Winter: rest(ore) your roots

by Lillian Luu

Winter time

The air is crisp, days are shorter, and nature’s energy has withdrawn into darkness. During winter, many living beings retreat into natural hollows and underground to hibernate, so it’s no coincidence that we, too, may feel the innate sensation of slowing down and desiring more rest. 

That’s because we are part of nature and our bodies naturally want to follow the rhythms of the earth. During winter, the trees, shrubs, and other plants’ energy descend into their roots for storage until spring. For us, the energy also moves deep into our bodies and into our metaphorical roots. This inward-focused energy is seen as an opportunity to rest, reflect, and replenish our roots for the new spring, just as nature rests before new growth appears.

Root of life

​In Traditional Chinese Medicine, winter is associated with the Kidneys*. The Kidneys are the seat of our qi (life force), and are considered the Root of Life. The Kidneys store the fundamental essence called Jing, which is the primal essence inherited from our parents and ancestors that fuels our life force. Jing provides energy for all other organ systems and is responsible for all vitality, including physical growth, the will to live, the ability to reproduce, and the aging process. 

During winter, our Kidneys are the most vulnerable so it is important to keep warm, conserve energy, and focus on warming and nourishing foods that help support the body’s qi and strengthen the Kidneys.

We can nourish our Kidneys with specific foods such as kidney beans, root vegetables, bone broth, soups, and energetically warming foods. Adding herbs and spices such as black pepper, ginger, garlic, and cinnamon help warm the body and stimulate digestion which may be particularly sluggish during winter. Similarly, a mug of warm tea would also benefit kidney health. Warming herbs for tea include jujubes, goji berries, schisandra, ginger, and chrysanthemum. 

Winter time is a time for energy conservation so restorative and reflective physical activities such as yoga or tai chi are recommended to avoid overexertion. Since the Kidneys are associated with water, enjoying a warm bath is soothing and nourishing for the body. Since night comes earlier, going to bed earlier follows the rhythm of nature and protects the Kidneys.

Association with water

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Kidneys are associated with the water element. Water is life. Water is in the umbilical cord in which life is given. It is essential for transferring nutrients, waste removal, hydration, and other vital roles throughout our lifetime. When we water our plants, we water the roots. Water is reflective, and since our kidneys mirror each other, internal reflection is appropriate during this wintry period.

Ancestral roots

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Kidneys are also associated with the North direction. North represents the place of ancestral guidance; the North Star. Many cultures and traditions view the winter solstice as a time of both ending and beginning, making it a symbolic point to reflect on the past year and plan for the next. During this time, taking a break from external activity, work, and other distractions creates space for reflection. North reminds us to respectfully listen to our elders and ancestors, and pay attention to the energies that are guiding us. Winter time is a time to reflect on the meaning of those teachings, and for us to use those teachings to guide our future decisions.​

Fundamental roots

Our personality, our beliefs and values, and the essence of who we are shape our experiences and outcomes in our lives. Thus, these fundamentals are the root of who we are. When our activities make us happy and our actions fit within our morals, we feel aligned with ourselves. During this time, slowing down external activities creates space to ground ourselves. Winter is a great time for journaling to rediscover true feelings, needs, desires, and hope that may have been buried by external responsibilities. It’s a great time to assess the decisions that affected our life’s journey and what choices we want to make to get to where we want to go. It’s also a great time to give ourselves credit for our skills and achievements. A deeper self-understanding sets the action plan for change or improvement for the next season. 

Restore your roots

Like plants, our roots take many forms. These roots keep us grounded, firm, and strong so we can flourish without losing our way. ​When we take care of our roots, we establish a strong foundation that allows endless capacity to reach upwards. 

​*In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kidneys are written with a capital K as it represents a much broader physiological and energetic function. It is a representation of the anatomical kidneys, the reproductive system, endocrine, and developmental processes, as well as certain neurological and skeletal functions. It also represents emotions such as fear and will.

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Lillian Luu is a returning student to ArborVitae. She leads plant walks in the city and is on a continuous journey to explore herbalism, botany, and ecology through visual aids that she creates. You can find her work at visualizingherbalism.com.