Blogpost - The Water Element in Qigong & Small Exercise for the Bladder Meridian

I was at the Atlantic today and really enjoyed the view. According to the five-element teachings in Qigong (and TCM), winter is symbolised by the element of water. A time of retreat and storage. Water is associated with the kidney and bladder organs and meridians. The kidney and bladder meridians influence the immune system, detoxification, bones and skin. If there is an imbalance, complaints such as anxiety, back pain or problems with the kidneys, bladder and bones can occur. The water element invites us to pause, gather strength and promote inner growth.

Why is water used to symbolise winter?

Some considerations:
Water as a symbol of retreat and collection
In winter, nature retreats: plants slow down their growth, many animals hibernate, and water in nature often lies still - in the form of ice or snow.
This resting and collecting energy reflects the essence of water, which adapts, remains in peace and stores its power.
In winter, people are also called upon to turn inwards and gather strength for the coming spring.

Winter marks the end of one growing cycle (autumn) and the preparation for the next (spring). This cyclical principle links water with the regeneration and renewal that winter embodies.

In TCM, water is associated with the emotion of fear and the capacity for wisdom. Winter can bring challenges and uncertainty, but it can also be a time to look deep within oneself and find inner wisdom. This emotional depth is another aspect that connects water with winter.

So, you can think a lot about why the element of water is associated with winter. The I Ching also gives us more information about this. But perhaps more about this another time or in my seminars.

Here is a small exercise for the bladder meridian

Stand in the Qigong stance
Connect with the earth through the soles of your feet and passively observe your breathing for a few seconds. Can it flow deep into your belly?
Now place one heel on the floor in front of you and gently stretch the back of your leg. If you wish, you can also bring your upper body slightly towards the stretched leg with your back straight.
Stay in this position for a moment. Let your breath continue to flow naturally. Then relax the leg, bend the knee and return to the Qigong stance. Now switch to the other leg and repeat the exercise with the other leg. Repeat this exercise for a few times.

Strengthening the bladder meridian has numerous positive effects on the body, mind and emotions, as this meridian plays a central role in the energy and water balance and detoxification of the body.

If you would like to find out more and delve deeper into the world of Qigong

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In my experience, it works just as well online as it does in presence.