Each of us is blessed with two
kidneys located in the upper abdomen; they sit against the back muscles on either side of the spine and are about the size of a closed fist. Some of their responsibilities include:
- removing waste products from the body
- balancing fluid levels
- releasing hormones
- controlling the production of red blood cells
However, in Eastern medicine, the kidneys’ responsibilities go far beyond the physical. The kidneys are associated with
winter, the emotion of fear, the color black, and they govern birth, growth, reproduction, and development. Considered the “root of life,” the strength of the kidneys comes from the relative strength of each parent at the moment of conception. Pretty cool.
You may be wondering how these two organs could have so much to do with so many seemingly disparate things? That’s the beauty of a holistic system. Eastern medicine differs from Western medicine in some pretty fundamental ways. Western medicine tends to be a reductionist system that likes to break the body into smaller and smaller parts in an attempt to “fix” what it sees as “broken.” If there’s a problem with the kidneys, Western medicine narrows its focus to figure out what’s up. Eastern medicine, however, is a holistic system and takes the opposite approach. Instead of looking at the body in terms of the micro, it zooms out and looks at the macro, taking the big-picture view. This view is not limited to the physical body, but it looks at the human being and the entirety of its experience. This experience includes the physical, emotional, spiritual, environment, culture, beliefs, and the planet we all share. All aspects of human beings and their environment are essential to health and healing.
Winter and the Kidneys in Eastern Medicine
Winter in Eastern medicine is the most
yin part of the year. Yin represents cold, slow, dark, and inward energies. Winter is a time to slow down and conserve energy for the long, cold months ahead. Animals hibernate in winter because they’re intrinsically attuned to the planet and its natural rhythms. The kidneys are associated with winter and are the basis of our most fundamental energy. Winter is when kidney energies are at their peak, and it’s therefore the best time to nourish and strengthen them. In Eastern medicine philosophy, harmonizing the diet and behaviors to the seasons enhances the body and fortifies against diseases. The kidneys open into the ears; therefore, our ability to hear directly reflects kidney energy, and our ability to listen is intensified in the cold, silent months.
Winter Activities
Winter is a time to slow down and feed ourselves physically and spiritually. Activities should reflect the season by slowing down and turning our focus inward. Practices like meditation, writing, and yoga nurture our spirits and strengthen our kidney energies. Getting adequate rest, going to bed earlier and rising later, follow the sun’s natural rhythms. Winter is a time to eat rich, nourishing foods to build strength in preparation for spring. Adding warming foods to the diet such as herbs, meats, and healthy fats is beneficial in the winter months. These rich foods are more easily absorbed at this time of year, helping us put on a little extra weight to stay warm and fend off the frigid temperatures.
Winter Foods for Strong Kidneys
Cooking methods should be longer duration, on low heat, and with less water at this time of year. Salt is the flavor associated with the kidneys, so some unrefined salt is beneficial, but as in all things, moderation is key.
