The kidneys are located at either side of the lumbus.
The kidney meridian connects with the bladder to which it is closely
related. Traditional Chinese medicine states that the kidney’s
main functions include storing essence and dominating human reproduction
and development, dominating water metabolism and the reception
of Chi, producing marrow to fill up the brain, dominating bone,
manufacturing blood, growing hair, opening the ear, and dominating
urino-genital orifice and the anus.
“Essence” is the material base of the human body and
of many of its functional activities. Kidney essence consists of
congenital and acquired essence. Congenital essence is inherited
from the parents, and acquired essence is transformed from food
and dinks that we have every day.
The function of the kidney in reproduction and development relies
on kidney Chi. In childhood, the essential Chi of the kidney develops
gradually and manifests in changes in the skin and hair. It flourishes
in adolescence and at this time, males will have seminal emission,
and females will have the onset of menstruation, reflecting the
ripening of the sexual function. In old age, kidney Chi declines,
reproductive ability and sexual function finally disappear, and
the body begins to wither.
The kidneys play a very important role in regulating the distribution
of body fluid. Water is first received by the stomach, and then
transmitted by the spleen to the lungs. Part of the fluid reaches
the kidneys where it is further divided into the clear parts and
turbid parts. The clear fluid is transmitted up to the lung from
which it is circulated to the organs and tissues of the body. The
turbid fluid flows into the bladder to form urine, which is then
excreted. If the kidney fails to filter, then disturbance of water
metabolism such as, edema or abnormal micturition will occur.
Receiving Chi means that the kidneys assist the lungs in the function
of receiving and descending the Chi. The kidney sores essence,
which produces marrow. The marrow develops in the bone cavities
and nourishes their growth and development. When the kidney essence
is sufficient, the bone marrow has a rich source of production
and the bones are well nourished, firm and hard. The teeth are
a form of bone. A deficiency of kidney essence will lead to loose
or even failing teeth. The marrow means spinal marrow and bone
marrow. The spinal marrow ascends to connect with the brain. The
hair is the end of blood vessel that needs blood nourishing. Essence
and blood promote each other. When the essence is sufficient, then
blood will flourish. The hair is both the manifestation of blood
and the outward manifestation of the kidney. |
Opening the ear means that hearing relies on nourishment
by the essential Chi of the kidneys. When the essential Chi of
the kidneys is deficient, the quality of the hearing will drop.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, winter is good time
to strengthen the kidney essence. First, balance work and rest.
Over working and/or over exercising may damage the kidneys causing
health problems, such as edema, asthma, arthritis, indigestion,
etc. Second, receive enough sunshine (about 1 hour or more a day).
Sun-blocker lotion is good to avoid skin cancer, but not good for
forming vitamin D and increasing calcium in the body. Indoor exercise
alone is not a good balance for the body and will lower production
of bone marrow. Outdoor exercises should be considered if there
are sunny days. Third, sleep is important for increasing kidneys
essence. In the winter, daytime is short. According to nature’s
rules, it is necessary get more sleep during this season. Scientists
have found that adequate sleep is good for hormone balance too.
Fourth, add soup into winter meals. Bone soup is highly recommended
in wintertime. Boil chicken, turkey, lamb, fish, bones etc. The
calcium in the bone vegetable soups is easily absorbed by the body.
Black and dark color foods are good for the kidneys. These are
flax seeds, black sesame, blackberry, blueberry, cranberry, apples,
radishes, green vegetables, walnuts, black rice, brown rice, German
black breads, whole grains breads, black beans, beets, or red cabbage.
Fifth, regular acupuncture is necessary for releasing stress, improving
sleep, balancing the body and strengthening the bladder and kidneys.
Sixth, proper sex life is good for the kidney s. Especially in
wintertime, too much sex may damage the kidneys essence, which
leads to premature aging. Sex should include trust, which is the
basis of the love and caring which is the root of love. Children
are the continuation of this love. Trust and care can make love
sweet and good and bring about better health.
Ageing should not be frightening. Nothing is wrong with wrinkles.
Wrinkles show the experience, the achievement, the confidence,
and the rich knowledge of age which should be respected by all.
Let’s take care of the kidneys and grow old slowly and healthily.
 Contact
Li Hua L.Ac. TCMD at Atlanta Acupuncture Center or 404-250-9903 or
e-mail lihua@aac2000.com or surf her web site at www.aac2000.com |
