According to the National Institutes of Health, chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects more than 1 in 7 U.S. adults (an estimated 37 million). And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that approximately 4.5 million adults have been diagnosed with liver disease. Those are some sobering statistics, but did you know that acupuncture has a proven track record of effectively dealing with kidney and liver disease? 

The Role of the Liver in Overall Health

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the liver and its corresponding meridian play a key role in the smooth flow of Qi (energy), blood and emotions. Here’s how it can all go wrong. The liver can be easily impacted by stress and uncontrolled emotions. It also has a close connection with the gallbladder. For example, if a person is under additional stress, it is not uncommon for them to develop gallstones. This is a result of the meridian becoming blocked and the emotions that come with the stress do not have an outlet. 

Balancing Qi is the best way to return proper energy flow. Regular acupuncture treatments can help to balance the body holistically without the side effects that come with pharmaceutical interventions. 

Proper Kidney Function is Key

Chronic kidney disease can lead to other health issues as well, including diabetes and high blood pressure. Proper kidney function is vital to our health as the kidneys are responsible for removing excess fluid and waste from the body. Another important kidney function is the production of hormones that stimulate the creation of red blood cells and help regulate blood pressure. The kidneys also produce vitamin D, control the metabolism of calcium and eliminate drugs from your body. 

The symptoms of kidney disease depend on the severity or stage of the disease. For those with early onset chronic kidney disease, there can be no symptoms at all. As the disease progresses, people might experience itchy skin, insomnia, an increased need to urinate, swelling of the feet, ankles, hands, poor appetite, nausea, fatigue, muscle cramps, or headaches.

Just like with the liver, if blood flow is hindered or Qi blocked, kidney problems can begin to happen. Acupuncture can increase blood flow to the kidneys and liver, as well as to all other organs, thus providing essential nutrients to the body that needs to function properly. 

As mentioned previously with liver issues, stress can cause a great deal of havoc in the body. When stress and emotion issues are not properly dealt with, patients can suffer from depression and other emotional issues. Acupuncture can also help alleviate stress, again by balancing Qi, and helping the body to release endorphins which improve sleep, reduce fatigue, relieve pain, control blood pressure, and improve liver and kidney health.

Contact me and find out more about how specific protocols can improve your kidney and liver function. 

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In TCM, the kidney is the source of yin and yang, the cooling and warming energies that keep your body in balance.

When the kidney/bladder system is weak and not functioning properly, it can result in various conditions and imbalances throughout the body.

Complications include:

• problems with fertility, conception, pregnancy
• multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy
• weakness of hearing and vision
• weakness in teeth and hair loss

A common issue that many people experience related to the kidney is an overactive bladder. When the body is experiencing urinary problems, it means there is an imbalance throughout the body; acupuncture and TCM work by addressing the problem as a whole.

When there are problems with the kidneys, there is a disruption of the body’s natural energy flow, called qi. Acupuncture treats the specific issue, such as an overactive bladder, by correcting the overall imbalance in the body. Once your qi is returned back to its natural state of balance, the kidney/bladder system will begin to function as it should. TCM has been treating this problem for more than 2,000 years.

Acupuncture also helps the kidneys by stimulating more blood circulation, which then improves overall function, as well as lowering blood pressure.

Kidney disease is often related to immune problems. Through stimulation of blood flow and focusing on specific acupuncture points on the body, acupuncture can boost the immune system.

Herbs for kidney health

Green tea: Green tea has been used for thousands of years for its many health benefits. The tea contains antioxidants that can prevent prostate, liver and colon cancer. Green tea also contains diuretic properties as well as reduces cholesterol and fatty deposits.

Hydrangea Root: Hydrangea is a common root that can have great benefits for the kidneys. The plant increases the body’s use of calcium, which helps lower the risk of kidney stones.

Ginger: Ginger contains anti-inflammatory properties as well as antioxidants that help break down toxins in the body and keep the kidneys running smoothly. Try drinking at least one cup of ginger tea or ginger lemon tea to see improvements in kidney function.

Kidney and bladder health are very important for overall wellness.

Contact an me to learn more about how acupuncture and TCM can get your body back on track and improve your quality of life.

http://orientalwisdom.com.au/conditions-treated/kidney-bladder-health/

https://yinyanghouse.com/acupuncture/my-kidneys-are-what

http://www.bladderhealthawareness.org/2011/06/acupuncture-and-chinese-herbs-for-overactive-bladder/

http://www.naturalways.com/kidney.htm

http://www.westernbotanicals.com/article/Top-8-Herbs-for-Kidney-Cleansing

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