 "Dwelling with the stars". The kidney fluids steams toward the head and later rains down.
If we don’t listen to our body, the body will eventually tell us what they need. First the body will give us mild symptoms or discomfort, but eventually the body will succumb to a disorder. The kidneys are sensitive to overcompensations unless they are followed by recuperation. They react to danger or forceful situations by secreting the appropriate chemicals and hormones. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the kidneys can get out of balance if they are not nourished appropriately. Stillness, alertness and gentleness are key influences in combating over-stimulation and encouraging storage of Qi and Essence in the Kidney Organ (1). Moderate, gentle activity is the best way to influence the circulation and nourishment of the Kidney Channel Qi and Essence (2).
We work long hours and we are sleep deprived.
We are flooded with advertisements to peak our desires and needs.
We let our emotions drain away our vitality without realizing it.
We use recreational drugs and pain killers for stress relief
and to numb uncomfortable sensations.
And we are constantly on the go.
Prenatal Essence Determines Our Potential
How long can we keep on going? If we don’t take a break, the process of decline will consume our prenatal Qi (genetic substance), which according to TCM resides in the Kidneys. This essence is inherited from both of our parents. Postnatal essence determines the individual constitution, physical development and, to some extent, lifespan.
Postnatal Essence Nourishes Our Life
If we supplement our bodies with postnatal Qi (food, nutrition and air) and adequate rest (sleep, stillness), the process of decline is diminished and the burden on our Kidneys is reduced. This essence has been acquired from food and air, and it is responsible for continued healthy function of the body. Postnatal essence serves to supplement and reinforce the congenital essence.
Food Dietary Recommendations
• Control blood glucose levels
• Control and maintain a normal blood pressure
• Follow a low-protein diet
• Maintain healthy levels of cholesterol in the blood
• Moderate amount of fluid intake (small quantities spread out throughout the day)
• Small amount of salt (unless you are salt sensitive)
• Small amount of fish product ( preferable high in omega-3)
Maintaining Life Activities
According to TCM, food, which is a part of the postnatal essence, is transformed and transported with the help of the Stomach and Spleen. The Spleen ascends the pure essence of our food to reach the circulatory system, and descends the turbid waste to be secreted and detoxified by the digestive system and urinary system. The excess of qi and blood made each day is converted into essence to be stored in the Kidneys when we sleep.
Essence, according to TCM, is the primary element responsible for determining physical growth and development, and in maintaining life activities. Disorders involving damage to the essence are generally included in the kidney pathology, but could also be combined with other physiological constructs which involve the heart and spirit.
Reproductive and Essential Essence
There are also two other types of essence that are closely related to kidney’s function. The reproductive essence is responsible for reproductive ability in both men and women. Essence is stored in the kidney, and when the reproductive function becomes fully developed, this stored essence is transformed into reproductive essence, allowing the individual to produce offspring. Then, there is the essential essence which is essence that has been mobilized to maintain the functional activity of the internal organs, tissues and flesh.
Gentleness is Needed to Nourish the Kidney
Maintaining a good Kidney requires watching out for activities that drain the kidney organ and essence. In the long run, re-channeling aggression time and anxiety, in addition to making positive lifestyle changes, rather than relying on pharmaceuticals, will influence the Kidneys in a good way. The best kidney medicine is warmth, closeness, and tenderness—the basis of any good relationship—so start treating your kidney as your best friend and you will maintain a healthy kidney.
APPENDIX:
(1) The Kidney Organ Stores the Essence (jing).
1. Controls birth, development and maturation
2. Governs the bones and engenders marrow
3. Reflected in the teeth
4. Governs water metabolism
5. Receives qi from the lungs
6. Is the "Root of Qi"
7. Maintains balance with the heart
8. Opens into the ears and the “two yins” ( anus and urethra)
9. Reflected in the hair of the head
10. Nourishes liver yin
11. Stands in external–internal relationship with the bladder
12. Is the “Root of the yin and yang of all the organs”
(2) The Kidney Channel circulates Kidney Qi and Essence.
1. It maintains the function of the kidney.
2. Strengthens the bones and lumbar region
3. It promotes reproductive function and circulates body fluids
4. Promotes the function of the organs according to the five phase theory.
5. Promotes the function of the throat and tongue.
Useful Links:
Wikipedia (The Kidney)
ITM Online (The Kidney Network)
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In October 2007, "The Leonard Lopate Show" explains acupuncture .
