect for the season.
APOTHECARY
Salt is the taste of winter, reminding us to hydrate. We love this LMNT Salty Chocolate mixed into a warm cup of water before bed.
In Michigan, winter brings dryness and often irritation to the skin. We swear by this Activist Manuka Honey Mask and Marie Veronique Barrier Restore Serum to repair skin damage and keep our skin hydrated.
PRACTICE
Simply rest.
If there's one thing TCM teaches us about winter, it's the power of rest. It's a time to sleep more, to dream more, and to simply be more. Winter is a time for reflection. It's a season to look inward, to ponder life's big questions, and to set intentions for the year ahead. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is sit with ourselves, in the quiet and the cold, and just listen.
Let’s take a cue from the Winter and embrace the stillness, the introspection, and the nourishment this season offers.