As winter’s chill settles in, the shorter days and longer nights naturally prompt us to retreat inward. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), winter is intimately connected with the Water element, which governs kidney health and influences both physical vitality and emotional well-being. The TCM colour for winter is blue.
During this season, it's particularly important to focus on relieving fear and anxiety, while also nurturing the kidneys to boost vitality. In TCM, the kidneys are seen as the foundation of our vital energy and are closely tied to our emotions. Winter is an ideal time to honour this connection by taking proactive steps to maintain kidney health, alleviate emotional tension and enhance our overall vitality.
Learn more about the interconnections between the seasons, elements, and our physical and emotional states here!
The Water Elements in Winter TCM - Nurturing the Kidneys and Relieving Fear
In TCM, the Water element symbolizes both fluidity and introspection. It is governed by the kidneys, which are responsible for storing “jing” – our vital essence. When the kidneys are strong, we feel grounded, calm and full of energy. However, when the kidneys are weakened – often by cold or emotional stress – feelings of fear and anxiety can arise, leaving us feeling unbalanced and depleted.
Winter’s stillness is the perfect opportunity to reflect on and process these emotions. By addressing fear and anxiety at their root, we can begin to restore both our physical vitality and emotional stability. Understanding this connection between emotional health and kidney function is essential to overcoming the challenges of the season and nurturing vitality.
"Wisdom comes with winters" - Oscar Wilde
The Link Between Fear, Anxiety and Kidney Health in Winter
During the colder months, the lack of sunlight and colder weather can exacerbate fear and anxiety, making us feel more isolated and vulnerable. In TCM, fear is believed to be directly linked to the kidneys, and unresolved fear can disrupt kidney function, leading to physical symptoms such as fatigue, lower back pain and urinary issues.
By addressing these emotions and taking steps to nourish the kidneys, we can prevent or reduce these physical symptoms and foster both emotional and physical balance. Fear often manifests as an emotional block that can deplete our vitality, leaving us feeling drained and disconnected.
To support our well-being during the winter, it's essential to focus on calming anxiety, nurturing the kidneys and restoring the vital energy that can sometimes feel dormant during the colder months. Qigong and acupressure are powerful tools to help us do this – so let’s dive in and boost our winter wellness!
Qigong for Kidney Health, Vitality and Calming Fear & Anxiety
This short winter qigong routine brings together simple but powerful techniques to boost kidney health, improve vitality and relieve fear and anxiety. Try it – it only takes 10 minutes!
Mingmen – the “Door of Life”
In Traditional Chinese Medicine and qigong, Mingmen is an important energy point located in the centre of the lower back, roughly opposite the belly button. Ming means “life” or “vitality”, while men is “door” or “gate” – so it can be translated as “door of life”, “gate of vitality”, etc. As the name suggests, Mingmen is considered the source of the body's vital energy, and is closely tied to the kidneys and the Water element.
The Mingmen point is the "gateway" through which “jing” (the body’s vital essence) flows, supporting our vitality and overall energy. When the Mingmen is strong, it helps to boost vitality, nourish the kidneys and ensure the smooth flow of energy throughout the body. This energy is especially important during the winter months, when our bodies are more vulnerable and need extra support.
As this point lies on the spine, it’s not usually pressed or needled directly in TCM. Rather, we work with the general area, stimulating Mingmen by massaging either side of it, as well as through breathing exercises and qigong practices. If you’ve been following our seasonal qigong videos, you’re probably familiar by now with “knocking on the door of life”, the twisting exercise near the start of the routine that taps over this area. Many of the other exercises in the winter qigong video above also stimulate Mingmen!
Through opening this “door of life”, we can enhance kidney function, restore vital energy, and address the feelings of fear and anxiety that may arise during this reflective season. Strengthening the Mingmen also promotes emotional resilience, helping us face winter’s challenges with greater calm and strength.
Acupressure to strengthen the kidneys, boost vitality and relieve fear
In TCM, the kidney and bladder meridians play a key role in overall health, vitality and emotional balance. Here are some useful acupressure points on these meridians that you can stimulate to support kidney health, restore vital energy, and calm anxiety and fear.
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BLADDER MERIDIAN
Kidney Transporter or Shen shu - BL23
Located on the lower back at waist level, two finger widths from the spine. These twin points lie either side of the Mingmen (see above) so massaging here enhances the flow of energy in that centre. Stimulating BL23 helps to strengthen kidney function, boost vitality and reduce fatigue. It’s also great for relieving lower back pain.
BLADDER MERIDIAN
Bladder Transporter or Pang guang shu – BL28
From the previous point (BL23), slide your thumbs down to the level of the sacrum, just above your tailbone, keeping two finger widths distance from the spine.This point can help improve bladder function and address feelings of insecurity. It is particularly helpful for relieving fear and anxiety that may have physical manifestations in the lower back or digestive system
KIDNEY MERIDIAN
Supreme Stream or Tai xi – KI3
Located on the inner ankle, in the small indent between the protruding ankle bone and the Achilles tendon.
KI3 is one of the most essential points for strengthening the kidneys and boosting vitality in TCM. Applying gentle pressure here can help relieve fatigue, increase your energy levels and calm the nervous system, easing feelings of fear and anxiety.
KIDNEY MERIDIAN
Bubbling Spring or Yong quan – KI1
The first point on the kidney meridian, KI1 is found on the sole of the foot, in the depression formed when you curl your toes.
This point is particularly powerful for both stimulating vitality and grounding your energy. Pressing or massaging here helps calm the mind, reduce feelings of fear and bring the body’s energy back to its root, especially during periods of emotional or physical depletion.
For more immunity-boosting acupressure points and advice, see our DIY Acupressure Massage for a Strong Immune System guide!
More Winter Wellness Tips!
Check out our Winter Wellness Guide for more self-care tips to nourish your body, mind and spirit this season!
This winter, let’s take the time to nurture our energy on every level. By understanding the interplay between the natural rhythms of the seasons and our emotional and physical states, we can create a sense of balance and wellbeing.
Practices like acupressure, qigong and self-care help us to restore vitality, reduce anxiety and fear, and embrace the warmth and strength that lie beneath the surface. Just as water flows below the surface, our inner vitality and emotional resilience are waiting to be unlocked, no matter how cold the season may seem.
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