Winter - The Full Yin Season

In my last blog, I wrote about the beginning of the Yin season where things start to change.  Now that the winter solstice has passed we are in what is considered to be full yin season where the days are all short and the weather stays colder.  It's a time where we turn inward instead of outward; a time for reflection instead of activity. 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the kidneys are the yin organ associated with the season of winter.  It is important to take care of our kidneys as they are considered the seat of all health and energy.  Practicing yin poses like dragonfly and saddle can stimulate the kidney meridian.  In dragonfly, the legs are spread as wide as is comfortable in a seated position and then the upper body folds as far forward as it can.  If forward folding is challenging to your body, try the pose with your legs up the wall instead.  It will have the same effect on the kidney meridian.

Tips for the Season

• Try to slow down and do less to help your body stay better in tune with the season.  By doing so you'll also help your body conserve the energy it needs for the upcoming yang season.
  
• Dress warmly and keep your neck and ears covered to help conserve your kidney energy.
• Everything in your body slows down so take care to eat healthy foods and don't give in to sugar cravings.  Beans are especially good for nourishing the kidneys.  Also consider adding some spinal twists to your yoga routine to aid digestion.
• Drink lots of water to help keep the kidneys flushed.
  
• Depression and moodiness can crop up during these winter months.  Be gentle with yourself.  Consider adding some restorative yoga poses to your routine to help nourish your spirit and trigger the relaxation response in the body.