Supporting the Water Element - Winter & Kidney Season in Chinese Medicine
As we move into November and the depths of winter, the Water Element becomes dominant according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
This is a time for rest, reflection, and restoration - just like nature slows down, so should we.
The organs associated with the Water Element are the Kidneys and the Bladder.
They govern our vital energy (Jing), willpower, and resilience, and are deeply connected to the bones, joints, teeth, and ears.
Physically Protect the Kidneys
The kidneys are located in the lower back - an area that easily gets cold.
Keep your lower back and feet warm, especially on windy or damp days.
Wear scarves, long shirts, and layers that protect your back and neck.
Cold can weaken kidney energy, leading to stiffness, fatigue, and lower back or knee pain.
When the Water Element is in Disharmony
You may notice:
Lower back or knee pain
Bone weakness, dental issues, or hearing problems
Frequent urination or urinary tract issues
Feeling fearful, anxious, restless, or insecure
Lacking motivation or confidence
Feeling burnt out or overwhelmed
When the Water Element is in Harmony
You feel:
Calm, wise, and intuitive
Grounded yet adaptable — like water itself
Determined, resourceful, and patient
Able to trust the flow of life
How to Support the Water Element
1. Rest and Restore - Honour the Yin
Winter is the most Yin season — dark, still, and inward.
This is the time to slow down, sleep more, and listen to your body’s cues.
Allow yourself cozy evenings, gentle movement like yoga or stretching, and naps when needed.
You are recharging your vital essence (Jing) for the coming year.
2. Hydrate with Warm, High-Quality Water
The kidneys thrive on clean, mineral-rich water — but not cold!
Sip warm or room-temperature water, herbal teas, and nourishing broths throughout the day.
Avoid overuse of coffee and alcohol, which can deplete kidney energy.
Try:
Nettle tea, barley tea, roasted dandelion, or chrysanthemum tea
Bone broth or miso soup for minerals and warmth
3. Transform Fear into Curiosity
The emotion linked to the Water Element is fear.
When fear dominates, it weakens the kidneys and our inner courage.
Invite curiosity, trust, and flow instead.
Spend time in nature near water, journal about what you fear, and gently explore it.
Remember — courage and fear live in the same space; curiosity bridges them.
4. Practice Deep Listening - Nourish the Adrenals
Listening is an act of yin - quiet and receptive.
Both our kidneys and adrenal glands benefit from stillness and deep presence.
Listen to others, to your intuition, and to nature.
Turn off background noise when possible, and notice how your energy shifts.
5. Embrace Silence
Start your day with a few minutes of silence before the world wakes up.
No phone, no talking - just breathe, stretch, and connect inwardly.
This cultivates inner peace and kidney strength.
Silence restores what constant stimulation drains.
Nourishing Foods for the Water Element
Choose warming, mineral-rich, and dark-colored foods.
Think slow-cooked, soupy, and salty (natural).
Best foods:
Sea vegetables: kelp, nori, wakame
Dark beans: black beans, adzuki, kidney beans
Root vegetables: carrots, turnips, sweet potatoes
Broths and stews: bone broth, miso soup, barley soup
Nuts & seeds: walnuts, sesame, pumpkin seeds
Fish & seafood: especially white fish and shellfish
Whole grains: buckwheat, barley, oats
Warming spices: ginger, cinnamon, cloves
Naturally salty foods: sea salt, tamari, miso
Avoid excessive raw, cold, or sugary foods, which weaken digestion and kidneys in winter.
Supportive Colors
Wear deep blue or black — the colors of water and depth.
These tones help ground and harmonize the Water Element within you.
In Summary
Winter invites you to:
Rest deeply
Stay warm
Drink warm water
Eat slow-cooked, mineral-rich foods
Release fear and embrace curiosity
Spend time in silence and reflection
By aligning your rhythm with nature’s rhythm, you nurture your Kidney energy, restore your vitality, and enter spring replenished and strong.
Book a ZenThai session with me to support your Water Element by gentle movements. Contact me here.
