According to traditional Chinese medicine, the kidneys are the foundation of life. Maintaining healthy kidneys is important for keeping the body healthy. When a kidney develops a lesion, it is impossible to discharge the nitrogen-containing waste generated by protein metabolism, causing excessive nitrogen-containing waste to accumulate in the blood.
Kidneys control the vital functions of the body, maintaining the normal composition and volume of the body’s blood. This happens by controlling the water balance in the body, eliminating toxins, excreting the waste produced by metabolism in the body, and also releasing renin and angiotensin, which regulate blood pressure. Normal kidney function also helps maintain blood pressure and blood sugar stability. If the kidneys are unhealthy, problems such as fatigue, edema, and rashes will occur.
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Symptoms of kidney disease
- High levels of protein in the urine
- Reddish or brown-colored urine indicating blood
- Lower extremity edema or weight gain
- High blood pressure
- Difficulty with urination, frequent urination, or decreased urine output
- Nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue
4 traditional Chinese medicine methods for maintaining the kidneys
1. Massaging the feet
Chinese medicine believes that the Yongquan point passes through the kidney, and the Yongquan point of the foot is the place where the turbidity drops. Regular massage can help the kidney and prevent premature aging. The specific method is before going to sleep, use warm water to soak your feet and with your hands, massage your right foot with your left hand and massage your left foot with your right hand, about 100 times on each side until your feet get hot.
2. Rubbing the Shenshu points
The Shenshu points at the waist can warm and tonify the kidney yang. Rub the Shenshu points (both sides of the waist), twice a day — once in the morning and once in the evening (best before going to bed) — about 50 times each.
3. Massaging the ears
Stimulating the ears can adjust the function of the inner organs, and strengthen the kidneys. The specific method is using both hands to rub lightly along the auricle with the thumb and the forefinger until it becomes warm.
4. Sleeping with the feet facing each other
The body is naturally lying flat, the ankles are relaxed, the legs are bent, the calves converge inward, the feet are opposite each other, and the hands are placed on the lower abdomen. You will naturally fall asleep. This method is called “returning to the sun” and can fill up the yang energy. Remember that you should keep warm when you sleep and don’t let your feet face an air conditioner or fan.
Translated by Yi Ming and edited by Helen
