Kidneys

Kidney health

The kidneys are very important organs for maintaining homeostasis in the body meaning the balance or status quo of the body, things like pH levels, blood filtration, water levels, hormones, blood pressure, sodium levels, excretion of waste products and more. The Kidneys are located at about belly button height, towards the back behind the Liver and are about the size of a fist.

They are considered the powerhouse of the body in TICM, supplying reserve energy to any other organ that is low on energy reserves. So it is absolutely vital to keep our Kidneys functioning at optimum health to assist the whole body to maintain health and vitality.

TICM believe that keeping the solar plexus (front) and Kidneys (back) warm at all times is crucial to staying healthy. We take particular notice of whether or not their Stomach feels cold as this is a first sign that your immune system might be weakened.

TICM say that the Kidneys are the organs associated to and most affected by winter so we will benefit in mind body and spirit to nurture and keep these vital organs warm. It is important to slow down and conserve energy, rest and keep the Kidneys warm.

I always ask my patients regardless of gender and age to keep socks on their feet so they are nice and warm as well as keeping the lower back and abdomen warm to avoid Kidney pain, Stomach ache, problems with your abdominal joints, and so on. It helps boost circulation by keeping your core warm which supports your Kidneys and Liver, helps digestion and eases menstrual cramps.

Correlations between the Kidneys and the body and emotions

FEAR is the emotion associated with the Kidney. If you often have severe panic attacks, anxiety, and fear, your body may be trying to tell you that Kidney energy is running low or is imbalanced.

TEARS are the sensory organs related to the Kidney. Any ear problems, such as deafness, tinnitus, or ear infections are a signal from your body that the Kidney’s energy needs extra support.

BONES are the tissue associated with the Kidney. If the Kidney’s energy is low, you may have symptoms such as osteoporosis, dental issues, or developmental issues.

TASTE that corresponds to, and supports, the Kidney is salt. Craving salt? Listen to your Kidney and have a salty snack.

Simple tips for everyday Kidney health to support Kidney energy:

Stomp your feet, slowly and with flat feet, for about 5 minutes a day. This stimulates your Kidney’s energy as the feet are associated with the Kidney and Bladder meridians, which run through the heel and to the sole of the foot.

Rub your ears for several minutes a day. This simple massage strengthens Kidney function, as the ears are connected energetically to the Kidney organ and meridian.

Stop energy drains. Conserve your energy by sleeping before midnight, resting when you are tired, and giving yourself permission to take a break and de-stress.

The body uses a lot of energy to stay warm, so keeping your solar plexus area, feet and Kidneys warm, conserves the body’s energy stores.