Our kidneys each weigh 160 grams, measure approximately 12 cm long by 6 cm wide, and are located in the upper part of the abdomen, on either side of the spine.

Their physiological functions are important:

  • Purification: they filter the blood (about 2000 liters of blood per day for 1.5 liters of urine!) and allow potentially harmful residues to pass, such as urea, acid, and other waste products contained in the blood.
  • Regulation: by controlling the amount of water in the body, the kidneys manage the body's blood pressure.
  • They also contribute to the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow and bones. Kidney failure will lead to brain lesions: memory loss, difficulty concentrating, Alzheimer's, etc., while kidney insufficiency will promote decalcification and weakening of the bones, eventually leading to: osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatism, extreme sensitivity to cold, etc.

TCM Vision

The kidneys are the organs of the Water element. The associated climate is cold (the season = Winter), the sense is hearing (the opening = the ears), and the emotion is Fear. These elements are fundamental to understanding kidney-related disorders.

In Chinese medicine, the kidneys are our keystone, our "roots". They preserve and manage our original energy, a true energy capital received from our parents at the embryonic stage. This energy is located at Ming Men — Du 4 (Gate of Life), a point on the back located between the kidneys, at the level of the spine. It accompanies us throughout our lives and should be preserved as much as possible, as it cannot be regenerated once expended!

From an energetic perspective, the kidneys:

  • govern growth and reproduction
  • produce bone marrow
  • control body fluids, and assist the lungs in the distribution of fluids and evacuation
  • manage the lower orifices

Deficient kidney energy will lead to:

  • difficulty maintaining an upright posture (the person cannot "stand straight" correctly)
  • various urinary and sexual dysfunctions, as well as heaviness in the lower body and lower back pain
  • a feeling of permanent fatigue, hindering strength, willpower, motivation, memory, etc., and leading to a constant feeling of being overwhelmed, making any endeavor arduous

At birth, we are not all equal… Some will be lucky enough to start their lives with a solid energy capital, while others who have inherited weaker energy will develop a terrain more prone to disorders and pathologies. To grow harmoniously, one must know one's own capacities, to adopt a lifestyle accordingly. The kidneys are, in a way, our "nuclear power plant", whose proper functioning ensures our potential for elevation and creation, essential for a fulfilling life.

Beneficial for the energy of these precious organs will be:

  • invigorating physical activity
  • abundant hydration, as well as significant mineral intake
  • an adapted diet (tonic and so-called "Yang-enhancing" foods)
  • a life away from excesses and overwork, both physical (including sexuality) and mental
  • stimulation through TCM tools (massage, moxibustion, etc.)