As the world slows in winter, nature offers us an invitation to do the same. Bare branches, quiet mornings, early nightfall — all point us inward. In Chinese medicine, winter is associated with the Water element, which governs the Kidneys and adrenals — the root of our vitality, resilience, and willpower. It’s a time to pause, replenish, and tend to our deeper reserves.

Stillness is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. Like nature, we thrive when we align with the seasons. Winter invites us to slow our pace, go to bed earlier, and say “no” to non-essential commitments so we can say “yes” to restoration.

Some simple ways to care for yourself this season include:

  • Keep warm: Protect your lower back and feet — the Kidney area and soles of your feet are especially vulnerable to cold.
  • Eat seasonally: Favour slow-cooked meals like soups and stews, root vegetables, black beans, and warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Consider starting the day with a bowl of warm porridge.
  • Sip supportively: Ginger tea, golden milk, and bone broth nourish deeply. Think warm, not raw or cold in winter.
  • Sleep more: Give yourself permission to follow the sun — sleep longer and wake slowly.
  • Move gently: Qigong, yoga, and mindful walking keep energy flowing without depleting your reserves. I offer regular Friday afternoon Qigong classes in Blackheath if you’d like a space to move mindfully, stay warm, and connect with your body through the season.

Emotionally, Water corresponds with fear — not only fear of danger, but the more subtle fears that emerge in stillness: uncertainty, doubt, or feeling ungrounded. These emotions are natural, especially if you’ve been pushing hard through the rest of the year. Winter offers space to meet them gently. Practices like breathwork, journaling, or simply allowing quiet time without distraction help you listen in.

When energy is low, it’s not always a sign of weakness — it’s a message from the body to slow down and replenish. Acupuncture can support this process by calming the nervous system, boosting Kidney Qi, and helping you feel centred and rested. Many of my clients find winter treatments especially restorative.

My own rituals are simple: crocheting by the heater, sipping ginger tea, and cooking nourishing stews in the slow cooker. These daily choices anchor me. They may seem small, but over time they create a sense of steadiness and care.

I often remind my clients that winter isn’t about productivity — it’s about potential. What looks like stillness on the surface is actually deep preparation. Like seeds lying in the soil, we, too, need time in the dark to gather energy before growth.

This season, I encourage you to tune in. Notice where your body asks for rest, where your heart longs for quiet. Honour those needs — not as a retreat, but as a wise investment in your well-being.

I’ll be running a Seasonal Self-Care Workshop on July 19, exploring Winter Wisdom through Chinese medicine and Qigong. If you’d like to learn how to align more deeply with winter’s rhythm and take home practical tools for self-care, get in touch — I’d love to see you there.

Your feedback and questions are always welcome so please leave a comment below.

For further information on Chinese Medicine contact Tania Grasseschi (Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs, Qigong and Wholefood counselling). Tania is an AHPRA registered practitioner of Chinese Medicine located in Katoomba, NSW and lectured at the Endeavour College of Natural Health Sydney campus for 6 years.

The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only, and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. Remember that you are responsible for your own health and safety at all times.