Winter is the time of the Water Element, the time for incubating the dreams and potential energy that will grow, come the Spring.
Winter – the Time of Stillness
Water is a greathealer. All over the world people visit special springs famous for their healing properties. TheWater Element of Asian medicine represents the ability to flow through life with ease and grace. It gives us the capacity to direct our will.
It rules the nervous system, bones, teeth and head hair. Its associated organs are the Bladder and Kidneys (including the adrenal glands that sit on top of the kidneys). It corresponds to the color black (think of the depths of the sea) and the associated taste is salty. Its main functions are to: 1) supply vital energy for activating metabolism; 2) cleanse and purify the body’s liquids; and 3) regulate the cycles of maturing from birth to old age. Basically, it is the energy that motivates us to grow and reproduce. The Water Element expresses itself physically through the nervous and hormonal systems. It is expressed mentally through will and ambition (not as in greed, but rather the desire to achieve something).
The Water-Type Person,when balanced, is calm and even, one who enjoys physical activity, is well coordinated and possesses the energy and strength to persevere in his endeavors. Although he may be tired at the end of the day from working hard, he will fall deeply asleep, waking up refreshed and restored.
The Asian medical classics say the Kidneys are like strong and capable ministers of government who exhibit technical ability and expertise, and that the Bladder is like a local minister who works to adjust the supply and demand of water in outlying areas. In this way they work together like supervisors over all the various organs and functions.
A Water-type person, when out of balance, may tend to overwork, and yet never finish what they start because they lack the perseverance required to stickwith it. They may tend to startle easily, be timid or fearful, or exhibit excessive nervous energy. They will over-react to things and appear to be “on their last nerve.”
One of the most common symptoms of a Water imbalance is a weak low back with pain and/or stiffness. Headache or throbbing at the occiput or forehead may occur. Sometimes there is a sensation of chilling in the lower abdomen down to the legs. Infertility (male or female) is another possibility. Shiatsu (a pressure-point massage often called “acupuncture without needles”) is widely used as a customary treatment for headache and low back complaints. In combination with acupuncture and herbs, it has helped many an infertile couple conceive. Shiatsu on both sides of the spine is also great for helping you get in touch with that quiet peaceful place at the core of your being.Youcan find a shiatsu specialist and a choice of acupuncturists at Heartwood. For shiatsu click here or lindyferrigno.com. For acupuncture click here.
Recommendations for the Water Season–In winter it is best to conserve your energy by staying warm, getting good nutrition, and keeping a harmonious balance between activity and rest. It is common to need more sleep in the winter, so go ahead and get that nine or ten hours you’ve been needing. It’s justified!
In Asia it is common in winter to wear something warm around your belly and low back in addition to the scarf around your neck, as the low back is very vulnerable to cold. If that does not suit you, try rubbing the area of your back around your kidneys vigorously before going out into the cold and again when you come in, just as you rub your hands together to warm them. Exercise that takes you inward and emphasizes low back health is excellent. Yoga, qigong and Alexander Technique are good choices.
Two types of rest are important: one is recuperative sleep, as always; the other is just as important, especially at this time of year — it is the type that does not require sleep, but quiets your whole being. It restores your soul so that you can dream the dream your spirit yearns to realize.Winter is the perfect time to read, paint, write or journal, plan your garden, etc. Any quiet creative endeavor that helps you stay “in the flow” of your true self fosters a healthy functioning Water Element. This is a good time to start or give attention to your meditation practice. There are many opportunities to do so at Heartwood, click here for more information.
Regarding food, at this time of year, you can best maintain body heat by eating a diet of mostly carbohydrates and proteins. Hearty soups and casseroles with lots of root vegetables are wonderful. Red beans, black beans, lentils and split peas are also excellent. If you use whole grains, barley and buckwheat make splendid additions that support the Water Element in this cold season. Drink lots of water and avoid too many dehydrating and stimulant drinks. Also, cold drinks (especially cold beer or soft drinks with ice) are especially harmful.
So stay cozy, rest well, eat warming food, incubate your dreams, and cultivate your true self and deep nature. Remember, snow and ice are just water in one of its forms. The thaw is coming, so don’t lose your sense of fluidity, power and freedom. You are the flower blooming through it all!
Grandmother WinterJade Forest
My extraordinary mentors of four different shamanic cultures showed me how to connect with Spirit, my purpose, and the power to improve my life. They put me through rigorous trainings and demanding initiation rites. They taught me their ancient healing traditions and trusted me to carry them on. I was ordained into the Cherokee priesthood in 2014 and began using my Medicine Name.
The NEW Medicine of the Old Ways takes into account that many people desire to connect more powerfully to their capacity for personal strength and happiness, but don’t have the option of leaving work and family to take part in the rigorous rituals of the Old Ways. So I created less demanding ways for people to absorb the wisdom teachings of Journeying, Totems and Guidance.
It is a blessing beyond measure to have been called to this work . . . and an honor to share it with you.
Credentials: ABT, CI (AOBTA)