THE KIDNEY ORGAN SYSTEM AND THE WINTER

Musings over Kidneys according to Traditional Chinese Medicine in Costa Rica - where it is summer – in the middle of February

The Kidneys in this form of medicine have many vital functions. Some texts tell us that they indeed represent the core of our available energy. The main season for restoration, in a deep sense, for these precious organs and the energy they stand for, is the winter, the season that pertains to them. During these cold months we are naturally inclined to be more still, maybe meditate more or rest by the fireplace with a cup of warming tea and read more books. (This is of course when we are not shoveling snow and deal with the issues that the nature of that season naturally bestows upon us!)


WHAT DO THE KIDNEYS represent according to Traditional Chinese Medicine.

They are linked to creativity, will to live and act and sexuality
* Power the nervous system and contain the emotions of fear, anxiety, panic and depression
* Store the essence called the Jing QI (sperm and beyond)
* Govern reproduction and development
* Control water metabolism – and govern all fluids throughout the body
* Receive the air you inhale and grasp the Qi, the energy from it to utilize
* Reflect the sense of hearing and the ears as orifices are related them
* The Kidneys govern the bones, all joints in the body and create bone marrow
* Reveal their state of health in the sight and touch of hair

The Chinese medical understanding of the function of the Kidneys is based empirically on observation looking at and listening to the body by doing pulse diagnosis, tongue diagnosis and palpation. Also listening and watching movements, expressions and
Colorings of the person a Chinese doctor is attempting to diagnose.


“During the winter months all things in nature wither, hide, return home and enter a resting period, just as lakes and rivers freeze and snow falls…..Retire early and get up with the sunrise, which is later in the winter. Desires and mental activities should be kept quiet and subdued. Sexual desires in especially should be contained, as if keeping a happy secret. Stay warm, avoid the cold and keep the pores closed. Avoid sweating. The philosophy of the winter is one of conservation and storage. Without such a practice the result would injure the Kidney energy”

- THE YELLOW EMPEROR’S CLASSIC OF INTERNAL MEDICINE –


Even the description of the Kidneys in allopathic medicine fully supports the need for repose and rejuvenation:

• Two Kidney organs each averaging 5” long and 3” wide
• The kidneys receive about 120 pints of blood per hour!!!
• About 400 gallons of recycled blood run through your kidneys every day!


That is a lot a lot of activity – I immediately think how this relates so very deeply to nutrition! How can it not?! Everything we put into our body has to be made fit for consumption – meaning the essential nutrient of every food element has to be purified
by the body so it can utilize its essence to build the body, brain and the nervous system.
In that context where do donuts, French fries and hamburgers fit in?
How could they have made it that far???
We have to regroup – rethink nutrition – eat pure and simple.
And that does mean “DELICIOUS” !
IT IS ALL A MATTER OF HABIT AND COMFORT - We can recreate comfort foods
By shifting ingredients and preparation mode slightly.
I will write on that subject shortly – but staying with the subject of the kidneys:


Some indicators of Kidney Deficiency or imbalance as understood in Traditional Chinese Medicine

• Sterility/infertility and impotence
• Lower back pain
• Difficulty with knees
• Urinary problems
• Edema
• Memory and focus problems
• Cold hands and feet
• Depression
• Loss of hair and premature graying
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Groaning voice


It stands to reason that we must give this exhaustive system a rest – a pause – to allow it to replenish

And of course: to consume food to unburden your Kidney organ system

Water to drink to allow the body to detoxify.

Foods that are particularly “in tune” with the Kidney energy are warming and nourishing foods.

Celery
Parsley
Adzuki beans
Unsweetened Cranberries
Warming nourishing soups and stews
Ginger
Cayenne
Garlic

Meat according to Chinese dietetics is to be used sparingly –
Maybe the broth from bones would be more appropriate to nourish yet not overload the kidneys
Salt is the natural flavor of the kidneys – as such it is a healthy flavor – but again moderation is appropriate.

In the Winter Qi Gong and Tai Qi and Yoga are fine forms of exercise.
They all replenish the QI and the Nervous System by allowing for stillness
and inner repose.


Happy restoring rest this winter!

Earth, Sun, Salt and Water and Space

How wonderful to have visual space -
To look out as far as the eye can see - is so relaxing to the nervous system.
I have arrived here in Nosara, Costa Rica after a "hairy" ride through littered branches and trees taken down
by a five day wind storm!! There are always pot holes galore, dust, dirt and absence of sign posting! Now just add branches and trees to it!!!! Very 'survival- like'!
Now it is all over - there is the proverbial "calm after the storm" - and it is gorgeous!
The Ocean always makes me think of the "5 Element Theory in Chinese Medicine"

How the outside balance of the five elements reflects the internal balance of the five elements
I frequently feel absolutely complete by the beach
The Sun: the element Fire producing Joy and Energy that is active and bright like light
The Ocean representing the water element - holding you, carrying you - promoting a sense of fluidity inside you
The Beach the Earth element - solid and supportive underneath your feet!
The Air the Metal element like the breath in your Lungs - breath and space all around you!
I guess the Wood Element is fullfilled by my determination to even get here against all adversity!!

Small wonder I feel so complete here!!!

Back from the City "DOWNSIZE ME"

Another smooth journey to the Apple.
Another couple of nights at the YMCA
More Sauna and steam bath
and - most importantly another two days of intense training at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition
www.integrativenutrition.com
Joshua Rosenthal, the founder of the country's largest School of Nutrition inspired us once more to wake up
take leadership in education about food - FOOD and NOURISHMENT for a healthy body and spirit not as a convenient pre-packaged filler for a lonely, scared heart.
61% obesity in the US and the greater rest of the world is following fast - as fast as the American diet spreads around the
planet. We do see the evidence of this with people in China, India and even Japan. The big 'MAC' has hit!

Dr. Arthur Agatston, the author of the "Southbeach Diet" gave a chilling overview of all of lifestyle changes that have occurred
from the time of the hunter and gatherer through the time of technological evolution! Now.
He humorously discussed the concept of "functional exercise". True for myself: I used to have a big vegetable/flower garden in the English countryside. Lots of digging, weeding and hand turning of the earth. In the winter I used to grind our own corn and bake bread - never mind always going for walks - gathering wood and running with the children.
In this age of technology and automatization we had to adapt and change. Nowadays many people pound the concrete or strain isolated muscle groups in the gym in an attempt to do "something". Of course, we do have to do something to move and exercise!
Dr. Agatston talked about his favorites tools and methods - and as it happens they are mine too

One very home made Hula Hoop. I used a heavier gauge PVC because it is more willing to move with me!
two balls to bounce on and do anything with (one is fine too)
a skipping rope (very fun for a short fast sprint-type exercise that gets your heart pounding and blood rushing!)
a stretch band - feels great to work shoulders and neck
and the rebounder to achieve a healthy movement of the lymph and also make your heart beat faster.
one Yoga mat and two blocks for places you can't reach without them

Have them available - in your living area - so, whenever it overcomes you - hopefully several times during the day engage
even for five minutes!! It helps - Its easy - its even fun
Best
Verena