TCM Tips for Daily Kidney Nourishment
TCM Tips for Daily Kidney Nourishment
After the onset of winter, all things enter a state of conservation and rest. According to the TCM principles of "nourishing yin in autumn and winter" and "supporting the kidneys in winter," this period is ideal for kidney care and nourishment.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the kidneys are regarded as the "foundation of innate energy," responsible for storing essence, regulating water metabolism, and generating marrow—all essential for sustaining life. With ample kidney qi, bones are strong, and the body remains energized. So how can we support our kidneys in daily life?
The "Foundation of Innate Energy" — Kidneys
The Kidneys Store Essence and Govern Marrow
According to The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon, the kidneys are the "repository of essence and the source of marrow," acting as the body's engine. TCM thus refers to the kidneys as the "foundation of innate energy." The kidneys govern the reproductive system; issues in this area, such as prostate enlargement, can indicate a deficiency in kidney essence, signaling a need to replenish this vital energy.The Kidneys Manifest in the Ears
The saying "big ears bring good fortune" reflects the TCM belief that the kidneys open to the ears. With ample kidney qi, the ears are full and large, and energy is abundant, supporting a vigorous pursuit of goals. As Zeng Guofan once said, "Achievement is reflected in one’s energy and spirit," underscoring the connection between the kidneys and vitality. Frequent tinnitus or hearing loss may indicate insufficient kidney qi.The Kidneys Govern the Bones
In TCM, bone health is thought to depend on the abundance of kidney essence. Those experiencing osteoporosis should nourish the kidneys, as sufficient kidney essence promotes strong and resilient bones.Saliva as Kidney Water
Physical activities such as walking often stimulate physiological responses, including increased saliva. This is viewed as a sign of kidney qi and essence replenishment, as saliva is associated with "kidney water" in the Five Elements theory. People with kidney yin deficiency may often experience dry mouth and lack of saliva, which signals insufficient kidney essence.Symptoms of Kidney Deficiency
Deficiency in kidney essence and qi can lead to various symptoms, including soreness in the lower back and knees, cold hands and feet, fatigue, tinnitus, hair loss, loose teeth, osteoporosis, frequent nighttime urination, prostate enlargement, decreased sexual function, infertility, kidney weakness, and menopausal syndrome.
9 Daily Tips for Kidney Health
"Fear Harms the Kidneys" – Avoid Sources of Fear
According to The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon, “the kidney corresponds to fear,” and fear is a negative emotion that can damage kidney qi. Prolonged fear can impair kidney function, leading to symptoms such as lower back soreness, frequent urination, and premature ejaculation.
To avoid the harmful effects of excessive fear on the kidneys, try to limit exposure to fear-inducing situations, like horror movies or high-risk activities. Practices like deep breathing and meditation can help relax the body and reduce fear, while outdoor activities, music, and reading are also beneficial for easing stress.Maintain Proper Daily Hydration
Water is essential for life, and inadequate hydration can cause toxin buildup, increasing the kidneys’ burden.Ensure Smooth Urination and Bowel Movements
Avoid holding urine, as excessive urine storage in the bladder can trigger the need for immediate release, potentially harming the kidneys if delayed. Chronic constipation can lead to a buildup of waste, causing discomfort and fatigue that can affect kidney health.Swallow Saliva to Nourish the Kidneys
Saliva has two types: clear and watery (governed by the spleen) and thick (governed by the kidneys). Regularly swallowing saliva can help nourish kidney essence and support kidney function.Massage "Kidney-Boosting" Acupoints
The kidney point (Shenshu) on the lower back is crucial for kidney health. Gently tap this point by placing both hands in loose fists on the lower back and rocking your knees while keeping your hands in place. Additionally, massaging the Yongquan point on the soles of the feet before bed can help strengthen the kidneys.Keep a Regular Sleep Schedule
Maintaining a regular sleep routine is vital for kidney health. Adequate rest supports the kidneys by aiding in metabolism and detoxification. Avoid late nights and overwork.Vocal Toning to Strengthen the Kidneys
In the Tang dynasty, Sun Simiao suggested that breathing techniques could support organ health. Based on the Five Elements, the “chui” sound (a soft blowing sound) helps release waste energy from the kidneys. Practicing sounds like "chui," "si," "xu," "he," "xi," and "hu" can enhance various organ functions, with "chui" particularly beneficial for the kidneys.Engage in Regular Physical Activity
Since the kidneys govern the bones, regular exercise supports kidney function, improves circulation, and strengthens the immune system. Aerobic exercises such as jogging and swimming enhance cardiovascular health, while traditional practices like Tai Chi and Baduanjin help balance kidney qi and fortify the kidneys.
9. Keep Health through Diet
Dietary adjustments are essential for kidney health. In traditional Chinese medicine, black-colored foods like black beans and black sesame are considered beneficial for the kidneys and can be incorporated regularly.
For nourishing yin deficiency, goji berries are recommended. Sweet in flavor, they enter the kidney and liver meridians, helping to nourish these organs and enhance vitality. Those with yang deficiency, however, should avoid cold foods and refrain from alcohol and smoking; they may benefit from kidney-tonifying herbal formulas.
Consuming pork kidney is another option. Salty in flavor, pork kidney is believed to aid kidney deficiency. Those experiencing lower back pain, tinnitus, night sweats, or other kidney-related symptoms may consume pork kidney, but it is not recommended for individuals with high uric acid levels or gout.
Eating Oysters
Effects and Benefits of Oysters:
Oysters have calming properties and are known to anchor liver yang, ease restlessness, and settle the mind. They help with astringency and consolidation, softening hardness, and dispersing lumps. Oysters are used for symptoms of yin deficiency with excessive yang, such as irritability, palpitations, insomnia, dizziness, tinnitus, night sweats, seminal emissions, vaginal discharge, and uterine bleeding. Additionally, they may be effective for conditions related to phlegm-heat accumulation, such as scrofula, nodules, stomach pain, acid reflux, and more recent applications for stomach and duodenal ulcers, as well as liver and spleen enlargement.
Chives
Chives are known for their kidney-tonifying and yang-strengthening effects, increasing appetite, and aiding bowel movements. They are referred to as "yang-strengthening herb" in traditional medicinal texts due to their warming properties that support kidney and digestive health.
Optimal Time for Nourishing Kidney Qi
Between 5 PM and 7 PM (the You Hour in traditional Chinese medicine), the kidney meridian is most active, making it an ideal time to support kidney function.
Retaining Sweat and Gathering Kidney Qi
As evening approaches, yin energy strengthens, making it easy for cold to invade through open pores if one sweats excessively due to intense exercise. During this time, it’s best to avoid vigorous movement that causes excessive sweating and exposure to cold. Gentle activities like Tai Chi, Baduanjin, or a quiet walk are more suitable; stop exercising if you feel a warm back and light sweating, and rest instead.
For those who sweat easily, especially in the palms, wearing additional layers can help, along with a preparation of 3g of amomum (Sha Ren), 1g of cinnamon, and 10g of glutinous rice root, brewed as tea to help contain qi and reduce sweating.
Reducing Burden on Kidney Qi
Digestive functions—including spleen and stomach transformation, small intestine separation, and large intestine elimination—depend on kidney qi for metabolic support. Avoid eating heavy meals during this time to prevent overstraining the kidneys, and follow the “less, light, and slow” approach:
Less: Consume only enough to prevent hunger until morning, avoiding snacks or extra fruit.
Light: Opt for easily digestible foods like grains, vegetables, and legumes, along with small portions of high-quality protein like fish, shrimp, chicken, or beef. Avoid fatty foods or organ meats.
Slow: Chew food thoroughly, especially fibrous foods like roots, gourds, and beans, until they feel soft and smooth before swallowing.
Stabilizing Emotions to Harmonize Kidney Qi
Intense emotions like anger or fear can disrupt the kidney's storing function. During this period, it's especially important to stay calm and avoid emotional fluctuations that may disturb kidney qi.
For those with difficulty managing emotions, moxibustion on the Taixi point (located in the hollow between the inner ankle and Achilles tendon) can help calm the mind and regulate kidney qi.
For individuals experiencing persistent mood imbalances leading to muscle weakness or joint soreness, a kidney-supporting tea during this time can be beneficial. Brew 10g of mimosa bark, 5g of eucommia, 5g of alpinia fruit, and 3g of phellodendron bark to help nourish the kidneys, calm the mind, dispel dampness, and stabilize essence.