Winter is a great time to focus on your health and both the Kidneys and Bladder, as these organs are related to the energy of winter and the element of water. Slowing down with a Yin and Pins class is ideal for adapting and restoring the mind, body and spirit and boosting vitality. 

Having a balance between activity and rest, the combination of a Yin yoga class to move slowly connects the Yin Kidney channel that begins at the base of the foot and moves into the chest, with the Yang, Bladder channel seen as a reservoir collecting the body's water. Moving through from the inner canthus of the eye, over the head, down the back, the sides of the spine into the sacrum, to the knees making its way to the little outer toe, the Bladder channel is the longest in the body. 

The energy of winter is deep and potent. With rest, our inner energy is collected and held in reserve, a retraction of our qi, to flow more deeply. We tend to connect with our core, moving through emotions; we can see time to pause and do internal work, and others can feel a sense of loneliness and depression. There is a transition felt in the winter months, bringing the slowness of Yin with stillness and conservation. 

In Chinese medicine, we focus on strengthening the water element organ system of both the Kidneys and Bladder, which have a depth of darkness and mystery; the emotion of fear is related to the kidneys.  When the water element is not in balance, there can be phobias, dread, lack of courage and a sense of fear; supporting the mind, body and spirit in this midst of change is essential. The Kidneys are seen as the storehouse of our vital energy, which governs growth, genetics and reproduction; it is our circle of life.  The kidneys have a direct effect on bones, teeth and ears.  When gathering information from someone's medical history, we piece together signs and symptoms related to the kidneys and can see weakness as we move through winter. As the Kidney channel begins on the sole of the foot and runs throughout the inner leg, thigh into the pelvis, and lower abdomen with it, finally ending within the chest, it is often used in relation to fertility, menstrual issues, backache, knee pain or urination issues. 

If you suffer from a lack of motivation, exhaustion, autoimmune issues, musculoskeletal pain, menstrual problems or fertility concerns, there may be an imbalance related to the Kidneys. 

Matters related to the Bladder channel can see back pain, headaches, vertigo, vision issues and urinary incontinence. As the bladder stores the urine or “holds on” to the urine, the emotions of the bladder are similar to that of the kidneys, with fear, holding on to emotions and jealousy. 

Moving through fear and anxiety can be done with acupuncture, breathwork, Shiatsu, and massage.  

Melinda Webb - Dr Traditional Chinese Medicine, Buteyko breath Instructor, and Rebecca Zandstra, Yoga Instructor and Shiatsu massage therapist, both offer care in relation to an imbalance of the Kidneys and Bladder.