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Abstract Water

The Water Element

FEAR - ANXIETY - INSECURITY

The final element in the creation cycle of the 5 elements is Water, which leads back to the beginning of the cycle and Springtime. At the trees lay dormant they soak up the nourishment of the water during winter, ready for the season ahead. This is a continuous, never-ending circle of transformation and balance, where each element is essential for the healthy function of the next.​​​

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ORGAN

Kidneys and Bladder

Season

Winter

Colour

Black or Dark Blue

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Kidneys is known as the 'root of life' or the 'minister of power'.  Kidneys, the ‘Controller of Fluids’, and the body's pilot light. The Bladder, the ‘Controller of the Reservoir’, stores and eliminates fluids, reflecting Water’s season of winter, a time of preserving resources and of conserving energy.

Winter is the most "Yin" (cold, dark, still) season of the year, which corresponds to the water element. A conservation of energy and fluid regulation, is emphasised this time of year, mirroring nature's dormant, inward focus during the cold months. 

Just as deep water appears dark or black, the Water element is associated with the deepest organ systems (Kidneys and Bladder).  

Black symbolizes this natural descent into darkness and a period of rest, consolidation, and conservation of energy, which is necessary for the renewal and growth of spring.

Taste

Salty

Signs of 'Water Element' Imbalances

Our kidneys absorb the saltiness in foods and so when our kidneys are imbalanced we may crave salt. Salt induces a downward movement helping to eliminate and remove stagnation.  

Physical Symptoms of Kidney and Bladder Imbalances

  • Pain or weakness back pain, knee pain, skeletal disorders

  • Temperature sensitivity 

  • Oedema, fluid retention

  • Tinnitus, vertigo sensory issues

  • Persistent tiredness and fatigue

Emotional Symptoms of Kidney and Bladder Imbalances

  • Chronic anxiety, fear and phobias

  • Insecurities or the inability to let go

  • Feeling isolated, overwhelmed or depressed

How Does Tai Chi and Qigong Help?

Being made up of 70% water our bodies thrive on flow. Our Essence is flesh and blood. It acts like a battery cell, is stores and releases in our everyday lives, once connected with qigong principles the energy creates more fluid and substances for our bodies.

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