Winter and the Water Element
Giving Back to Yourself This Year
Valerie Schwankl
January-February 2018 • Vol 3, No 96
Under heaven, nothing is more soft and yielding than water. Yet, for attacking the solid and strong, nothing is better. It has no equal. The weak can overcome the strong; The supple can overcome the stiff. Under heaven, everyone knows this. Yet, no one puts it into practice. —Tao Te Ching, Ch. 78
As we begin the new year, we have officially cycled into the water element! In contrast to the fire, warmth, and yang energy of summer, this is the most yin time of the year. Darkness, stillness and cold temperatures prevail. Within the snowy folds of winter is an invitation to rest, nourish and consolidate resources. Through exploring the organs and acupuncture channels associated with the water element, we can find ways to live harmoniously with the season, and better prepare our bodies for the coming year.
