Using Chinese medicine for kidney health?

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Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be used in a variety of ways to maintain kidney health. The practice has evolved over the generations and employs processes, including herbal medicine, acupuncture and acupressure, along with certain energy balancing exercises, to bring balance and health to the kidney organ. To promote kidney health, a TCM practitioner may prescribe a combination of these techniques. In addition to these common techniques, Chinese medicine for kidney health focuses heavily on eating a healthy diet that balances the body’s energies and contributes to overall energetic composure. Numerous studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine has benefits for a number of different kidney conditions.

To understand the processes involved in kidney health in Chinese medicine, it is important to understand how TCM defines the kidney organ. In contrast to the prevailing Western medical definition of the kidneys as distinct anatomical structures, TCM describes the kidney as a collection of related parts, or an energy pathway, that when unbalanced, leads to associated pathogenic conditions. The body is considered a single body; the left and right physical kidneys are not differentiated in the TCM system. The kidney is a yin organ; in fact, it is often considered the root of yin energy within the human energy system. It is primarily responsible for increased growth and development and collects the vital energy, Qi, required for these functions through external openings to the environment, such as the ears and anus.

Chinese medicine for kidney health prescribes certain herbs to ensure that the kidney remains healthy, especially during times of high stress. During times of stress, the Qi energy needed by the kidney becomes significantly scarce, and the supplemental energy provided by herbs, coupled with the pharmacological action of the herb, can help a deficient system. Some common herbs used include red sandalwood, shigru and punarnava; they address yin energy deficiencies and also help with more physical kidney ailments, such as bloating and fluid retention. Traditional Chinese medicine prescribes herbs for acute kidney conditions and also for long-term prophylactic treatment.

Acupuncture is performed by TCM practitioners to clear any blocked energy passages. During the technique, toning needles are inserted into sites along the human meridian system which are known to be energy pathways of the kidney organ. Acupressure is performed in Chinese medicine for kidney health using similar principles to those used for acupuncture. During acupressure treatment, a TCM practitioner presses on acupuncture points, primarily in the foot, ankle, and lower back. After these treatments have been performed, the practitioner will often recommend some yoga or other energy exercises to keep the Qi energy balanced between sessions.

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