Mimi Kuo-Deemer has created these Seasonal Qigong programmes to help you tune into your body and align yourself with Earth’s natural movements. In the Chinese calendar, there are five seasons: Spring, Summer, Late Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Each season has its own energy, or qi. When we harmonise with these energies, we can move towards living a more nourishing and balanced life.

In Chinese medicine and qigong, each of the five seasons has an associated element and an organ and meridian network that is emphasised in the practices. This cyclical qigong approach lets you delve fully into each session, allowing deep transformations to take place. In addition to the seasons, I am sharing a routine called The Art of Residing in Radiance that works with all five seasons and elements. It is an ancient, deeply powerful and healing practice that can help you live your best life and shine.

Just as the seasons change, our lives are also characterised by constant and sometimes unsettling turns. By synchronizing our bodies with the seasons and cultivating our own energy, we can flow through difficulty with more ease and grace.

Because the energy of an element is particularly strong when practiced in its corresponding season, it can be helpful to do these routines according to the season you are in. However, each session can also be done any time of year, as there are seasons of a day as well seasons of a lifetime.

Winter is associated with the Water element. The Water element is about stillness, inner strength and conserving and storing energy, like a hibernating bear. In the winter months, qi flow is more easily affected in Water organs and meridians kidneys and urinary bladder, which affect how we use energy, regulate our temperatures, and manage our stress levels. This practice can be done any time of year but is particularly powerful in the winter months. It will help you replenish your energy reserves, and develop the soft, nourishing, humble strength of water.