KIDNEY PROBLEMS (SACRAL CHAKRA)

KIDNEY HEALTH

Healthy Kidneys

• Regulate the body’s fluid levels
• Filter wastes and toxins from the blood
• Release a hormone that regulates blood pressure
• Activate vitamin D to maintain healthy bones
• Release the hormone that directs production of red blood cells
• Keep blood minerals in balance (sodium, phosphorus, potassium)

Kidney Disease Can Cause:

• Heart disease
• Heart attack and stroke
• High blood pressure
• Put your life at risk
• Weak bones
• Nerve damage (neuropathy)
• Kidney failure (end-stage kidney disease, or ESRD)
• Anaemia or low red blood cell count

Risk Factors:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Obesity
• Age 60 or older
• Low birth weight
• Prolonged use of NSAIDs, a type of painkillers, such as ibuprofen and naproxen
• Lupus, other autoimmune disorders
• Chronic urinary tract infections
• Kidney stones

Symptoms of Kidney Disease

• Fatigue, weakness
• Difficult, painful urination
• Foamy urine
• Pink, dark urine (blood in urine)
• Increased thirst
• Increased need to urinate (especially at night)
• Puffy eyes
• Swollen face, hands, abdomen, ankles, feet

Chinese Medicine - In traditional Chinese medicine, the Kidney organ-meridian system is regarded as the foundation of good health. The kidneys regulate the body fluids and the excretion of wastes via the urine. The kidneys also govern other body fluids including saliva, perspiration and the fluids that lubricate the joints. They are vital for the function of all the organs and tissues in the body, especially the ears and bones. Kidney function is also closely associated with the healthy transition through each of life’s stages, from the growth and development that occurs during childhood right through to the ageing process.

Jing - The Kidney organ-meridian system is also the storehouse for Jing, a form of life force energy that’s with us in finite quantities from the time we’re conceived, but naturally declines as we get older. In times of need, your stored bank of Jing acts as a form of back-up energy for your primary power source, the life force energy called Chi, which you extract from the air you breathe and the food and drink you consume. In that sense, you might like to think of Jing as being similar to the back-up battery that automatically jumps into action if the electricity supply to your computer cuts out. Using your Jing as your back-up power source means that the rate of its natural decline speeds up, especially if you’ve been working long hours, leading a stressful lifestyle or neglecting your diet. Consequently, from mid-life onwards, many people start to experience symptoms associated with deficient Jing, which may include – frequent urination, fatigue, debility or feelings of weakness or mild joint aches and pains.

Signs of Kidney energy in balance                       Signs of Kidney energy imbalance

Healthy fluid regulation                                            Frequent urination

Feeling energetic with lots of vitality                       Prone to fatigue and feelings of weakness

Strong bones                                                             Mild joint aches and pains

Healthy libido                                                           Reduced sexual interest

Healthy hearing                                                         Mild dizziness

                                                                                  Irregular periods

                                                                                  Sleeplessness

                                                                                  Night sweats

Kidney health tips - The kidneys and bladder are traditionally considered sensitive to cold, so keep warm in chilly weather and take particular care to avoid letting your lower back get cold. When needed, keep the kidney organ-meridian system warm by applying a hot water bottle or heat pack to the lower back. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, but keep alcohol, soft drinks and coffee to a minimum. A little Himalayan salt is traditionally considered beneficial for the kidneys in Chinese medicine. In your diet include aubergine, black sesame seeds, black beans, wood ear mushrooms, plums, seaweed, walnuts, figs, raisins, brown rice and other whole grains, plus hearty broths and soups and warming casseroles.

To avoid kidney problems, you will need to address stress in your life. Try saying no to ensure so that you don’t over-do it or burn out. Then look at balancing your lifestyle to avoid fatigue. Also, keep your emotions in check so that you don’t stress your kidneys.

The kidneys relate to the emotions of:

• Fear
• Anxiety
• Phobia
• Sexual insecurity
• Creative insecurity
• Superstition
• Paranoia
• Cautious
• Careless
• Reckless
• Indecisive
• Unloyal

Preventing Kidney Disease

• Lower high blood pressure
• Manage blood sugar levels
• Reduce salt intake
• Avoid NSAIDs, a type of painkiller
• Moderate protein consumption
• Exercise regularly
• Control weight
• Follow a balanced diet
• Quit smoking
• Drink only in moderation
• Stay hydrated
• Know your family medical history