WINTER: The Water-Season of Rest, Renewal and Deep Listening

Bada Talab, Bhopal MP India

The soft hush of Winter invites us into a different rhythm: one of stillness, conservation, and deep inner listening. As the world outside becomes quieter and nature retreats into rest, we are reminded of the importance of slowing down, replenishing our reserves, and honouring the cycles of pause that allow life to flourish again in Spring.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Winter belongs to the Water element. An energy of depth, wisdom, and restoration. It teaches us to embrace slowness, protect our vitality, and tend to the quiet flame within. Just as seeds root in the dark earth before they sprout, this season invites us to nourish ourselves from the inside out.

Here are a few elements you might like to keep in mind…as well as some tips to help you navigate this season!

---

Water: Stillness, Wisdom, Renewal

The Water element governs Winter—an energy of introspection and inner strength. Water reminds us that rest is not emptiness; it is preparation. Beneath the surface, profound renewal is taking place. This season invites us to embrace gentleness, honour our limits, and trust the wisdom that emerges when we allow ourselves to slow down.

Water teaches resilience through softness. By yielding, we conserve energy. By listening deeply, we reconnect to our intuition and inner truth.

Organs: Kidneys and Bladder

The Kidneys and Bladder are the organs most connected with Winter. In TCM, the Kidneys are considered the root of our vitality—our deepest source of energy (Qi) and longevity. They store our essence, support bone health, regulate growth and reproduction, and influence our overall stamina and resilience.

When these organs are nourished, we feel grounded, clear-minded, and energised. When they’re depleted, we may experience fatigue, lower back ache, fearfulness, reduced immunity, or difficulty staying warm.

Supporting the Kidneys in Winter helps replenish our reserves for the whole year ahead.

Emotions: Fear and Courage

Winter is associated with the emotion of fear—our instinct for protection and survival. When balanced, fear becomes a wise guide, helping us set boundaries and make aligned decisions. When out of balance, it can show up as anxiety, overwhelm, or a sense of deep tiredness.

This season gently encourages us to cultivate courage, trust, and inner steadiness. Winter is a powerful time to reflect on what gives us strength, where we might need support, and how we can nourish our inner stability.

Weather: Cold

Cold is the dominant climatic energy of Winter, and in TCM it tends to slow and contract movement within the body. Protecting your lower back, feet, and abdomen from the cold helps preserve Kidney energy. Warm, cooked foods and regular movement support circulation, warmth, and vitality.

This is the season for hearty soups, warming herbs, slow cooking, and rituals that bring heat to the body from within.

Colour: Black & Deep Blue

The colours of the Water element are black and deep blue—evoking depth, quietness, and introspection. These tones can be found in winter skies, still waters, and the long nights that invite rest.

Bringing these colours into your wardrobe or home can gently support the qualities of grounding, calm, and inward reflection.

Tissue: Bones

The bones are the tissue linked with Winter and the Kidneys. This includes not only bone strength but also teeth, hair, and bone marrow. Nourishing foods such as mineral-rich broths, black sesame, seaweeds, beans, and dark leafy greens support this system, as does gentle weight-bearing exercise.

Caring for the bones is also symbolic: it’s about strengthening the foundations that hold us up.

Taste: Salty

The flavour of Winter is salty—though in TCM this refers to naturally salty foods rather than table salt. Foods like miso, seaweed, soy products, beans, and roots help support Kidney function, soften hardness, and maintain fluid balance.

Paired with warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and star anise, these tastes fortify the body and support inner warmth.

---

Shiatsu Treatments:

Kidney & Bladder

Do you feel exhausted, chilly, or emotionally fragile as Winter settles in?

Although every Shiatsu treatment is unique and always addressing the body as a whole, during this time of year I often notice more sensitivity along the Kidney and Bladder meridians —pathways that regulate our energy reserves, stress response, warmth, and emotional grounding.

Through acupressure, gentle stretches, and deeply calming techniques, Shiatsu can help restore vitality, soothe the nervous system, and create a sense of inner safety. It’s a wonderful way to align with Winter’s need for restoration and to nurture your long-term wellbeing.

If you feel called to rebalance your energy this season, I warmly encourage you to seek out a practitioner near you. Shiatsu can be a powerful companion in supporting rest, resilience, and renewal.

---

Pilates Offerings:

Slow Strength and Inner Stability for Winter

In my Pilates classes this Winter, I emphasise slow, grounding movement and sequences that strengthen the core, hips, and lower back: the physical areas linked to the Kidneys. Gentle spinal waves, pelvic stability exercises, and breath-led strengthening help cultivate warmth and support the body from its centre.

I also weave in stretches from the Yoga of Meridians sequence (taught to me by Sensei Tzvika Calisar). These focus on the Bladder and Kidney meridians, enhancing fluidity, flexibility, and the sense of dropping into the body’s deeper layers.

Illustrates below are the meridians’ stretches for this season’s organs: Kidney & Bladder.

A longer and more detailed video, with step by step instructions on how to perform these exercises effectively and safely, can be found in the Virtual Studio > Short Sessions > Meridians

---

Winter whispers:

Rest deeply. Protect your energy, Trust the quiet within.

Whether through Pilates, Shiatsu, or mindful living, may this season offer you the replenishment you need, so you emerge into Spring with renewed strength, clarity, and vitality.

With love & gratitude,

Chiara

---

Keen in supporting your body this season?

Join my VIRTUAL STUDIO for unlimited access to Pilates & Shiatsu resources

Start 7 DAYS FREE trial