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<\/p>\nThe organs in Chinese medicine are more than just a physical representation. They are an organ system, and include not only their physiological function, but also mental, emotional, spiritual and elemental qualities that align with nature and the seasons.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s explore the kidneys…<\/p>\n
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In Chinese medicine each organ has an element associated with it: liver and wood, stomach and earth, kidney and water, for example. There is also an emotion, a color and flavor associated with the organ system.The kidney element governs water and is associated with the season of winter, where the energies are turning from the hotter yang<\/em> months to the cooler\u00a0yin<\/em> of winter. For the kidneys, the emotion is fear, the color is dark or black and the flavor is salty. It also opens to the ear, has the direction of north and is paired with the bladder. The kidney element houses willpower and manifests in the teeth and luster of the hair.<\/p>\n The kidneys are the body\u2019s root and contain both yin and <\/em>yang energies. Yin<\/em> is associated with what is dark, still, cold, feminine and is inward. Yang is more outward, hot, bright, moving and masculine. The kidneys control reproduction, growth and development and are associated with bones and marrow. The kidneys are said to store jing, <\/em>which is likened to essence, that ‘foundation energy’ you\u2019re born with and what\u2019s inherited from your parents.<\/p>\n The second you have more control over health-wise. Ideally, there is a nice balance of kidney yin and <\/em>yang energies, but if there is yin deficiency, there will be symptoms such as heat, sweating, dryness, irritability, insomnia and low back pain. If there is yang deficiency there are more cold signs such as cold extremities, cold and painful lower back, increased urinary frequency, fatigue, premature greying, water retention and low libido. There can also be an emotional component manifesting as increased phobias and anxieties. Many of the symptoms above can be tied to the thyroid and adrenal fatigue in Western medicine.<\/p>\n Keep warm<\/strong>: The kidneys are affected by exposure to cold. Wear a scarf or neck gaiter to protect your neck from the elements, and always keep your feet and low back warm in those frosty winter months.<\/p>\n Eat warm:<\/strong> Foods that are beneficial to the kidneys (in moderation) tend to be dark in color such as black beans, sesame seeds, seaweed, kelp, lamb and beef. Other beneficial warming foods include ginger, cinnamon, miso soup,walnuts, chives and Goji berries (it\u2019s best to see your acupuncturist or other health care professional for food suggestions that are good for your particular constitution, as some of these foods can be harmful if taken in large amounts, ie. kelp and seaweed in particular). It\u2019s also best not to eat too many cold, raw vegetables or cold smoothies. Also try to ingest food and drink at room temperature.<\/p>\nThere are two types of essence: \u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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How to care for your kidney Energy this winter:<\/strong><\/h3>\n