BONE WHITE
The white, empty space where anything and everything can be born from is what winter offers to us. Maybe we see it looking out the window, feel the kiss of a bright white snowflake on our cheek, or are chilled to our inner bones while shuffling into the house and as close to the fireplace as possible. Bone white follows us into the winter seasons and offers us many points of reflection.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the bones and teeth are greatly associated with the kidneys, the “winter organ”. In fact the kidney dominates these hard tissues by filtering and regulating fluid and mineral status. The kidneys communicate to the bones and teeth, and the bones and teeth communicate right back. It’s all delicately interconnected here.
When we think about our bone health, one of the greatest things we can do to promote density and longevity is not a Calcium supplement. It's to build muscle. The pull of the muscles on the bones during strength training stimulates the formation of more bone cells. Despite common belief, we can continue to build bone as we get older! It becomes more difficult potentially, but increasingly important as the years go on.
As far as the teeth, 50 teeth taps can stimulate our nerve endings and pair nicely with a holistic oral health routine performed 2-3 times daily.
Mineralizing our diet also mineralizes our bones and teeth. Thinking about sourcing our water carefully and eating mineral-rich foods such as grass-fed meats, fresh seafood and sardines. Local fruits, root vegetables and broths to warm us from the inside out all have the potential to keep our hard tissue hard and mineralized.
Because the kidneys govern these organs, remineralizing becomes important so that the kidneys are supported in their work of filtration and fluid balance. Embracing our individual essence, breathing in stillness, and planning for the next season of growth and forward motion all breathe life into the kidneys. The kidneys also love motion. That is their job! Legs up the wall, an abdominal self-massage, and a loving movement routine nourishes here as well.
Bone white is a blank canvas. An inspiring void to pour life into. The possibilities and potential around next steps are yours to create. Just as we hibernate and turn inwards in the winter season, we do so in preparation for all to be born. For all that will bloom within and around us. Supporting the organs of the