{"id":69365,"date":"2025-02-05T09:20:12","date_gmt":"2025-02-05T09:20:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/alternative-medicine\/taking-care-of-our-kidneys\/"},"modified":"2025-02-05T09:20:12","modified_gmt":"2025-02-05T09:20:12","slug":"taking-care-of-our-kidneys","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=69365","title":{"rendered":"Taking Care of Our Kidneys"},"content":{"rendered":"


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During winter there is a seasonal predisposition to slowness. Needs of gentle movement and restoration reflect the time of year when yin peaks, drawing what\u2019s nutritive in closer to claim focus. In Traditional Chinese Medicine winter is associated with the water element and support towards the Kidney organs. As many plants draw back their leaves and send energy into their roots, our qi descends naturally to the energetic reserves kept within the Kidneys. Powerfully, these organs are considered to be generators of our primal essence, jing<\/i>, and acts as the seat of our spirit, zhi<\/i> (will power). Jing<\/i> and Zhi<\/i> both represent a commitment to this life. While the strength of our jing<\/i> provides the material basis for longer life and graceful aging, zhi<\/i> is the mental or emotional root a person has to be alive and in healthy connection to life. Through this gift of substance, the role of our Kidneys fits beautifully with the archetype of the roots. <\/p>\n

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It\u2019s a hard reality that during winter many struggle through health hardships. Fortunately, the TCM lens loans us a reliable framework towards agency. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Sunken temperatures easily coax the Kidneys out of balance, so through this season in order to tonify the Kidneys, preserve our jing, and cultivate the zhi, we fortify against cold damage. The depth and darkness of these days usher folks indoors with weakened immune systems. Seasonal affects to the mood and mind manifest as anxiety, restlessness and fatigue, depression, trouble focusing or on the other side of the spectrum overextending \u2013 and burnout. As the kidneys are also related to our adrenal system, jing<\/i> and zhi<\/i> are triggered by fear, straining beyond normal use in stressed conditions. While more solitary introspection like meditation can inspire, it is equally important to hold time in our communities to share to care, or express need that haven\u2019t been met yet. <\/p>\n

Befriending Winter for our Kidneys<\/h3>\n

To harmonize our personal\/internal systems we move in relationship with our environment, layering additional consideration into our lifestyle habits and setting examples of kind choices.<\/p>\n

Stay Warm<\/b> To keep warm outside it is important to dress appropriately. Though this may cue images for a variety of cold weather gear, acupuncturists know that necessary points of protection are the ankles (and wrists), the back of the neck, and the stomach. Essential channels run our qi through these crossing points and leaving them exposed to cold for longer periods of time jeopardizes the flow within us. Stagnation affects circulation. Supported by the proper warmth we are able to care for our digestion, mood stability, sleep, fertility, pain perception and healing reception.<\/p>\n

Move Slowly<\/b> As the solstice is behind us now, we can look forward to brighter days and broader capacities imbued by the rising of yang tides. This is a good time to slowly (re-)integrate gentle movement practices like qi gong, tai chi, walking or yoga to expand upon sedentary mindfulness practices like meditation and journaling often brought in at the start of colder weather.<\/p>\n

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Rest & Digest<\/b> The draw to water nourishes life in any season, but especially following the drying climate of autumn honoring our hydration is critical to preserving our immunity because it allows our body to rest. When we are hungry, when we are thirsty, deprived of sleep and nutrients it will become impossible to extend care into broader life. Supplementing with medicinal soup (favorably, bone broths and seaweed bases) and tea invites moisture through our diet beyond our basic water intake. <\/p>\n

As gift, I offer this informal warming tea blend with approximate ratios and general instructions. In my own kitchen it adapts and becomes modified as my stock shifts, but these herbs are accessible \u2013 safe for most bodies at most tea doses \u2013 so there is room to tinker. In the spirit of Chinese herbalism this tea is decocted from whole plant parts \u2013 simmered on the stove to extract medicinal actions \u2013 rather than steeped \u2013 as many tea bags and powders have hot water poured over them. You may be surprised, many of these Chinese herbs could already be in your pantry and any additional plant parts could be accessible at your local herb shop.<\/p>\n

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