Winter

In the Chinese medicine System of Correspondences, the season of winter is associated with the Kidneys. The Kidneys and kidney qi, both yin and yang, support reproduction, development and robust wellbeing throughout life, including aging well. They are the the root of life, reflected in the names of key related points such as: Mingmen which means ‘Gate of Life’, located in the lower back (L2 level); Qihai - ‘Sea of Qi’, located just below the navel which strengthens kidney yang qi; and Guanyuan - ‘Gate of Origin’, located in the lower abdomen, which nourishes kidney yin qi.

Incidentally these are key points, amongst others, which are being worked on in various ways through the postures and movements of Tai chi, Qigong and various martial arts.

The aspect of spirit, or mental/emotional dimension related to kidneys is willpower. When kidney qi is strong there will be strong but contained and balanced ability to show up, act positively and persevere.

When kidney qi is out of balance a person is either overly fearful (whether this is obvious or covered up) or domineering.

Kidney qi affects how our lower backs, knees and hips feel. It naturally declines with age, hence why these are common problems, but can be supplemented both through acupuncture and moxibustion treatment and practices such as Tai chi and Qigong. It is important to keep our lower backs and abdomens warm during winter, as well as our feet (where KID1/’Gushing Spring’ is) as this protects our resources of kidney qi.

Other asscociations include: sense organ - ears; body tissue - bones; body fluid - spittle; taste - salty; colour - blue-black; and the element - water.