Are You Ready to Thrive?

We're nearly through our 5 element discussion!  The next element is the element of Water.

Water is the source of fearlessness, determination and sense of will-power.  When our water element is weak, we may be anxious, withdrawn or fearful.  

Aging, as well as the organs Kidney and Bladder are related to the water element, so physical complaints that one may experience are:

• Urinary complaints (incontinence or frequent urination)
• Menopausal symptoms
• Hearing problems (including deafness and ringing)
• Sexual dysfunctions (low libido, erectile dysfunction, etc.)

The color associated with Water is black.  This didn't make sense to me when I was first studying Chinese medicine until someone explained that Water was also related to the season of Winter and the time between death and birth.

Think of being in the womb - there is no light.  

Think of Winter when the sun might not make much of an appearance (especially here in Portland!) for days, weeks or months.

So, how do we strengthen our Water element?

Go swimming. What better way to honor the water within us than to immerse ourselves in it?

Like all of the other elements, surround yourself with items that are black.  Some sources also link dark dark blue with Water.

Hibernate.  Okay, not really.  But get a lot of rest, and go easier on yourself, especially in the Winter.   Winter is the time of Water and of preparing yourself for Spring when life will begin anew.

Tomorrow is the last stop on our Element discussion.  We'll be talking about Wood - one of my favorites!