Kidneys are one of the most important organs in the body. We have two kidneys (left and right) but we can survive with one, in case of injury or organ donation.
Kidneys remove waste products from the blood and produce urine. They control blood pressure and levels of many substances in the blood. They’re responsible for balancing fluids and electrolytes, and produce an active form of vitamin D that promotes strong and healthy bones.
Essentially, they filter what we keep and what we eliminate. What’s useful versus what isn’t.
In Chinese Medicine theory, kidneys are linked to the adrenal glands and the sex organs.
The adrenal glands sit right on top of the kidneys, and there’s a close link between heightened stress levels, and the depletion of both the kidneys and adrenal function.
The kidney meridian runs from the bottom of the feet, up the inside of the ankle, towards the groin, up the torso, and ends just under the collarbones.
When Kidney qi is imbalanced, you might experience:
- Impotency
- Immune system issues
- High blood pressure
- Poor memory/brain fog
- Extreme tiredness or lethargy
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Poor sleep
- A tendency to be fearful
- Cold hands and feet
- Low libido
- Persistent headaches
- Swelling in the face and ankles
- Fluid retention
- Eye and ear symptoms including tinnitus
- Lower back pain
- Dehydration
The kidney meridian is connected to muscles in the pelvis and the neck
Working to strengthen and stretch the psoas muscle can be very supportive of your kidneys on the physical level. The yoga asana called pigeon pose is helpful for stretching the psoas, especally when held for some time. Yin yoga is your friend for psoas and other hip stretches!
Kidney qi helps us transform fear into the cultivation of wisdom
It’s related to the “id” of western psychology, and also to our inner child and our spiritual destiny. It’s the home of “Jing”, the rising essence of our willpower.
If kidney qi is weak or imbalanced, it can be difficult to “get moving” or feel motivated take important actions. We might find ourselves frozen in fear instead.
The Yin qi of the kidney meridian is karmic in nature and provides structure for our spiritual path and our destiny. It empowers the flow of our life’s purpose into the world, and the potency of our life force.
The start point of the kidney meridian is the bottom of the foot, so being grounded is related to balanced kidney qi.
Each point in a meridian has its own name
The acupoint names are both poetic and also describe the purpose of the point in relation to other parts of the meridian system.
For example, Kidney 1 is referred to as the “Bubbling spring” or “Earth surge”. This point empowers our connection to the earth pole, and allows us to receive water. It initialtes the rising of essence through the physical body towards heaven, propelling our evolution.
At the other end of the kidney meridian, the end point is Kidney 27, which sits just under the collarbones. This point is known as the “Storehouse” or “Tribute Mansion”.
For kidney qi to travel up the body, strength and life force is required. This point is where we hold a reserve of kidney qi, and it helps to support balanced breathing.
Kidney meridian qi is important in developing our connection between heaven and earth
We need both, not just one or the other.
So when people tell me they are predominently involved in cosmic healing work or earth-based healing, I always like to encourage an expansion of that idea.
Neither exists in isolation. Both heaven and earth, and all of the other elements exist within our physical body, as well as the world around us (which includes the cosmos). Without all of these elements being in balance, we can’t find our way home.
Good kidney health is essential for the overall health of the body
Drinking plenty of good quality flouride-free water is important. Some foods that nourish the kidneys and kidney qi include:
- Blue-black coloured foods: eggplant, black sesame seeds, black beans, kidney beans, wood ear mushrooms, plums, figs, dates and seaweed
- Fatty fish
- Sweet potatoes
- Dark leafy greens
- Dark berries, including goji berries
- Walnuts and pine nuts
The wisdom of the kidney meridian is to lead us forward towards our spiritual unfolding. But to do this, we must strengthen and support the kidney qi, so it can in turn support us in our evolution.
However, the wisdom of a single meridian must be interwoven with the wisdom of entire energy body in order to create a holistic view, as spiritual beings having a human experience.
Much love,
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Ambha Amanda Roberts is a Kinesiologist, Intuitive Healer, educator and facilitator based on the Sunshine Coast, Australia. She offers Kinesiology sessions both in-person and via Skype/Zoom all over the world. Ambha Amanda is the co-creator of Adventures of Staria, which includes a series of Staria cards, and an upcoming book for children (including inner children). |
