Water element in Traditional Chinese Medicine, (TCM) is considered the most fundamental of all the elements, as it provides sustenance, nourishment and purification making it possible for all other organs and elements to be in balance and harmony with one another. Without balanced water in the body, all other Yin Yang organ systems can become compromised. This is one of the reasons, the organs of the Kidneys are considered the root of life - where all of life, possibility for new life stems from, and they act as the batteries within your body which store and generate your vital energy. 



Water element is both the beginning and an endpoint in 5 element theory corresponding to the season of Winter. The remaining 4 corresponding elements to seasons are; Wood for Spring, Fire for Summer, Earth for late summer (harvest) and the last 18 days of all seasons, Metal for Autumn.



In the Winter season, nature guides us to retreat, to hibernate, encouraging us to take only with us what is absolutely needed, ready to conserve our reserves and regenerate through deeper rest. Whilst Autumn is a time to take inventory, clear spaces, mentally, physically and energetically, Winter offers time in that cleared space for a pause and deeper spiritual introspection. 



This exquisite moment in time every year represents a dark void space of potentiality. Where the proverbial grandfather clock suspends its swing momentarily before sweeping back into a new seasonal direction, returning to the light. An ending and a new beginning. A time to slow down, pause, reflect and go within. A perfect time to practice more Yin yoga, especially tending to the Kidneys and the Urinary bladder,  the corresponding organ pair of this element. 



The energetic quality of this element is descending, just as water flows downward, the land creatures and animals descend underground to hibernate to reserve their energy as the nights become longer and the days shorter. 



There is a mystical sense to Water element, relating to the depths and mystery of life, the subconscious, your dreamworld, the cosmos, black holes, the womb space portal of potentiality and new life, the cosmic womb space and deep memory of our mothers womb - where life began for us cocooned in a warm watery dark space of safety, from which we emerge into life on earth. 



It is often depicted by the Sea turtle, old and wise, able to go to the depths. We can be inspired to dive into the depths of our own internal psyche, dreams and soul callings...



Water element gives us sustenance and in TCM it corresponds to the aspect of our spirit (or soul) called Zhi. Zhi can be translated as your will power, hence it is vital the kidneys - often looked upon as the ‘batteries’ of your body remain sufficiently charged if we are to pursue our dreams and desires.



The Kidneys are bestowed with ‘Jing’ essence - your life force energy, or reproductive essence energy providing the fertile place of potential for growth.  This Zhi aspect within your psyche is fundamental in nurturing your intentions, aspirations, and soul callings…what are you longing to birth forth into your reality? 



When we have strong Kidney energy, we have faith, we remain flexible and adaptable to the flow of life, surrendering to what is being presented to us in the now, yet just like water persistently flows over time wearing down rock, we are still able to devote ourselves to our dreams, unwavering when life throws the inevitable curveballs. 



The kidneys are vital to your root foundational energy, supporting all your organ systems, but is also related to the strength of your bones, teeth, hair, skin, the health of the cerebrospinal fluid, bone marrow -supporting brain function, the reproductive organs, fertility and cycles of development are all governed by the Kidneys. This, as well as filtration of blood -around 180 litres per day, supporting the removal of waste through the urinary bladder. 



When we don’t tune into the guidance of nature, and follow its calls in this season, perhaps don’t rest enough, overwork, have a lack of sleep, or don’t live in our authentic expression in line with our truths, we compromise our Kidney energy. Depleting this energy can create fearful energies within, and thus begins the perpetual cycle as one feeds the other; fear depletes energy reserves and depleted energy is a riverbed for fear. 



When we consider the nature of water itself, its gentleness, formlessness, mutability in all its forms it can adapt to, its persistence, it's easy to see water can teach us so much. Over time, water can wear down rock, what is possible for us when we devote ourselves to our true hearts desires? When this energy is out of balance, the energetic flavour held in the kidneys is fear, often it can be manifested physically in lower back pain. Fears which in the human experience, are common to us all, and in the world we currently live in, if we are not careful as to what we listen to, where we place our ears, - also related to the kidneys - we could be bombarded with things to be fearful about. Conversely, wisdom is the virtue of this element, knowing what and who depletes your energy and what and whom gives you energy, is wise to discern and place your time and space accordingly. 

Nourishing practices for this element and your kidneys include; 

- Taking time for more restful practice, like Yin yoga, restorative, Nidra, and constructive rest. 

- Connect to the more spiritual aspect of yourself, allowing time for introspection and what is meaningful and true to you, your direction and purpose in life - no matter the ‘scale’ you believe - your path is unique to you, and you are valuable.

- Speak and live your truth. 

- Allow your creative expression to flow through you.
 
- Stay warm, wear warm clothing and socks, bind the kidneys with a hot water bottle on colder days, or on your moon cycle.




There is an essence of hopefulness to this element - a contradictory place for fear. A calm, tempered, resilience, able to take measured risk. 

Trust yourself and have devotion and perseverance towards your dreams, whilst still remaining flexible to how life presents itself to you, let go, surrender to your inner faith and flow with the currents of life. 
					

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