Winter Time = ‘Kidney’ energy time in Chinese Medicine

Kidney 1 Location - 1/3 of the way down where the toes start to the heel

Kidney 1 Acupuncture Point (gushing Spring)

located at the sole of the foot 1/3 of the distance between the start of the toes and the heel of the foot in a tender spot below the second toe - is my favourite Acupuncture point. I’m not a huge fan of needling it as it’s a highly sensitive spot for many and can feel quite shocking when the needle goes in inititally - for some individuals, others don’t mind it at all.

Generally I either hold, massage or apply Moxa therapy to this point as an effective alternative. At home you can massage it with your thumbs or try using bath salts and warm water or wearing heated thick socks and then massaging.

The benefits of connecting with this point are that it’s a great point for Calming the Spirit, alleviating constipation, reducing that excess thinking or GoGoGo energy /’ I should do this or I should do that’ current within us.

It can also help to reduce the emotion of fear and or a feeling of momentary dizziness or lightheadedness. In addition, it promotes a feeling of being Connected to the Earth. This point is safe to use during pregnancy which makes it a perfect point all round - as many of my clients come during pregnancy.

Foods to support our Kidneys .

In Chinese Medicine every Season has an associated Organ, Sound, Emotion, Element and so on. In Winter time the Organ is the Kidney and Bladder to a lesser degree and the element is Water. This means for us that we need to slow down and go inward and allow ourselves to cultivate our energy and preserve our Battery. It’s a great time for intention setting, meditation, but not a great time for high energy Goals - the best time for the latter is Spring time.

During winter it is not uncommon to develop UTI’s, earache, and feelings of fear, depression and uncertainty. We also often crave salty foods.

There are certain foods that can support our kidney energy/our battery - otherwise known as Jing in Chinese Medicine.

• Hot water and ginger

• plenty of Vit C

• Warming Christmas herbs such as cinnamon, cloves, cardamon and anaise

• Warming foods suc as garlic, leef sweet potato, chicken, pine nuts. Also, Broths, stews. Green leafy veg.

• Vit D Supplement, Mushrooms and a trip to the Sun :)