Winter and Kidney Qi

Fundamentals

∗ Element is water
∗ Core energy moves downward and inward
∗ Organs are kidney and bladder
∗ Predominant atmospheric energy is cold
∗ Colour is black
∗ Nature is yin
∗ Flavour is salty
∗ Time of day is 3pm-5pm (bladder) and 5pm-7pm (kidneys)
∗ Emotion is fear
∗ Kidney opening is the ear
∗ Developmental stage is storage

Winter is a time to come back to quietness and rebuild energy reserves. This is the water element and the kidneys represent our deepest reserves of energy. When running low, we can tap into the life force of the kidneys (Jing), however it is a finite supply and will run out if used unwisely.

The Taoists say that the vital essence known as Jing (pre-heaven or pre-natal) is passed to the foetus at conception by the parents. Jing determines our basic constitution, strength, and vitality. It is a precious substance because we only receive a finite amount and it will diminish as we grow older. It cannot be added to. Jing is stored in the Kidneys and has a very strong link with other tissue in the human body, particularly influencing our reproductive systems, bone marrow, brain, spinal cord and our nervous and immune systems.

The way to conserve Pre-heaven Jing is by diligently seeking balance in all life activities (diet, work, physical exercise and sexual activity).

Post-heaven Jing is developed as we grow from food, drink and breath. It is a nutritive essence extracted from food by the spleen (and stomach) and used to provide a constant stream of nourishing material to the other organs.

Jing forms the material basis of kidney Qi via a warming action of kidney yin and yang. The condition of Kidney Essence influences our strength and resistance. If Jing is mismanaged, there will be a lowered immunity to exogenous pathogenic influences and constant colds, influenzas and allergies.

If a depletion of Kidney Jing results, problems occur such as dizziness, ringing in the ears, weak or sore lower back and knees, low sperm count, amenorrhea and infertility in females, delayed mental and physical development in children, decreased memory, slow and clumsy body movements, dull facial expressions, emaciated body structure, hair loss, tooth loss, late closing of fontanel in babies and muscular atrophy.

By resting and storing the kidney Jing during the winter we will develop more strength and resolve to use during more active times of our lives.