In Chinese medicine, the role of the kidney is vital. This is the organ where our inborn “qi” is stored. The kidney holds the key to the body’s “energy foundation.” It is the whole body’s “power engine.”
Most common signs of Kidney imbalance:
• Hair loss
• Bones that break easily
• Forgetfulness
• Frequent urination
• Thyroid problem
• High blood pressure
• Knee pain, heel pain, neck pain, and chronic lower back pain
• Ringing in the ears
• Constant thirst
• Constant cold, especially of the hands and feet
• Loss of sexual desire
• Infertility and low sperm count
The activities that can waste kidney qi:
-exercising too much
-staying up past midnight
-drinking cold things on a regular basis
-taking a cold shower after exercising
-too much sex
Food recommendations for kidney imbalance:
• Bone soup
• Black sesame seeds
• Black beans
• Cauliflower
• Cinnamon
• Sesame and walnut oils
• Shell fish
• Toasted pine nuts
• Toasted walnuts
Some other helpful hints to strengthen kidney qi:
-Bite your teeth together lightly, fifty times.
-Rub your ears
-Breathing exercises and meditation
Five element theory:
1. Element: Water
2. Organ: Kidney
3. Viscera: Urinary Bladder
4. Open: Ear
5. Tissue: Bone
6. Emotion: Fear
7. Season: Winter
8. Environment: Cold
9. Sound: Deep sighing
10. Color: Black
11. Taste: Salty
12. Direction: North
Source from Nan Lu, OMD, MS, L.Ac
Traditional Chinese Medicine, Publisher: Harper Collins Publishing Inc
