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In Chinese Medicine, Winter is the darkest, slowest, most inward and reflective season. Just as its opposite Summer, is the brightest, most active and energetic. This is not to be taken lightly, as truly, these seasons are polar opposites, i.e. yin (Winter) and yang (Summer). Similarly to how Summer’s abundant daylight beckons us with long days and “fun in the sun,” Winter pushes us to confront darkness and slowing down. This vibe can feel incongruent to our modern world. But rest assured, in Chinese Medicine, this is for our own good.
Winter instructs us to rest, face fear and scarcity, go inward, and tap melancholy and more meditative moments. Winter even pushes us to question our own existence and life purpose. Granted, this is some intense, soul-searching stuff. But it’s necessary. Winter is the time for our body to shut down and recharge, creating a pause to check in and make sure we’re on the right path. This much-needed break will serve us well so that when we reboot in the Spring, we’ll have fortified our inner will and strength.
Rather than fight it, we recommend leaning into Winter’s themes and contemplative nature. Take a moment to consider the following questions and allow yourself to align with the season’s energetics.
Rest:
- What areas of my life have been taking up the most physical/mental space and energy?
- How much am I exerting energy vs. restoring it? Where can I make tweaks to find more balance?
- What small and easy practices can I put in place daily to create more space and rest?
Fear and Scarcity:
- What am I most frightened of? What can I do to feel safer?
- What does fearlessness look like?
- How can I build abundance?
- Where am I self-criticizing and how can I practice more self-compassion in those moments?
Life Purpose:
- Who am I? What’s my “Why?” What am I going to do about it?
- What lights me up? What am I passionate about?
- What are my strengths?
- If I could do or be anything in the world, what would that look like?
Double down on this effort of care and reflection by allowing any of these questions to guide you during your next acupuncture session.
