Water Is the Chinese Element of Winter

Water Is the Chinese Element of Winter
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As many of you already know, in TCM, different elements are connected to each season. Water is the element of winter. And, as we in Chicago know very well – winter is here! Winter is the season of stillness and rest (think hibernation), during which energy is condensed, conserved, and stored. Similarly, water is a highly concentrated element that contains great potential power awaiting release.

Some fast facts about the Chinese element of water.

* Water is yin in character, its energy is downward.
* Water is associated with the planet Mercury, the moon, the north, and cold, darkness, night and the color black.
* In Chinese Medicine, the element of Water governs the kidneys, ears and bones.
* The negative emotion associated with Water is fear.
* The positive emotion is calmness.
* Water energy is depleted by the ‘heat’ of stress and excess emotions.
* The way to conserve the potential energy of Water is to stay still and be calm.

The lake Kidney (<a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/cat.mhtml?lang=en&language=en&ref_site=photo&search_source=search_form&version=llv1&anyorall=all&safesearch=1&use_local_boost=1&searchterm=kidney%20water&show_color_wheel=1&orient=&commercial_ok=&media_type=images&search_cat=&searchtermx=&photographer_name=&people_gender=&people_age=&people_ethnicity=&people_number=&color=&page=1&inline=115463767" target="_blank">Shutterstock</a>)
The lake Kidney Shutterstock
Jennifer Dubowsky
Jennifer Dubowsky
Author
Jennifer Dubowsky is a licensed acupuncturist with a practice in downtown Chicago, Illinois, since 2002. Jennifer maintains a popular blog about health and Chinese Medicine and In 2013, Jennifer released her first book, Adventures in Chinese Medicine: Acupuncture, Herbs and Ancient Ideas for Today.
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