7 April, 2023

In the theory of the Five Elements, Water is one of the two Yin Elements. It proceeds the Metal Element and autumn and is associated to the winter season. It represents the energy of conservation and storage. Winter is a time to rest, conserve energy, and restore.  It resonates with the colours blue or black like the deep waters or the night. It is the preparation for the next step, when spring comes and the Wood Element generates growth. With the kidneys and bladder being its respective yin and yang organs, the Water Element’s energetic properties in terms of body, spirit and emotion are likened to the way water lives in nature.  

There is a natural flow to water, whose strength growths from its softness. A stream can dig its path in the earth and grow to become a river effortlessly. That is why water is thought of as wise.

The spirit of the kidney is called “Zhi”, meaning will. The reference is not to our classic Western idea of willpower to get things done no matter how hard it is, but it suggests that strength comes with trying less. When we are able to accept that we don’t know, we can then let go of the fear of the unknown (predominant emotion of water) and allow the energy that is flowing in front of us to express itself. The wisdom that comes from the kidneys is thought of as that deep trust in the unfolding of life; like knowing in our bones – bones typically being the tissue associated to the kidneys. The bladder energy is what makes us use our resources the most skilfully to honour that wisdom. When kidney and bladder energy are well balanced and in harmony, we can trust life and its process to make us grow and move forward.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the kidneys store what is called the “Jing” which is the vital substance that forms the building blocks of physical vitality. Jing is responsible for fertility and reproduction, as well as growth, development, and aging. It is something we inherit from our parents and constitutes our genetic make-up.

If you compared life to a candle, the Jing would be the wax. It is a limited resource that decreases in quantity with time and aging. The Qi would be the flame, and the Shen or the Heart energy of the mind and spirit would be the light from that flame.

The kidneys are related to the adrenal glands which trigger a response to stress and fear, and Kidney Energy is therefore utilised, accelerating the aging process and promoting disease. It is essential to preserve and nourish it through lifestyles choices such as:  

• Rest
• Meditation
• Qi Gong
• Yin Yoga
• Walking in nature
• Walking barefoot to stimulate Kidney 1 at he sole of our feet
• Watching and listening to a body of water
• Doing things that give you a sense of purpose
• Reflect on what you fear – what can you learn from it and how can you let it go and trust the flow of things
• Eating fresh seasonal food that has not been too processed and that support your Constitutional Element, particularly blue and black food such as blue and blackberries, eggplants
• Less alcohol or drugs use, if any
• Prioritising sleep
• Acupressure treatment

The Water Element offers numerous gifts when in balance. Good concentration, confidence, endurance, patience, resolve, the ability to stop and rest, a good flow of physical and intellectual activity that is respectful of the body’s needs, are only but a few of them.

When the Water element is in imbalance, however, we may see some physical weaknesses in the bones, ears, hair and nails, being the tissues and sense organs of this Element. A person’s higher levels of fear (the emotion of Water) may show more signs of anxiety, apprehension, panic, agitation, trauma, lack of will, isolation, overwhelm, etc. The contrary is true as well, when the Water energy is excessive, resulting in fearlessness.

According to the Chinese calendar of seasons, winter in the Southern Hemisphere begins May 6th, while in the Northern Hemisphere it begins November 7th. No need to wait to feel tired and unwell. No need to be of a Water constitution. If you feel unbalanced, Dragonfly Wellbeing can help with targeted Qi Gong and Yin Yoga practices, as well as Acupressure treatments and Foot Reflexology.

Book here or call 0452628810