In the season hit parade, winter is not particularly popular. It has a few lovers, but not as many as spring or summer. Since we are “moving into” this season this week, let us take the time to consider it and praise it. It will lift our spirits, knowing that Shiatsu, which helps balance our internal energies, is also a great way to fully experience each of the seasons.
The “Chinese Winter” Has Begun
One day, I will dedicate a full article to the Chinese seasons and their meanings. For now, let us simply observe that Asian culture offers a different and more nuanced view of the solar year. According to it, winter begins on November 15 and ends on January 28. It is preceded and followed by about ten days of inter-season, the famous fifth season, “Earth.”
Yin in All Its Glory
From a Yin/Yang perspective of the year, winter corresponds to the clear dominance of Yin over Yang. This is not a stable state, but a movement. The dominance of Yin intensifies until it reaches its peak at the winter solstice, which divides winter into two parts. Then, the trend reverses. To qualify an energy as “Yin” means that it flows from Earth to Heaven. Through Yin energy, the earth reminds us that it supports us, and our dreams of escaping it are mere fantasies. Striving toward the sky, expressing a Yang will, why not? But we must never forget the law of gravity that pulls us back down to Earth.
Cold
Yin is cold. In Tangier, where I am beginning my 21st winter, I have never experienced the kind of European cold that bites the skin or numbs the fingers. But I have learned the sensation of cold that penetrates the bones, the humidity that grabs hold of you as soon as you leave the warmth of the blankets. It took me a few years to get used to this sensation. In return for this “deep” cold, winter in Tangier offers clear bursts of sunshine, like comforting but deceptive parentheses. The respite does not survive the fall of night, and the cold resurfaces, sharper.
Night
The length of the nights is the most tangible manifestation of winter. The lack of exposure to natural light is probably one of the factors contributing to seasonal affective disorder. Since adolescence, I have clearly distinguished the period leading up to the solstice, when night falls earlier and earlier, from the period that follows. The first part affects my mood the most. After December 21, the nights remain long, but the trend has reversed and signals the coming of spring.
Water
The season is under the sign of Water, the element that turns the ground into mud stuck to our shoes and gives us the sensation of walking in leaden boots. Water makes up the Ocean and its icy depths. It also falls with force—think of cold drop—and infiltrates through our buildings, soaking our environment. In short, we have a thousand reasons to avoid it. Yet water is so necessary! In Morocco, where, as Lyautey put it, “To govern is to make it rain,” rain is always a source of joy. Again, it took me a few years to get used to it and even share in the good mood during rainy days.
The Kidney – Bladder Duo at Work
Among our internal systems, two meridians are particularly engaged in the “Water” movement: the Kidney (Yin) and the Bladder (Yang). Their association represents extremes. The Bladder belongs to the most Yang of the primary meridians (Tai Yang), while the Kidney represents the deepest Yin level: Shao Yin. One protects our back like a turtle’s shell (to simplify), while the other connects the earth to our most intimate resources, including the reproductive organs. It is crucial to care for and support them, especially when these meridians are working at full capacity.
Anxiety and Introspection
Underlying all the previous elements, anxiety is the dominant emotion in winter. Fear is a useful reaction. It allows each species to become aware of dangers and avoid them. But, like water, it can overflow and ruin our ability to act. It can be brutal, as in a panic attack, or more insidious, as in the case of depression. Without falling into these extremes, withdrawal is a spontaneous response to this anxiety. We resort to it, sometimes imitating the hibernation of other species. Understandable, this withdrawal should remain measured and calm. We do not have the resources to hibernate and must continue to nourish ourselves, both materially and spiritually. Let us say it is the time to take stock, listen to ourselves, and ask the right questions.
The Salty Flavor
In Chinese thought, the salty flavor is associated with winter. To remember this, think of the icy depths of the ocean already mentioned. When applied to human health, salt is understood to eliminate excess heat and moisten dryness. Another virtue: this flavor strengthens the Yin and Yang of the Kidney, which is particularly taxed in winter. On this topic, I recommend reading the excellent work (in French) of Michel-Philippe Rastoul, a specialist in Chinese medicine and nutrition.
Nourishing Ourselves in Winter
To fight the cold, the desire to eat and drink hot food is spontaneous. The idea is good but needs some clarification: raclette does not meet the standards of traditional Chinese medicine.
Common recommendations include using sea salt or Himalayan pink salt (see above) and spices such as ginger. Certain foods are considered warming: cabbage, squash, radishes, carrots, almonds, and even meats, especially cured ones. Cooking methods also play a role: frying and slow simmering are recommended to infuse food with Yang energy. In other words, eat Bessara and Tagines!
Shiatsu in Winter
Adapting Shiatsu to the season is one of the Shiatsushi’s concerns. Winter calls for deep work and support of the Kidney/Bladder duo, as explained by Canadian Shiatsu teacher Stéphane Vien in the video below. (Sorry, he speaks French).
I encourage you to experience it. The goal is never to deny the season and stimulate Qi to achieve the same conditions as in summer. Instead, we aim to accompany the natural contraction of the body to moderate its effects. The slowdown necessary for recovery should not turn into a complete shutdown.
Winter, on the scale of a year, is the equivalent of deep sleep on the scale of 24 hours. It may not be the most exciting time, but its presence is restorative. So, without claiming enthusiasm, let us acknowledge the usefulness of winter and appreciate its presence.
Updated on 12/11/2024 with the addition of the reference to the salty flavor.
