5 Tips to Improve Kidney Health With Chinese Medicine
Our Kidneys maintain the composition of our blood by removing waste products and excess water. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) understands that they have an even more extensive range of functions: Our Kidneys store a precious substance called Jing which is the foundation for all of our energy – Qi – and our Blood. They are also essential at regulating our levels of Yin and Yang. Kidney health in Chinese Medicine is very vital for your overall health.
So how can we strengthen Kidney Qi and improve Kidney function? In this article we describe the important and all encompassing role that Jing and our Kidneys play in our lives, from childhood and our reproductive years through to old age.
What do our Kidneys do?
The Kidneys are small organs in the lower abdomen that play a significant role in our overall health. They filter waste products from the blood and excrete them out in urine, balancing fluid and electrolyte levels within the body. Our Kidneys work non-stop every day and control a number of essential functions including regulating blood pressure, and production of red blood cells, through to maintaining bone health. Conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure may have a negative impact on their ability to function. Damage to the Kidneys can lead to Chronic Kidney Disease which affects 10% of the global population. It is therefore of vital importance that we look after our Kidneys.
The role of Kidneys: Kidney health in chinese medicine
According to TCM the complementary but opposing forces of Yin and Yang exist everywhere in nature, including in the human body. It is the role of the Kidneys meridian to keep them in balance. Balancing Yin and Yang is a key factor in TCM – when they are balanced we experience optimum health and wellbeing.
Yin represents coolness and moisture, it is still and calm. Yin is associated with slowing down, contraction and downward movement and the feminine. Yang represents active, high energy and upwards movements. Yang is hot, dry, fast and represents masculine energy.
If Kidney Yang is deficient, and Yin is exerting too much influence, you may experience symptoms that relate to a lack of fire and notice that you feel tired or physical weakness. Where there is a deficiency of Kidney Yin, Yang can start to flow uncontrolled which may be manifested in night sweats, restlessness and disturbed sleep.
Tips to Improve Kidney function with Chinese Medicine
1.Drink more water
Drinking more water is one of the kindest things that you can do to support your Kidneys. They use water to filter toxins and to create the urine that transports them out of the body. It is also helpful to limit your intake of alcohol, fizzy drinks and coffee.
2.Keep your lower back warm
Your kidneys are located in your lower back. In TCM they are considered to be sensitive to the cold so keep them well wrapped up on cold days. They may even benefit from a hot water bottle to help to keep them working well.
3.Eat more fish
Fatty fish such as salmon and tuna are great Kidney tonics. Your body cannot make omega-3 fatty acids and fatty fish are a great natural source of these healthy fats. Omega-3 fats may reduce fat levels in the blood and also slightly lower blood pressure. As high blood pressure is a risk factor for Kidney disease, finding natural ways to lower it can help protect the Kidneys.
4.More fruit and vegetables
Grapes, leek and strawberries are excellent at supporting Kidney health. Other great boosts to your Kidney function include cooked kidney beans, walnuts, brown rice and warming casseroles.
5.Make time to rest and to recharge
An excess of any activity is bad for your health. Excessive physical exertion, such as walking while carrying a heavy load or standing up for long periods places undue strain upon your Kidneys. It’s not a coincidence that the lower back area where Kidneys are stored is also the location of the most common type of back pain caused by strenuous activity. Protect them by avoiding too much physical strain at work and home and make time to rest. Your Kidneys will thank you for this.
Acupuncture for Kidney Health
By stimulating certain points along the Kidney meridian we are able to restore the flow of vital energy. This allows the Kidneys to perform their multiple roles at an optimum level. Acupuncture provides a natural and gentle way of looking after your kidneys and improving their health. Studies have shown that acupuncture is effective at restoring effective Kidney function in patients with chronic Kidney disease.