Winter Newsletter

In nature during the darker months, we see that trees are consolidating their essence into their center and into the roots. They do this to restore and protect their resources for the growth spurt they will experience in Spring. Just as we see water constricting and freezing all around us, we may notice ourselves with less energy. A large number of us may be experiencing the emotional predisposition to go inward which is normal during this time of year, others feel that the shift inward is too exaggerated... our water element may be out of balance. Here are some winter tips!
Be kind to your Kidneys
The organ system associated with Water and winter is Kidney.
Physical symptoms that are related to the Kidneys—and hence, tend to be more common in winter—include low back pain, knee pain, hearing impairment, painful or difficult urination, teeth and gum problems, erectile dysfunction and infertility.
In acupuncture theory, the Kidneys are considered the most vital source of energy, the root of all else. When the Kidney system is out of whack or depleted, it can wreak havoc on any other system throughout the body, and vice versa. All roads somehow connect to Kidneys.
This means we have to be especially careful in winter. By nature, it’s a time for rest and restoration. When we ignore that by continuing about our go-go-go lifestyles, the consequences are more damaging than they might be during times of year that are more conducive to activity. In winter, our Kidneys are more likely to get zapped. Be gentle. Don’t push yourself to exhaustion, this will only rob you of your vital energy and will become obvious in the spring when the Wood (Spring) energy starts to rise (Acutake.com)
Foods that are  kind to your Kidneys
Some foods and spices that are great to add to your diet during this time of the year are:
-Black Sesame Seeds                -Bok Choy
-Sesame Oil                               -Daikon Radish
-Walnuts                                     -Ginger
-Goji Berries                               -Cinnamon
-Clove                                         -Cardamom