In Chinese medicine, winter is known as the time of closure and storage. In classical Chinese medicine we are guided to “go to bed early and rise late,” to move less, and to preserve more. It’s essentially a season for quiet restoration, to pull inward, slow down, and rest more deeply.
Think of it like a tree drawing its energy into its roots, not to disappear but to survive, strengthen, and prepare to flourish again in spring. We, too, benefit from building reserves during winter so that we can emerge into the active, outward seasons of spring and summer with more clarity, energy and better equipped.
The Water Element: Kidney and Bladder Energy in Winter
Winter is governed by the Water element, which corresponds to the Kidney and Bladder organs. In Chinese medicine, the Kidneys are considered the root of vitality, holding our deepest reserves of energy (Jing), essential for growth, immunity, fertility, and graceful ageing. The Bladder helps regulate water metabolism and is closely linked to our capacity to release tension and toxins. Both organs are sensitive to cold, and preserving their warmth and energy is essential during this season.
Food preparation: How to nourish your Kidney and Bladder energy in Winter
- Eat slow-cooked, warming meals: think soups, stews, congee, and bone broths.
- Include warming herbs and spices: ginger, cinnamon, garlic, clove, goji berries.
- Stay warm, especially your feet, lower back, and abdomen.
- Sip warm herbal teas like nettle, ginger, or licorice.
- Prioritise rest and quality sleep.
Movement: Nourishing Yin Through Gentle Exercise
Winter invites a quieter rhythm but that doesn’t mean complete stillness. Gentle, consistent movement helps Qi flow, supports immunity, and uplifts the mood.
Winter-friendly movement ideas:
- Walking, especially in nature
- Tai Chi or Qi Gong for mindfulness and energy circulation
- Slow yoga flows to stretch and restore
- Swimming in warm water to soothe joints and move stagnation
- Mat Pilates for core strength and grounded movement
Choose movement that warms and centres you.
Modern Therapies: Infrared Sauna & Red Light Therapy
While not part of classical Chinese medicine, infrared saunas and red light therapy beautifully echo its principles: warming the Yang, dispersing cold, and supporting the body’s natural flow of Qi.
Infrared Sauna
Unlike traditional saunas that heat the air, infrared saunas use light to gently heat the body directly, and can promote:
- Improved circulation
- Muscle relaxation
- Detoxification through sweat
- Relief from cold-induced stiffness
In TCM terms, this helps move internal cold and damp which are common contributors to pain, fatigue, and stagnation in winter.
Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)
Winter’s short, dark days can impact mood, energy, and hormonal balance. Red light therapy delivers specific wavelengths of light that can assist with:
- Stimulate mitochondrial energy production
- Reduce inflammation
- Improve skin, joint, and mood health
Red light gently warms and nourishes Yang Qi, stimulating the body’s natural healing processes from the inside out.
Simplify practices to Replenish: The Focus of the Spirit
Winter reminds us that true nourishment often comes not from doing more, but from doing less with more intention.
This is the season to:
- Simplify your routines – Cook, rest, walk, read, breathe.
- Declutter your schedule
- Say no to overstimulation
- Switch off devices more regularly
- Turn inward with journaling, stillness, and quiet
- Start a meditation practise
These small acts help rebuild the energetic foundation we’ll need in the more active seasons ahead.
Seasonal Acupuncture:
If you’re entering winter feeling flat, heavy, or depleted, acupuncture can help regulate your system, calm the mind, and strengthen Kidney energy.
It’s especially supportive and can assist with the symptoms of:
- Exhaustion and burnout
- Lower back pain or joint stiffness
- Poor sleep
- Anxiety or low mood
This blog post was written by our very own incredible practitioner Jess Smith. You can find Jess in the clinic for acupuncture on Tuesdays & Thursdays 2pm-8pm, Wednesdays 8am-130pm and Saturdays 8am-5pm. Click here to book in.