The Kidneys
Winter time is the time of the Kidneys and the Water element. The Water element is the most Yin of the five elements and in some ways the most primal (where would we be without water?).
Note: when I say “Kidneys”, I mean the organ system in Chinese Medicine, rather than the anatomical kidneys in Western Medicine.
🔥💧 The Kidneys are known as the “Root of Life”, namely because Kidney-Yang and Kidney-Yin form the basis for all the Yang and Yin in the body. Kidney Yin governs birth, growth and reproduction, while Kidney Yang (also known as the Gate of Vitality or Ming Men Fire) is the force that enables all physiological functions.
🦷🦴🧠 The Kidneys also house our Jing (Essence) which is gifted to us by our parents at conception (hence why pre-conception care is so important), is most likened to our DNA or constitution, and is a finite resource that carries us through our life, governing our growth and development. As we get older, Kidney Jing declines. Kidney JIng is also responsible for the strength of our bones and teeth, and nourishment of our brain and spinal cord.
💧 The Kidneys (much like in Western Medicine) play a central role in fluid metabolism and influence the function of many other organs in the body. This includes enabling urination, keeping the Lungs nourished, helping the Spleen to metabolise fluids and supporting the Intestines to separate and remove waste.
🫁 Did you know that when you take a breath in, it’s not only the Lungs, but also the Kidneys who “receive the Qi” and hold it down? Often chronic respiratory conditions (e.g. asthma), can point to the Kidneys as well as the Lungs.
👂🏼💇🏻♀️ The strength of the Kidneys also affects the ears and quality of our hearing, and the thickness, abundance, gloss and colour of our hair.
😨 The Kidneys are affected by fear, which makes the Qi descend. A great example of this is bedwetting in children and loose stools or incontinence in adults. Long-term fear or anxiety can deplete Kidney Yin, leading to unrestrained Yang and symptoms like palpitations, disrupted sleep, night sweats and dry mouth and throat.
💪🏼 The Spirit of the Kidneys is the Zhi (Will Power). The Zhi drives us forward in life and helps us to commit to our goals and dreams. However, if there are not enough resources because the Kidneys are depleted, it becomes very hard to stay motivated. In some ways, as the Kidneys house the root of who we are, the Will Power gives us the drive to leave our unique stamp on the world.
Nourishing + Supporting the Kidneys this Winter
💙 SLEEP (the hours between 10pm and 2am is the most important window to be asleep)
💙 Keep your body warm to help Kidney Yang (e.g. double socks, layers, scarves, warm foods and drinks)
💙 Don’t overdo it with work (both physical and mental)
💙 Hydrate to help Kidney Yin (porridges, soups and stews, i.e. warm and wet foods)
In summary, the Kidneys are like our battery pack and the basis for who we are. Modern life pretty much always leaves the Kidneys needing some extra support (and of course, Chinese Medicine is really good at providing this support). If you do feel like you’re exhausted or working too much or not sleeping well, book in that appointment and let’s give your Kidneys some love! 💙