Winter, Water, and Wellness: Nourishing the Season with Chinese Medicine

by Julia Katz LAc.

Sarana Community Acupuncture, November 2025

In the clinic, I’m often asked about the elements and meridians of Chinese Medicine—and for good reason. These ancient principles can offer powerful insight into our health, especially as the seasons shift.

According to the Chinese Almanac, November 7th marks the start of Winter, a season deeply connected to the Water element. In Chinese Medicine, the Water element is associated with the Kidney and Urinary Bladder meridians—which are the foundations of vitality, graceful aging, inner strength, and our body’s reserves.

When the Water element is in balance, you may notice sustained energy throughout the day; strong, pain-free low back and knees; the ability to inhale deeply; courage, resilience, and strong willpower; restful sleep; and a stable body temperature.

When Water is depleted or out of balance, however, the reverse may be true. We often hear complaints like low back pain, knee weakness, fatigue and/or burnout, insomnia, poor memory, hot flashes or feeling chronically cold, fertility concerns, asthma (especially trouble inhaling), problems with the bones, and other symptoms like fear, anxiety, or lack of motivation.

So, how can you nourish your Water element this Winter?

Despite the commonly accepted modern holiday frenzy, the Winter season calls for slowing down. Think of Winter as a time to go inward and restore, as much as possible. Just as nature retreats and conserves energy, it would be wise for us to do the same. A few supportive practices include keeping your low back and feet warm, prioritizing deep rest and meditation, drinking warm or room-temperature water, and eating comforting, warm meals, with an emphasis on soups and stews. Where possible, it’s beneficial to incorporate foods that specifically nourish the Water element. Examples include bone broth, beans (especially black beans), walnuts, seafood, blackberries, and black sesame seeds.

And, of course, receiving a restorative acupuncture session is a wonderful way to feel the Winter’s quiet and nourish your energy.

For another way to support energy between acupuncture treatments, I like to use a simple self-acupressure practice. While there are many points one could use to help balance the Water element, I’m going to focus on two points on the Kidney meridian: Kidney 3 and Kidney 27.

Kidney 3 – "Supreme Stream"

Located between the inner ankle bone and the Achilles tendon, Kidney 3 is the source point on the Kidney meridian. This powerhouse point can help with low back pain, insomnia, frequent urination, memory issues, difficulty inhaling, fatigue, and even ringing in the ears.

Try this: Sit comfortably on a bed or carpet (or another other soft, firm surface). Use your thumbs to press gently on both of your Kidney 3 points. Apply gentle, steady pressure on both points for 1–2 minutes, while breathing slowly and deeply. This is a simple way to support your energy and calm your nervous system.

Kidney 27 – “Shu Mansion”

Located in the depression below the collarbone, about three finger-widths from the centerline, Kidney 27 is the final point on the Kidney meridian. This point connects the deep Kidney energy to the Lungs and Heart, supporting breathing and emotional balance. It opens the chest, calms anxiety, boosts energy and mental clarity, and helps regulate Lung and Stomach Qi.

Try this: Use your fingertips to find the small hollows just below your collarbones, on each side of your sternum. Apply gentle, steady pressure on both points for 1–2 minutes, while breathing slowly and deeply. Feel your chest open and your breath smooth out. This is an excellent way to release tension, ease stress, and support your vitality throughout the winter season.