In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), winter is the season of rest, depth, and recharging your energy. During this period, the focus is mainly on the kidneys and bladder: organs that, according to TCM, support our vitality, warmth, and inner stability. In this blog, you will discover how you can nurture your energy this winter with nutrition, lifestyle, and natural support that are in line with the water element. Read on and be inspired to get through the winter months with more balance, warmth, and resilience.
The silent power of winter
When the world is wrapped in a blanket of silence and nature draws its energy inward, winter enters its deepest phase. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this season represents rest, recovery, and the preservation of vital energy. Winter is associated with the element of Water—the element of depth, wisdom, and essence. It is a time when we are invited to slow down, cherish our energy, and keep our inner fire warm. The organs that take center stage during this period are the kidneys and the bladder: the core of our life energy and resilience. By taking good care of these organs, you lay a strong foundation for the new year that will soon sprout again.
The kidneys: your energy reservoir according to TCM
In TCM, the kidneys are seen as the seat of our deepest life force: called Jing (innate energy), the essence with which we are born and which nourishes our vitality throughout our lives. The kidneys are responsible for our energy, our willpower, the quality of our bones, hair, and even our lifespan. In winter—the season of Water—this organ system takes center stage. Cold, stress, and exhaustion can weaken kidney energy, making you feel tired, irritable, or more vulnerable to illness. By embracing warmth, rest, and nourishing lifestyle habits, you give your kidneys the chance to recover and build new strength.
The bladder: flow, purification, and balance
In TCM, the bladder works closely with the kidneys: while the kidneys store the deepest energy, the bladder ensures that waste products and excess fluid can leave the body. It is an organ of flow and purification. When the bladder is weakened—often due to cold, stress, or a disturbed fluid balance—symptoms such as a pressing feeling in the lower abdomen, more frequent urination, or increased sensitivity in the bladder area can arise. In winter, the bladder therefore requires extra warmth and softness. Think of warm feet, a warm lower back, and sufficient hydration with warm drinks. A healthy bladder supports the natural flow of water energy, maintaining kidney strength and keeping the entire water system in balance (fluid balance).
Signs that your kidneys or bladder need extra attention
In winter, the body can send subtle signals that the kidneys or bladder need extra support. When kidney energy is weakened, you may notice that you tire more quickly, have cold hands and feet, or experience pain in the lower back. Hair loss, brittle bones, or reduced concentration can also be related to weaker kidney energy according to TCM.
The bladder often makes itself known through a disturbed fluid balance: more frequent urination, a pressing feeling in the lower abdomen, or increased sensitivity in the bladder area, especially when exposed to cold. In addition, emotions such as anxiety or a feeling of inner turmoil can also indicate an imbalance in water energy.
The signs described here are emphatically not intended as a diagnosis, but as an invitation to listen more closely to your body. If you have persistent or serious symptoms, always contact a healthcare provider.
Nutrition according to TCM in winter
Warming foods, nourishing meals
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, winter is all about warmth and conserving energy. Therefore, choose dishes that are slowly cooked and warm the body from the inside out — think stews, soups, hearty broths, and steamed vegetables. Root vegetables such as parsnips, pumpkin, and celeriac are also perfect for winter energy. These foods not only support your digestion but also nourish the deep reserves of the kidney area.
Kidney-strengthening nutrition according to TCM
In TCM, the taste associated with the kidneys is salty (in a natural, mild form). Foods traditionally associated with kidney energy include black beans, lentils, walnuts, chestnuts, black sesame, and dark leafy greens. Seaweed, miso, and other fermented salty products also fit well with this season. They help nourish the water element and maintain inner warmth.
Warm drinks and nourishing broths
In winter, it is important to keep the body warm from the inside out. Hot water and herbal teas with ginger, cinnamon, licorice, or dandelion root help support digestion and bring gentle warmth to the kidney area. Broths are also a perfect choice at this time of year: warm, nourishing, and slightly salty in taste. According to TCM, they complement the water element beautifully and support both the kidneys and the natural flow of fluids in the body. By choosing warm drinks instead of cold ones, you help to conserve your energy and strengthen your inner warmth.
Winter lifestyle: taking time to rest without feeling guilty
Winter calls for a different way of life—one that is gentler, calmer, and more inward-focused. In TCM, this season is all about conserving and building up energy. By slowing down and consciously creating moments of rest, you give your body the chance to recover and replenish your inner reserves.
Warm clothing and protecting your lower back, abdomen, and feet are especially important during this period. The kidney area in particular benefits from warmth; it helps to preserve deep energy and prevents cold from settling in. Gentle forms of exercise, such as walking, yin yoga, qi gong, or gentle stretching sessions, are also well suited to winter. They keep the qi (life energy) moving without depleting your reserves.
Natural support from Western and Eastern traditions
In addition to nutrition and lifestyle, certain natural remedies can provide extra support during the winter. Both TCM and Western health teachings emphasize warmth, rest, and nourishing deeper energy reserves during this period.
Herbs for warmth and energy
Traditional herbs such as ginger, cinnamon, licorice root, and astragalus are often used in TCM to nourish kidney energy and gently warm the body. Mushrooms such as reishi and cordyceps are also suitable for winter: they are traditionally considered adaptogens in TCM.
Vitamins and minerals for the dark months
Winter requires extra attention to basic nutrients that contribute to energy, resistance, and relaxation. Vitamin D in combination with K2, magnesium, and of course vitamin C and zinc or a multivitamin are examples of products that fit into a winter Western support routine. They are in line with what the body may need when sunlight is less available and the need for inner stability increases.
Herbal supplements that can provide support in winter
Natural support in winter can include the use of herbal preparations. Hulda Clark Bearberry capsules contain an extract of bearberry (Uva Ursi), a plant traditionally used in herbal medicine. In addition, there is the Hulda Clark kidney formula, consisting of a carefully composed blend of herbs and supplements according to the Hulda Clark concept.
Warmth and energetic support
In addition to warmth, you may also need extra balance and harmony in your living environment. Energetic products such as our LifeField Polarizer Gold and the Personal Polarizer Gold can help with this.
Conclusion: Winter as a season of recovery
Winter invites us to slow down, breathe more deeply, and focus on what truly nourishes us. By paying extra attention to your kidneys and bladder during this period, you not only support your physical resilience, but also your inner peace and stability. With warming foods, pleasant winter rituals, and natural support, you can build up and maintain your energy so that you can enter the new year feeling strong and balanced.
Would you like to discover which products can help you with this? On our seasonal page, you will find a carefully curated selection of winter products that are perfect for this season, as well as products that are in line with the principles of TCM.
Do you have any questions or would you like personal advice? Feel free to contact us - we are happy to help you find the support that best suits your situation.
This winter, give yourself the peace, warmth, and attention you deserve.
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