Kidney Health

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Kidney is the powerhouse of the body, supplying reserve energy to any organ running low on Qi. Its partner organ is the Bladder.

The season associated with the Kidney is the Winter so it’s especially important to slow down and conserve energy by getting more rest!

The Kidney stores reserve energy called “pre-natal Qi” inherited from your parents. When another organ is low on energy, the Kidney sends it an extra Qi boost from this inheritance.

The ears 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.

The bone is 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.

The taste that corresponds to and supports the Kidney is salt, according to the Five Element theory. Craving salt? Listen to your Kidney and have a salty snack!

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.

Foods to Support Kidney Health

Many foods have an essence that resonates with the Kidney. You may crave seafood, beans or bone soup. These are all foods that build strong Kidney function. Listen to the body, and eat what you are in the “mood” for.

Simple Tips for Everyday Kidney Health

Some ways to support your Kidney’s 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’re tired, and giving yourself permission to take a break and de-stress.

Acupressure for Kidney Health

Rub the acupressure point called “Yongquan” or “Gushing Spring” (Kidney 1) which stimulates a key point on the Kidney channel. It may be sore, but this means you’re hitting the right spot to stimulate your body’s energy foundation and relieve symptoms such as night sweats, hot flashes, tinnitus, hypertension, insomnia, anxiety, and headaches.

The yongquan is located at the exact center of the bottom of each foot. Starting with your left foot, massage this point as deeply as comfortable using your thumb or even a tennis ball—anything you have on hand.