Winter
Each season has its specific set of instructions, with winter's instructions focusing on the kidneys. Kidneys are the root of energy, called qi. Kidneys also store the body's essence and govern reproduction, growth and birth.
What would cause kidney pathologies? Fear, since it is the emotion relating to kidneys, may cause kidney deficiency. Other etiologies that may harm the kidneys are: chronic illness, overwork, excessive sexual activity, and old age.
Kidney yang (energetic) pathologies may present as:
- low back pain
- frequent and pale urination
- chills
- cold hands and feet
- weak legs and knees
- edema of the lower extremities
- impotence
- infertility
Kidney yin (fluid) pathologies may present as:
- heat in the hands and feet, especially in the afternoon
- malar flush
- excessive thirst
- dark, scanty urination
- tinnitus
- dizziness
- night sweats
What should you do if you suspect that you may have deficient kidneys with any of the above symptoms?
- Get acupuncture.
- Add black-colored foods into your diet such as: black beans, blackberries, blueberries, chia seeds, black sesame seeds.
- Also add warming teas and spices into your diet such as: black tea, green tea, cinnamon, cardamom, cayenne.
- Rest. The nights are longer in winter for this reason.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Explore yoga. Gentle yoga will keep the low back supple and twisting poses will wring out the organs. According to yoga instructor/certified yoga therapist, Heidi Rayden, the yoga pose jathara parivartanasana (revolved abdominal pose), can help with kidney tonification. "Not only will this pose wring out your organs, it will aid digestion and reduce stress. On the inhale, imagine your spine lengthening, increasing space between the vertebrae. On the exhale, sink deeper into the twist," says Heidi.
As always, I look forward to your questions and comments.
Thank you for reading.
Tamara ZumMallen
Posted by Tamara at 1/6/2011 10:05 PM 
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: Tamara ZumMallen melissa costello chinese medicine acupuncture Larchmont Healing Hands Los Angeles kidneys
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: Tamara ZumMallen melissa costello chinese medicine acupuncture Larchmont Healing Hands Los Angeles kidneys
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