Kidney Energy
The term ‘kidney energy’ is often used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). For example, ‘kidney Yin’ refers to the female energy of the body on the left side and ‘kidney Yang’ refers to the male energy of the body on the right side. The energy of the organs and body viewed via the meridian system and energy field can be referred to as ‘aura’. Even when the organ is removed, the energy field is still there.
Kidney Function
We experience fatigue and discomfort when the physical kidney is inflamed or not functioning well. In TCM, we say that your kidney energy is draining you, making you feel tired.
On a physical level, the kidneys manage fluids, filter toxins and regulate blood pressure. Poor kidney function can lead to excess fluid build-up, also known as ‘oedema’. This can lead to a feeling of weakness, lethargy and difficulty concentrating. Ankles and lower legs may puff up. If there is only one kidney that is not working correctly, let’s say the left kidney, then the left ankle and lower leg will be more swollen than the right.
Anaemia, with its feelings of fatigue, can result from the kidneys’ inability to produce the hormone erythropoietin. Erythropoietin stimulates red blood cell production.
Kidney Yin
When I talk of kidney energy, I am not just referring to the physical function of the kidney, but also the energetic function of the kidney. The kidneys are Yin organs; they govern the water element and regulation of fluid in the body. Kidneys also govern the quality and strength of your hair and ears.
Kidney Energy Depletion
As we age, our kidney energy can become depleted, or maybe we have excess kidney yang energy. Both biological sexes require a balance in kidney yin and yang.
A deficiency of kidney yin can result in dizziness, tinnitus, blurry vision, frequent urination, hair loss, night sweats, insomnia and poor memory. Women may present with infertility or disturbed menstruation, while men may experience low libido with impotency.
Kidney yin deficiency can also affect the communication between the kidney and heart.
Some examples where kidney energy depletion can occur include hormonal fluctuations such as menopause/andropause, excessive stress, protracted illness and surgery.
Kidney energy imbalance can be helped with acupuncture or bodywork that focuses on the meridian system. I use Bowen therapy, acupressure and point laser on various acupuncture points.
If there is a mineral deficiency or imbalance, particularly between potassium and sodium, it can lead to a depletion of kidney energy or overstimulation. This imbalance may affect the cardiovascular system and blood pressure. If potassium levels are too low, you may experience dizziness. Conversely, if potassium levels are too high, it can create a state of heightened excitation, making it difficult to fall asleep at night despite feeling tired.
Emotions
The energetic side of healing cannot be separated from the physical healing as we are energy beings. Energetically, the kidneys take on the emotion of fear. Some people are very fearful of many things in life; others may experience a state of fear due to a specific situation or crisis. Experiencing fear continually will weaken the energy and function of the kidneys.
We must work at releasing fears. Acknowledging that fear is the opposite of love will help you heal from within. Metaphysically, they say, “Love your fears.” When you send loving energy to your fears, you lower their intensity.
Homoeopathy and Bach flowers may help while working on mindset changes. Hypnotherapy can be helpful for intense fears. I have found affirmations with meditation to be very helpful for most people.
What else can you do?
Very warm foot baths with Epsom salts or sea salts. Don’t mix the two: Epsom salts are magnesium sulphate and sea salts contain sodium chloride. Mixing them is counterproductive due to their chemical composition and structure. Epsom salts are a relaxant for tired muscles and can help with sleep, anxiety and constipation. Sea salts are cleansing to the skin and can help with mild inflammation and some skin conditions. Sea salts are also useful in some hydrotherapy foot/calf baths, relaxing in warm water, or good for circulation when mixed with cold water.
You can add two to three drops of essential oil to your foot baths. Eucalyptus for anti-bacterial, rosemary can be uplifting but is not suitable if have high blood pressure, or lavender for stress relief. Be mindful of which oils you choose, or just use the salts.
Warmth
One thing to be aware of, especially during the winter season, the kidneys must be kept warm. Fashion encourages people to wear shorter tops or jackets that do not cover the kidney area well enough. Walking barefoot on cold pavements or floors can contribute to chills affecting the kidneys. The kidney meridian starts under the sole of the foot.
Always wear socks in winter and keep your feet warm. I am a firm believer in wearing footwear, even sandals in summer, unless you are walking barefoot on safe, clean sand or grass.
Diet and Lifestyle
Minimise stress as much as possible. Try to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
Follow a healthy, fresh food diet with a variety of plant foods and clean spring water.
Try to include some of the following foods daily:
Asparagus
English spinach
Celery
Zucchini
Cucumber
Black kidney beans
Adzuki beans
Barley
Millet
Black sesame seed oil
Walnuts
Chestnuts
Cashews
Goji berries
Blueberries
Blackberries
Pears
Grapes (especially dark ones)
Watermelon
If you include any dairy in your diet, goat’s milk is a better option than cow’s for nourishing yin energy. Eggs can also be supportive.
This list is not exhaustive, but highlights some of the most important foods that help maintain kidney yin balance.
About the author:
Lyn Craven is a Naturopath. She practises Bowen, Reiki and energy therapies. Lyn is also a meditation teacher and corporate health consultant. Lyn has a clinic in Sydney and can be contacted on
0403 231 804 or
[email protected]