Winter of the Kidneys

Dear Friend,

I have felt unmotivated to share winter wisdom up until now because it’s felt like Spring here in Ibiza! This warm weather has also affected our bodies and instead of the common symptoms associated with Winter that I see, I have also been treating internal heat that I only see in the fire of Summer! So odd. Regardless, the season of Winter is associated with our kidneys and they need our attention now.

We had a record number of solar flares last year, and energetically this is bound to have an effect. Research suggests these spikes of radiation affect our heart, mood, and thinking, and disrupt the power grids, phone, and GPS networks….this might explain a few things.

As we are energetic beings this fiery energy is also impacting our bodies and consciousness. The Russian scientist Tchijevsky discovered that 80% of the most significant human events occurred during 5 years surrounding the peak of solar activity. Looks like we are in for some MORE interesting times…

As above, so below; we are connected through our nature.

Walk the beauty way in peace.

With love in all ways,Dipika 💜

Daoist Wisdom for Winter

Winter, the time of storage and rest and the most Yin season ends at Spring Equinox in late March. So we still have time to care for our most Yin organs, the kidneys and the element of Water. These are the storehouse of our vital essence (Jing) passed down from our ancestors. They represent our vital energy and longevity, our oil and water, hydration and lubrication, and the juice of our essence. Their health determines the ageing process from childhood onwards so they always need looking after!

  • Drink warm water with lemon and a pinch of salt.
  • Eat oily fish (or DHEA and Omega 3).
  • Eat black foods (seaweeds, beans, sesame, rice, soy, miso), bone broth, hearty warm soups, whole grains, and roasted nuts.
  • If you feel cold, add warming spices like cloves, fenugreek, fennel, anise star, black pepper, ginger, cinnamon, walnuts, black beans, onions, and garlic.
  • Drink warming spice teas such as a nice chai.
  • Consume more cooked warming foods and avoid cold foods and drinks.
  • Ground into nature with walks.
  • Keep your feet and lower back warm (the kidney channel starts in the sole of the foot up to your kidneys in the lower back).
  • Slow down.
  • Turn inwards to nourish and strengthen reserves.
  • Be still and receptive, in quietude.
  • Take rest and sleep as much as you need.
  • Let go of the perceived pressure to be somewhere that is not now.

Elixir of Youth

Last winter I shared my experience with an organic beef bone broth and I have just finished one again. I feel energised, firm in my body, and clear in my mind. After many years of experimenting, I find this protocol to be the simplest, most nourishing one, especially during winter when warm foods are best.

Bones are the core, strength, and most Yin aspects of our being. This extends to the marrow, brain, and spinal cord, which is responsible for focus, concentration, memory, skill, and sight. And bone broth is not only highly nutritious for our Yin, but it is full of nutrients, helps with weight and joint management, is full of collagen that when cooked turns into gelatin and provides amino acids for essential proteins, and reduces inflammation and heals the gut.

I was curious as to whether it would work for my vegetarian preferences, and I took a deep dive with a five-day fast to observe and experience its effects.

I found it satiating, nourishing, softening, strengthening, lubricating, and grounding, and my body was leaner and less bloated. After my cleanse, bone broth became the foundation of my cooking last winter, and this year has been no different.

I invite you to try it for yourself and discover what it can do for you.

It’s made by simmering meaty animal bones in water for several hours, which can be flavoured with vegetables, herbs, and spices. Once cooled, it usually firms up into a jelly-like consistency due to its high gelatin content. Sometimes a little apple cider vinegar or white vinegar is added to help break down the animal proteins and connective tissue, producing a broth higher in protein and collagen. My preference is to buy it from my dear colleague on Ibiza in a frozen cube form as shown above because I don’t prepare meat at home.

Protocol per person:

Start with a colonic and begin high-strength (25 million CFU) probiotics to cleanse the sugar-hungry bacteria in your gut and reboot with healthy bacteria before beginning the cleanse. Avoid any carbs, processed foods and sugars between this and the starting the protocol.3 cups of broth are consumed within 6 hours. Drink 1 cup of your herb or ginger infusion with 2 cubes or 2 tbsps of broth, 3 times between these hours.

AM until 12 noon: boil 1 litre of water with 2 sticks of chopped celery and 5 sprigs of parsley. Add 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, the juice of 1 lemon, and 1 tsp of Himalayan salt. Strain solids and drink.

12 noon until 6pm: boil 1 litre of water with EITHER 2 herbs (oregano, rosemary, thyme, coriander, sage) OR grated ginger and turmeric.

Try it for 3 to 5 days. For physical, mental and emotional healing.

When you start eating again eat lightly, warm and fresh foods, and gently introduce normal eating over days as and when you feel. Be aware that potatoes, rice, and any processed foods will feed those sugar-hungry bacteria in your gut so go easy on the carbohydrates.

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