Chase the Winter Blue's Away

Is it really that time already? Yes, it's time to hunker down and get cosy as nights draw in and we move towards winter. Autumn is the transition between summer and winter and in Chinese medicine terms, when we recede into the most Yin (darkest/reflective) time of the year. It's so much harder to get going as the days get shorter and evenings darker; add the cold to the mix, and don't you just want to take refuge in a warm duvet, run a soothing bath, have some hot buttered toast or a comforting soup, a snuggly blanket and a good book or film?

In Chinese medicine, winter is a time of drawing inwards, of reflection and physical recharge. It is linked to the element of water (emotions), that governs the kidneys (Yin) which are paired with the bladder (Yang) - they work as a team. Essential organs are all paired; the Yin is always about processing (internal), whilst the Yang relates to distribution (action). The kidneys are sometimes called the back-burners (your auxiliary power generator); keeping them out of deficit is essential as it impacts both psychological and physical health. Emotionally, balanced kidney energy connects us to calmness, contemplation, inner wisdom and self-reflection. Conversely, when out of balance, we can feel anxious, fearful and depressed. Signs that your kidneys are under stress are poor hydration, fluid retention and bags under the eyes. Equally, being under pressure or stressed can provoke this and stimulate the adrenals (a small hormonal gland on top of the kidneys), that secretes cortisol (the fight or flight hormone) and over secretion can make you manic and result in chronic fatigue.