TCM regards the Kidneys as the root of life, holding the Jing (essence) that governs growth, reproduction, and longevity. In Chinese medicine, all disease can be traced to the Kidneys, such that the bounds of this complex organ system stretch far beyond renal function. As we move into early Winter—the season corresponding to the Water element and the Kidneys—nurturing this vital organ system becomes paramount to optimizing the picture of our health for the entire year ahead, and even beyond. By fortifying our roots now, we greatly enhance our ability to flourish into the future.
In TCM, the Kidneys have a profound role that extends far beyond the filtration of waste. Their responsibilities include:
Storing Jing (Essence)
Jing is one of our Three Treasures, or vital substances foundational to human life (along with Qi and Shen). Though it is stored in our five primary organs, the highest concentrations of Jing are found in the Kidneys. Often referred to as our primal energy, or original life force, it is the constitutional essence inherited from our parents, strongly associated with our genetic disposition. Thankfully, it can also be acquired from the food and herbs we consume, the air we breathe, the water we drink, and our lifestyle habits. As the energy that gives our bodies form and substance, Jing is closely correlated with both our potential for longevity and the physical vitality we are able to experience throughout our lives. According to TCM, when Jing runs out, we die. This highlights the importance of tonifying the Kidneys, which nourishes Jing and supports the distribution of this primal energy to our other organs.
Governing Water Metabolism
The Kidneys regulate the balance of fluids in the body, which is essential for hydration, nourishment, elimination, and the smooth functioning of all organ systems. When the Kidneys are supported and functioning optimally, bodily fluids are abundant and flow to areas where they are needed, such as the muscles, organs, joints, and skin. Responsible for separating “clear” and “turbid” fluids, the Kidneys play a crucial role in detoxification. It is fluids that are deemed “clear” that are distributed upward to nourish and moisten the body, while “turbid” fluids are excreted downward. This connects to the responsibility of the Kidneys in regulating the body’s overall balance of Yin and Yang energies; Kidney Yin ensures hydration of the body’s tissues and Kidney Yang provides the warmth and energy for transforming and moving fluids.
Supporting Energetic Harmony
The Kidneys are also considered the root of Yin/Yang balance in the body, which is arguably the cornerstone of cultivating vibrant health according to TCM. These opposing but deeply complementary forces define the dynamic and rhythmic cycles governing all of life, and their dance is the foundation of our body’s innate regulatory mechanisms, helping to maintain and restore balance through the changing circumstances of life. As the root of these energies, a healthy Kidney system ensures equilibrium in all physiological processes. On a more psychospiritual level, the Kidneys also house Zhi, the “Spirit of Winter,” which oversees the interplay between Will-Power and Fear. Of course, this energetic balance has implications not only for emotional health, but for our ability as humans (especially ancestrally) to persevere through the myriad challenges of Winter.
Other important and life-giving functions of the Kidneys include anchoring Qi, nourishing the skeletal system, supporting the Marrow and Brain, controlling the power of digestion, and preventing burnout.
TCM offers ample wisdom for supporting Kidney health, from physical and psychospiritual practices to herbal and nutritional guidance. Here are some of our best suggestions for rooting into the medicine of this season!
- Cultivate warmth, being especially protective of the lower back and feet, which are connected to Kidney health.
- Hydrate optimally, including by ensuring you are receiving your minerals and essential minerals (electrolytes). Pearl and Pine Pollen are great food sources!
- Eat Kidney-nourishing foods, like seaweed, bone broth, root vegetables, black sesame, and walnuts.
- Incorporate Jing and Kidney tonics, like Deer Antler Velvet, Eucommia, Chaga, Cordyceps, Eleuthero, Reishi Spore, and He Shou Wu.
- Slow down, by prioritizing sleep, focusing on more gentle forms of movement, and setting aside time for introspection.
By integrating these practices into your routine now, you’re supporting your alignment with nature’s rhythm, conserving energy, and nurturing your inner wellspring of vitality.
