Winter, Rest & Caring for Your Nervous System

Hello dear ones,

The world is a lot right now and it can feel deeply overwhelming. If you’re feeling more tired, tender or inward than usual, you’re not doing anything wrong, you’re moving with the season.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, winter is ruled by the Water element, connected to the Kidneys and Bladder. The associated emotion is fear, and the sound of this element is a groan, a reminder that the body needs release and rest, not repression. The Kidneys are said to hold our life force energy, so when you feel lethargic or depleted, it’s often your body’s wisdom asking you to rest.

Winter is meant for quiet preparation a time of stillness before the greening rebirth of spring.

Water also governs the emotions. Like water, emotions can be deep and unpredictable. When they are allowed to flow, all is well. Emotion is associated with the Yin principle the moon, the dark, the inward. This season can bring up fear or uncertainty, and in Chinese medicine, prolonged fear or lack of faith can injure the Kidneys. Listening before acting is essential for the well-being of this element.

This is a time to prioritize proper rest, balance activity and stress, sleep well, stay warm and move gently. Supporting your nervous system right now is not a luxury, it’s essential self care.

Ways to support and balance your nervous system:

• Yoga Nidra (especially before sleep or during the afternoon)

• Gentle yin or restorative yoga

• Warm baths or foot soaks

• Slow, nasal breathing with longer exhales

• Reducing stimulation in the evenings (lower lights, fewer screens)

• Receiving bodywork to help your system downshift and integrate

Bodywork reminder:
Bodywork can be especially supportive during this time, helping calm the nervous system, support the Kidneys and bring the body back into balance.

I will be out of town the first two weeks of February for a Lymphatic Drainage class and visiting my parents. These are my last availabilities before I leave:

Availability:
Thursday 1/22: 1–3
Friday 1/23: 12–4:30
Monday 1/26: 3:30–7
Tuesday 1/27: 12–1
Thursday 1/29: 11–4:30
Friday 1/30: 5–6

BOOK SOME SELF CARE

The week of 2/16 is filling up too, so if you want a session next month do it now.

Be well, be gentle and take care of yourselves.

With care,
xo
Abby