The Five Element clock never stops ticking and the hands on that clock are now pointing directly at the Water element of Winter, which relates to the Kidney and Bladder function. As we transition from the Metal element of Fall and the correlative organs, the Lungs and Large Intestine, we now enter the most yin time of year, where the Kidney/Bladder system will be at its most vulnerable, but also most amenable to balancing and strengthening.
Winter - Kidney/Bladder
Optimizing Winter Health
Spring - Liver/Gallbladder
Love Your Liver
In my article in the last edition, “Optimizing Winter Health,” I mentioned how important rest, regeneration, containment, and contemplation are to recharge our Kidneys, which are considered to be the batteries of our bodies.
Autumn - Lung/Large Intestine
Putting the Pedal to the Metal
As we transition from Late Summer and the associated organs, the Spleen and Stomach, we enter Autumn, and according to macrobiotic and Chinese medical theory, this is the time of year that is associated with the Lungs and Large
Intestine. This transition, which takes us in the direction of the colder weather of Winter, is seen as especially important as this system plays a significant role in the health of our immune systems, and many other facets of our overall health.
Summer… Heart/Small Intestine
Home is Where the Heart Is
In the last article entitled “Love Your Liver” which relates to the element of Wood and the season of Spring, I mentioned that if the Liver/Gallbladder system is balanced, strong, and open, we can access our creative natures more than any other time of year, perhaps resulting in new ideas about the directions we want our lives to take.
Late Summer
Down to Earth
As we transition from Summer and the correlative organs, the Heart and Small Intestine, we enter Late Summer (around August 21st-to-the-Fall equinox in the Northern Hemisphere). In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this is referred to as the Earth element, which represents the more yin, nurturing, and receptive qualities of life. This element is associated with the Spleen, Pancreas, and Stomach, the organs of digestion and nutrition.