As many of you already know, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), different elements are connected to each season. Water is the element of Winter. And, as we in Chicago know very well – winter is here!

Winter is the season of stillness and rest (think hibernation), during which energy is condensed, conserved, and stored. Similarly, water is a highly concentrated element that contains great potential power awaiting release.

Some fast facts about the Chinese element of water.

* Water is yin in character, its energy is downward.
* Water is associated with the planet Mercury, the moon, the north, and cold, darkness, night and the color   black.
* In Chinese Medicine, the element of Water governs the kidneys, ears and bones.
* The negative emotion associated with Water is fear.
* The positive emotion is calmness.
* Water energy is depleted by the ‘heat’ of stress and excess emotions.
* The way to conserve the potential energy of Water is to stay still and be calm.

In Taoist thought, water is representative of intelligence and wisdom, flexibility, softness and pliancy. However, an over-abundance of the element can cause difficulty in choosing a direction and sticking to it. In the same way, Water can be fluid and weak, but can also wield great power when it floods and overwhelms the land.

To read about a healthy winter diet click here

To read more about Winter and the water element click here