Acu News
© 2017 Acupuncture Media Works/AcuDownloads • 866-696-7577 • www.acupuncturemediaworks.com 2.17
“Quiet thoughts mend the body.”- Chinese Proverb
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Reserved. The information contained within the AcuNews newsletter is only
used to educate and inform. This newsletter is not a substitute for the advice
of a licensed and registered health care provider. Seek prompt attention for
emergencies. Consult a health care provider for specific health concerns, and
before starting a diet, cleanse or exercise routine.
The Many Dimensions of the Kidney
Acupuncturists understand the body as a complex system of energy
systems, meridians and organs. However, when an acupuncturist
talks about an organ, like the spleen, heart or kidneys, they are not
referring to the physical organ that sits inside your body, but rather the
energetic side of these organs. The energetic system is much bigger
than just the physical organ, and governs certain functions in the body
on many levels.
The kidney system is one of the most important of these energetic
organ systems.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the kidneys represent the deepest,
most fundamental levels of energy in the human body. They are said
to be the root of yin and yang in the body – two fundamental forces
at play in our physiology. The kidneys also store a substance called
“essence” that is our genetic code, our life-force and our reproductive
ability.
The kidneys in Chinese Medicine are related to the water element,
which is the elemental energy of winter. Whereas many energy systems
are all about movement, the kidneys are about rest, relaxation,
rejuvenation – they are the energy of holding, of turning inward, of
protecting that which is most important. Think of still reflecting pools,
or a quiet winter night. These are kidney energy. The kidneys are often
referred to in Chinese Medicine as our “root” – they are tasked with
caring for the most precious parts of us that make us who we are.
On a physical level, the kidneys govern the water passageways within the body (appropriate being the water element!) as well as controlling growth
and reproduction. In a five element understanding of Chinese Medicine, the kidneys are at the end of the life cycle, before reb irth occurs again (such
as winter making way for spring.) This means the kidneys in particular have a vital role to play in end of life transitions.
The spirit aspect of the kidneys is called Zhi, or willpower. Again, the kidneys are our root, our fundamental and core energy. When that system is
weakened, a person may not feel drive, motivation or have the ability to push themselves. Their understanding of who they are and what they can
do has been diminished.
The emotion associated with the kidneys is fear. When the kidneys are weak, a person may be startled or frightened easily, or may experience fear
in disproportionate ways. Likewise, shock, trauma and fearful situations weaken the kidney energy, which is why many of the common symptoms of
PTSD have a kidney imbalance at their root. The person’s core has been shaken.
The kidney energy, being the deepest level of energy in the body, takes time to replenish and strengthen, which means patience is key. Also, the
kidney energy naturally declines over the life cycle, which is the normal aging process. So as we age, protecting the kidneys becomes all the more
important!
Nourish the Kidneys through Food
Being associated with the water element, the kidneys are nourished by foods that come from the water – fish, seaweeds and
shellfish are nourishing to this system. The kidneys are associated with the salty taste, so naturally salty foods such as miso or
millet also are good choices. Avoid foods that are damaging to your root energy, such as sugar, caffeine, alcohol, greasy foods
and highly-processed foods.
Nourish the Kidneys through your habits
The kidneys are damaged by overwork, too much responsibility, lack of sleep and a frenetic schedule. In other words, most of us
living in modern society are taxing our kidneys! This means it is all the more important to
carve out time and space to take part in kidney-nourishing habits.
As we mentioned, the kidneys are nourished through rest and rejuvenation. Pay
attention to your sleep, and be sure you are getting the hours that you need! Take a
nap in the day if you need it. Engage in gentle, relaxing forms of exercise, like yoga
or tai chi. Try meditation or guided visualizations to calm and center yourself. Find a
schedule that works – one that really works – for you.
Bring the water element into your life and your home by getting a small decorative
fountain, using essential oils, taking baths or spending time near rivers or oceans or
other bodies of water.
The kidneys, being the source of our reproductive strength, are also weakened by excessive sexual
activity. So go for quality over quantity.
VOL 2.1
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Golden Dragonfly Acupuncture & Oriental
Medicine LLC
221 Market Street
Denton, Md. 21629
443-448-4833
www.goldendragonflyacupuncture.net
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Ways for a healthy brain
The second week of March is Brain Awareness Week. This is a perfect time to explore ways to keep your noggin working and healthy. Below are easy, simple ways to keep your brain in good shape.

A healthy diet is a healthy mind
There are many reasons to keep a healthy lifestyle and feed your body with foods that make you feel and perform your best. Diets that are low in saturated fats and cholesterol and higher in omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to promote brain health and protect brain cells. Taking a fish oil supplement with DHA or eating fish such as salmon can help improve brain development at any age. DHA, a type of omega-3, may also help prevent certain neurological disorders. Vitamin E and lutein can also help brain health. Incorporate leafy greens such as spinach and kale into your lunch or dinners.

Keep your brain stimulated
At any age, brain exercises are a great thing to get into the habit of. Keeping your brain stimulated can help retain your memory as you get older as well as your capability to learn new skills. The brain is never done learning. Exercises like reading, crosswords, number problems and games like sudoku can help keep your brain stay active and working. If you find yourself experiencing chronic stress, practice daily meditation for as little as five minutes a day to help reduce inflammation and support immune health, which are both controlled by the same area of the brain.

Socialize
Keeping in touch with friends and family and continuously working on building relationships helps your emotional state as well as your physical health. Surround yourself with people who challenge you, understand you and keep a positive tone. Join organizations or clubs you are interested in and make new connections. Feeling connected to others is always important for your mental wellbeing.  

Quit the bad habits
If you smoke, now is never a better time to quit. Consuming an excess in substances such as alcohol, cigarettes and other drugs can lower cognitive processes and decrease overall functioning and health.

Acupuncture
In Traditional Chinese Medicine it is believed that the spleen, kidney and heart organs all impact mental capacity and brain activity. These organs influence memory, concentration and recall. When one of these organs is experiencing deficiency or an imbalance, our brain can not function to its fullest. Acupuncture addresses the organs with specific points on the body to return the body back to balance and health.

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