By Natalie Ponce, L.Ac, Dipl. O.M., Acutonics Sound Practitioner
Water – one of the most misunderstood elements both within and outside of the Chinese medicine tradition. A reflection of that which is hidden behind every movement of life, and that which liberates the soul. Water in its truest and highest expression is always being guided by spirit, representing the Great Mystery, our emotional depths and the unconscious mind. It is associated with the state of Fear, an emotion that has a way of directing us towards what matters most, what we are being called to do, where we are being called to go, and what it means to be fully alive. This fear is always waiting to be transformed into deep wisdom, another quality often associated with water. When one walks strongly with this element, there is often great courage in the face of this fear, and the ability to take leaps of faith that expand consciousness and change the world. During the Winter, there is a calling to go deeper, to introspect and cultivate this soul level strength that comes from understanding what has been experienced during this cycle, who we have become, are becoming, and where this is all leading towards. This is a time of inner quietude, to receive blessings from darkness, and come face to face with our truth.
The organs typically associated with Water element in Chinese medicine are the kidneys (yin aspect) and the urinary bladder (yang aspect). The organs of the kidneys and urinary bladder are related to the transformations of water and wise use of resources. The kidneys in particular hold a spirit called the Zhi. This spirit is related to will power…the will to live, the will to die, the will to face our deepest fears and find the truth of who and what we are. The kidneys connect our earthly, human life, to our spiritual life. The two seemingly dissimilar worlds collide here and give our experiences meaning beyond what lies on the surface. This organ also contains all the genetic coding passed down to us from our ancestors (both from our direct lineage and the collective stories of the world). The urinary bladder is the organ responsible for the storage of water, and the continued purification process of fluids. The urinary bladder channel is the most external, influencing the way we walk in the world and interact with others, our defense mechanisms and primal instincts. The colors that energetically are associated with the blueprint of the water element are blue and black. Water governs the bones and marrow, and of course is associated with extreme yin and cold.
When there is an imbalance with this element in the body, this can present physically as difficult urination, difficulty hearing, water retention and edema, achy bones, exhaustion, a lack of passion or vitality, maybe even a diminished sense of meaning in life or a sense that there is some disconnect from the soul, or even one’s humanity if choices in life are constantly influenced by the need for survival and a sense of separation (me against the world). It is from the kidneys that we get our “fire” in life, our sense of spirit and adventure, so if this fire is weak or inhibited by excess dampness or attachment energy in our lower abdomen (including the womb area), this can present as someone who feels excessively tired throughout the day, is constantly cold or having issues with digestion and absorption of nutrients. When a water type person is in good health, or if someone is able to work strongly with this element, it usually expresses as one who is able to move in faith and has follow through, expanded self-awareness, as well as spiritual and philosophical awareness, often placing their focus on the deeper meaning of life, on something beyond themselves. This is a person who is very tapped into universal energy or prana, being connected to all while knowing when to conserve and retreat to integrate when necessary, having a very intimate relationship with Silence.
Connecting with the element of Water can help us tune in and listen to our bodies, the purity of our emotions, and the wisdom teachings life offers every moment, of every day…if the will is there to suspend what we thought we knew, be silent and listen. When we become silent within, the connection between everything, and everyone, appears everywhere. This winter, gift yourself with the space and silence your body so naturally yearns to reunite with – return home to. Now, it is more important than ever to conserve, nourish ourselves, and regenerate our energy to prepare for the birth of spring.
The Womb’s Relationship to Water
The womb too has a profound connection with water, representing void, emptiness and creation, with direct energy pathways to both the kidneys, and the heart. This is a sacred place within the body where the power of water – its flow, transparency, death and life-giving qualities can be observed and understood. In Chinese medicine the uterus is considered an extraordinary organ because it both holds and releases; it is a place where opposites meet and merge. There are three main energy centers in the body and the womb represents the lower dan tien, our root. It is a purely Earth-based energy, naturally making it quite cosmic in nature. When we don’t take the time to re-connect, as the Winter calls us to do, and we lose touch with our vulnerability, tenderness, connection to nature and Life, this often results in imbalances within our reproductive system, as well as our hormones.
Just as water is in constant flow, we see this movement reflected in the womb, and in the earth, with her cycles of life-death, and resurrection. When there is resistance to this flow, the imbalance often shows up as “pathological water” or dampness in Chinese medicine, and menstrual irregularities. During the blood phase of the cycle, we are asked to release what no longer serves our highest expression. It is a natural purification of what one has held in their heart during this cycle. It’s a process that opens up soul connection and makes us softer and more sensitive, bringing us to a place of deep, primordial, feminine power. As the blood flows, it carries away and helps us process our grief, sadness, worry, anger, fear, memories…and we are given the opportunity for freedom – to renew, reflect and strengthen our bond to ourselves, to others, and to life all around us. This is also one of the greatest gifts the water element has to offer. It’s no surprise that the nourishment and care recommended during winter to support our inner waters is very similar to what is recommended during the blood phase of the menstrual cycle.
How to support your kidneys, urinary bladder and adrenals during this time:
Foods to support water element in the body during winter: nuts, water chestnuts, seeds, legumes, shellfish, seaweed, dark colored berries, root vegetables, whole grains, bone broth, soups and stews and warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, garlic and ginger. It’s also best to have mostly warm and cooked foods, and less cold and raw foods.
Lifestyle recommendations:
- Going to bed early and waking up with the sunrise
- Less stimulating activity that gets the mind going
- Avoid over-working and over-doing
- Stay warm, especially making sure to cover the head, feet, womb, neck and chest
- Gentle physical activity like walking, tai chi and yoga
- Meditation
- Epsom salt soaks
- Make sure to stay hydrated with water, herbal teas and broths. Medicinal teas with adaptogenic herbs are a great option, such as nettle, ashwagandha, astragalus, oat straw and rhodiola
- Avoid sweating too much
And if you’re feeling the pull to give your body an extra spiritual, energetic and physical boost during this time, acupuncture is a way of directly activating and working with these channels, the emotion and wisdom they hold. Different acupuncture points along the kidney and urinary bladder meridians can help to support immunity, strengthen organ function, treat emotional imbalances related to the water element (fear, fatigue, lack of inspiration, sadness and depression), and clear any blockages held in the womb or heart.
Water energy that is well-maintained and cultivated has the power to move mountains, create miracles and inspire the world. It is well worth carving out the time to connect during this most yin time of year with what is most precious about life, worth embodying and taking the leap for.
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