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Acupuncturists understand the body as a complex system of energy systems, meridians, and organs. However, when an acupuncturist talks about an organ, like the spleen, heart, or kidneys, they are not referring to the physical organ that sits inside your body, but rather the energetic side of these organs. The energetic system is much bigger than just the physical organ and governs certain functions in the body on many levels.
The kidney system is one of the most important of these energetic organ systems.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the kidneys represent the deepest, most fundamental levels of energy in the human body. They are said to be the root of yin and yang in the body – two fundamental forces at play in our physiology. The kidneys also store a substance called “essence” which is our genetic code, our life force, and our reproductive ability.
The kidneys in Chinese Medicine are related to the water element, which is the elemental energy of winter. Whereas many energy systems are all about movement, the kidneys are about rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation – they are the energy of holding, of turning inward, and of protecting that which is most important. Think of still-reflecting pools or a quiet winter night. These are kidney energy. The kidneys are often referred to in Chinese Medicine as our “root” – they are tasked with caring for the most precious parts of us that make us who we are.
On a physical level, the kidneys govern the water passageways within the body (appropriate being the water element!) as well as control growth and reproduction. In a five-element understanding of Chinese Medicine, the kidneys are at the end of the life cycle, before rebirth occurs again (such as winter making way for spring.) This means the kidneys have a vital role to play in end-of-life transitions.
The spiritual aspect of the kidneys is called Zhi, or willpower. Again, the kidneys are our root, our fundamental and core energy. When that system is weakened, a person may not feel drive, or motivation or can push themselves. Their understanding of who they are and what they can do has been diminished.
The emotion associated with the kidneys is fear. When the kidneys are weak, a person may be startled or frightened easily or may experience fear in disproportionate ways. Likewise, shock, trauma, and fearful situations weaken kidney energy, which is why many of the common symptoms of PTSD have a kidney imbalance at their root. The person’s core has been shaken.
The kidney energy, being the deepest level of energy in the body, takes time to replenish and strengthen, which means patience is key. Also, kidney energy naturally declines over the life cycle, which is the normal aging process. So, as we age, protecting the kidneys becomes all the more important!
Being associated with the water element, the kidneys are nourished by foods that come from the water – fish, seaweeds, and shellfish are nourishing to this system. The kidneys are associated with a salty taste, so naturally salty foods such as miso or millet also are good choices. Avoid foods that are damaging to your root energy, such as sugar, caffeine, alcohol, greasy foods, and highly processed foods.
The kidneys are damaged by overwork, too much responsibility, lack of sleep, and a frenetic schedule. In other words, most of us living in modern society are taxing our kidneys! This means it is even more important to carve out time and space to take part in kidney-nourishing habits.
As we mentioned, the kidneys are nourished through rest and rejuvenation. Pay attention to your sleep and be sure you are getting the hours that you need! Take a nap during the day if you need it. Engage in gentle, relaxing forms of exercise, like yoga or tai chi. Try meditation or guided visualizations to calm and center yourself. Find a schedule that works – one that really works – for you.
Bring the water element into your life and your home by getting a small decorative fountain, using essential oils, taking baths, or spending time near rivers or oceans, or other bodies of water.
The kidneys, being the source of our reproductive strength, are also weakened by excessive sexual activity. So go for quality over quantity.
The kidneys represent what makes you, you. So, take the time to give them the support they need!
The food we consume and the oxygen we breathe provide us with recharging energy (postnatal qi). It is critical to provide enough postnatal qi to the body in order to avoid depleting our reserve essence, which is required for good kidney function. Kidneys govern growth and development and promote the health of our brains, bones, bladder, ears, and reproductive system, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Our low back and knees are likewise governed by them.
Signs and symptoms of kidney deficiency or depletion include:
Developmental disorders, congenital issues in children (essence deficiency)
Premature aging: graying
Deafness
Weak brittle bones, hair/teeth loss
Infertility
Low Back Pain, weak knees
Extreme fatigue (can happen when both the rechargeable energy is depleted, and the battery is low)
Winter is the time to be very mindful of our kidneys as it is when our energy can be most easily depleted. Winter is the ultimate yin time, and calls for rest, reflection, conservation, and storage. Days are shorter while nights are longer. This is nature telling us to get more sleep. Your body responds to less sunlight by producing more melatonin in the winter, the hormone that helps us rest. If we do not adjust to the season, we can easily get burnt out. Consider your adrenal health when thinking about avoiding burnout, as those little glands that sit on top of your kidneys are, in part, responsible for what TCM considers kidney qi. The cold of winter presents an additional challenge too, as the adrenal glands, together with your kidneys must work extra hard in helping to regulate body temperature.
The bottom line when it comes to kidney health in winter is to recognize the need for rest (and don’t just disguise it with stimulants like coffee!). Extreme exercise and activity are contraindicated. With the cold of winter slowing things down to a near halt, gentle exercise like yoga, stretching, tai chi, and qi gong are perfect movement therapies to prevent winter stagnation.
Don’t be afraid to get some fresh air and sunlight, when possible, too! The morning is the ideal time to get out and go for a walk when winter weather permits. Dress appropriately but soak up as much Vitamin D as you can. It is essential for immunity, mood, bone health, etc. And if you are looking to slim down, take note that exercising in cold weather helps to transform white fat (belly and thigh fat) into calorie-burning brown fat. [1]
If you can’t get outside in the morning start your day with this simple qi gong exercise: (you can gently awaken your qi with a stretch session first)
~with feet hip-length apart and knees slightly bent
~slowly swing torso left to right, letting the head follow
~let arms/ hands percuss the front lower abdomen and lower back as you let the natural momentum take over
~can finish with a stimulating rub on the low back to send some love into those kidneys.
Let your acupuncturist give your kidneys some love this winter too! With treatments to support kidney function and preserve essence, your acupuncturist can help you relax into the specific balance you need to thrive in the colder months.
[1] https://www.accuweather.com/en/health-wellness/what-you-need-to-know-about-brown-fat-and-exercising-in-the-cold/663420#:~:text=%22Brown%20fat%20could%20be%20activated,than%20during%20the%20warmer%20months.
As the days get shorter, it is common to feel your overall energy level decrease. This is a natural response, but if it starts negatively affecting your days, there may be an energy imbalance contributing to your tiredness.
To treat fatigue, traditional Chinese medicine uses several modalities, including acupuncture, moxibustion, herbal formulas, and nutrition. To determine the right treatment, a diagnosis must be made first. Diagnosing in TCM is quite different from conventional medicine. TCM looks at the patient holistically, considering all aspects, including the mind, the body, and the environment of the person.
Acupuncture for Fatigue:
Acupuncture is used to balance the energy within the body. Specifically, acupuncture is used to remove the excess that may be creating blockages and to improve blood circulation and oxygenation to the cells, all of which can be contributing factors to fatigue. Studies show acupuncture also increases serotonin levels, which help with sleep. Acupuncture improves mood, lessens pain, and boosts the immune system, all of which are factors that can affect a person’s energy levels.
Acupuncture Points for Fatigue:
·Yin Tang – Yin Tang is located directly between the inner edges of the eyebrows. It is a reflex point of the pituitary gland. Yin Tang calms the mind and relaxes the body by helping control hormone secretions, which can aid in more peaceful sleep.
· Kidney 1 – Kidney 1 is located on the bottom of the foot, at the junction of the anterior one third and posterior two-thirds of the line connecting the base of the second and third toes and the heel. Kidney 1 can sedate and calm the mind, while also regulating blood flow throughout the body.
·Stomach 36 – This point is located bilaterally on the outer side of the lower leg, about 4 finger-widths from the lower border of the patella or kneecap. This point is considered an overall energy and immune-boosting point.
Chinese Herbs for Fatigue:
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan is often prescribed for fatigue. This formula is particularly helpful at increasing energy within the kidney and liver energetic pathways. Another popular formula for fatigue is Si Jun Zi Tang. This formula helps increase energy by clearing out excess phlegm and dampness in the body.
Nutrition for Fatigue: When it comes to fatigue, nutrition for the spleen, liver, and kidneys is particularly crucial. The kidneys are the source of our vital essence. The liver and spleen help produce blood and vital energy that sustains the body. Foods like black beans, kidney beans, asparagus, plums, blueberries, and blackberries are all beneficial for strengthening the kidneys. Dark leafy greens like spinach and kale are good for building blood and energy via the liver and spleen. Sweet potatoes, squash, pumpkin, quinoa, and oats are all good for tonifying the spleen. Also, healthy oils and fats such as avocado, salmon, and coconut oil can be very beneficial.
The adrenal glands are part of the endocrine system that produces different hormones. The adrenal glands are located above the kidneys and are vital to our life. The hormones that are produced by the adrenal glands are most important during times of stress. Adrenaline and natural steroids such as aldosterone and cortisol are made by the adrenal glands, these hormones help the body by controlling blood sugar, burn fat, react to stressors and help regulate the blood pressure.
In Tradition Chinese Medicine (TCM) we view things differently than our western counter-parts, but the adrenal glands are still an important part of the body. TCM treats the adrenal glands as part of the kidney’s and kidney meridian. This simply means that that the glands are part of the water element. The kidney area is seen as a key role player in determining the quality of our life in TCM. This is due to the kidneys control of Qi (pronounced “Chee”), which in TCM is the body’s life force.
The body is very efficient in self-regulating itself. When the body is depleted of quality sleep or food it will not be able to function and carry out all its functions. This is why people experience eating binges or are fatigue followed by excessive sleep when they are severely stressed. Stress can drain the body of energy, nutritional reserves and Qi over time. If this continues, adrenal fatigue may develop. Adrenal fatigue is a condition where the glands become weak and then don’t produce enough hormones needed for daily life. The symptoms of adrenal fatigue include: low libido, food cravings, general malaise, emotional problems, weight gain, low immunity, difficulty in concentrating and thyroid issues.
TCM offers you a couple of ways to help with weakened adrenal glands. Acupuncture and Moxibustion are able to help with the adrenals.
Regular acupuncture treatments can help strengthen the kidneys. In due time, the adrenals/kidneys will regain some of their Qi, thus allowing the body to fuel and heal itself. Acupuncture is able to help because it helps reduce stress and activates the relaxation part of the nervous system, allowing the heart rate to go down, digestion will improve and you will be able to get a deeper and more fulfilling rest.
Moxibustion is the burning of a dried herb called Mugwart. Mugwart is placed over or waved over specific acupuncture points that are known to tonify or improve the Qi associated with the kidneys/adrenal glands. Between acupuncture and moxibustion it will help bring your body back into balance.
If you or someone you know has adrenal fatigue, call Master Lu’s Health Center in Salt Lake City or come in so we can help you get your life back and defend your health.
Have you been feeling stressed this holiday season?
Do you feel fatigued?
Are you having an increase in pain?
If you are feeling any of these problems or other problems related to your health and wellness, we can help you. We are offering a limited time offer to help you feel balanced, energized, and less stressed during this holiday season.
Here is the deal… if you want some stress relief, pain relief, or feel better and balanced, we are offering a limited time special for acupuncture treatments.
Acupuncture will not only help you feel better during this holiday season with all of the stress and sicknesses, but you will also help the community by donating food for the Utah Food Bank.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine will help you many health conditions:
This offer runs until Dec 23rd. Come and experience the power of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Hurry and call Master Lu’ s Health Center to schedule an appointment.
