Qi Building at its Best
March 2024
Boosting qi (vital energy) of the kidney is a major component of maintaining health and longevity according to Chinese medicine principles. This ancient holistic paradigm views the kidney as a yin organ system associated with the water element. As the body’s water gate, the kidney rules water and provides the foundation for movement and transformation of all bodily fluids. It is the “root energy” of the body governing health of the lower back, bones, knees, ears and hair on the head. This key organ system also oversees growth, development, reproduction and regeneration.
According to Chinese medicine, the kidney helps to regulate metabolism, excretion, immunity and sexual potency. It contributes to the production of marrow which fills and nourishes the brain and spinal cord to create spinal health, strong memory and mental clarity. Overseeing the formation of the intention and effort necessary to bring a goal to fruition is the work of the kidney. When kidney energy is strong, so is willpower and ability to stay fully focused on a task at hand.
The kidney system is traditionally hailed as the “minister of power” and the most important reservoir of essential energy within the body. Maintaining kidney health is essential for establishing strong and balanced energy throughout the body, mind and spirit. It has the further distinction of being the foundation of yin and yang for all vital organs and the entire body.
The kidney delivers the source of fire for the body, thereby filling it with warmth, happiness, vibrant energy and vitality.
Chinese medicine is filled with recommendations for building and protecting kidney energetics – many based on the fact that it “loves warmth”. To begin with, avoid walking barefoot on cold floors as the first energy point of the kidney meridian is located on the soles of the feet. Keep the lower back covered to protect the kidney from getting too cold. To activate kidney energy, place a hot water bottle or heated ginger tea compress over the lower back.
Chinese dietary therapy recommends warm foods and drinks for tonifying this organ system. The salty taste is associated with the kidney, therefore consuming an appropriate amount of salty foods is healthful. The kidney is associated with the color black with most black foods strengthening and protecting its energy. This includes black rice, beans, lentils, olives, sesame, seaweed, figs, raisins, grapes, plums, elderberries and blackberries. And blue food such as blueberries are known for their kidney building action.
Intense and prolonged fear or stress and excessive physical exertion places undue strain and stress on the kidney organ system. This includes standing for an extreme amount of time or walking a long distance while carrying a heavy load. Also, be cautious about engaging in excessive sexual activity as it drains the yang of the kidney.
Working too much, staying up too late or getting overly stressed depletes kidney energetics.
On the other hand, kidney health is strengthened through taking time to rest and recharge.
As “the root of qi”, the kidney serves as the root of the eight extraordinary vessels which connect all organ systems and regulate, circulate and store qi and blood within the body. They are known as “the eight psychic channels” and said to provide support during “extraordinary” situations.
When energetically balanced these channels manifest the following:
- greater self-realization and renewed sense of purpose
- improves heart functioning
- stronger connection to one’s authentic self, the truest aspect of themselves
- enhanced consciousness and awareness
- staying resilient and centered even in the face of adversity, high stress, trauma or emotional distress.
The four main branches of Chinese medicine focus on nourishing and maintaining health of the kidney. Acupuncture works to open and build flow of energy throughout the kidney meridian via needle insertion into acupoints located along meridian pathways. Tuina massage does the same through application of manual techniques. Chinese herbal medicine tonifies the kidney through ingestion and application of substances known to restore health of this “minister of power”. And the practice of Taiji (Tai Chi) and Qigong activates, cultivates and preserves energetics of the kidney system through gentle, flowing movement. There is no better time to endow yourself with ample energy and focused willpower each and every day by building kidney qi through these ancient health and healing practices and modalities.
Shoshanna Katzman, L.Ac., M.S. has been director of Red Bank Acupuncture & Wellness Center since 1988. Now, in Shrewsbury, NJ, the center provides acupuncture, therapeutic massage, Chinese herbal consultation along with private and group classes in conjunction with her Two Rivers Academy of Taiji & Qigong. She is author of “Qigong for Staying Young: A Simple 20-Minute Workout to Cultivate Your Vital Energy”, co-author of “Feeling Light: The Holistic Solution to Permanent Weight Loss and Wellness” and recently released “Center of Power: Life Mastery through Taiji” a comprehensive online curriculum. For more information email or call/text 732-758-1800.
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