Harmful Habits for Kidney Health
TCM emphasizes the importance of nourishing the kidneys, as our kidney qi (vital energy) is akin to a limited fuel supply. Overusing it without proper care can lead to premature aging.Warning Signs of Kidney Deficiency
The kidneys play a vital role in overall health. In conventional medicine, they are viewed as organs within the urinary system. However, in TCM, the concept of the kidneys extends far beyond this. They are believed to govern multiple bodily systems, including the reproductive, skeletal, immune, and endocrine systems. As such, the kidneys are regarded as a central system that profoundly influences the health of the entire body.According to TCM, the kidneys govern fluid metabolism in the body and support bone health and the production of bone marrow. Additionally, they are believed to be connected to the ears, playing a crucial role in hearing function.
Foods for Reducing Nighttime Urination
Frequent urination is generally defined as urinating more than eight times a day or waking up to urinate more than twice a night. Additional symptoms, such as urinary incontinence or urgency, may indicate underlying kidney issues.Beans
A cross-sectional study found that regularly consuming beans, including soybeans, black beans, mung beans, and lentils, may help prevent chronic kidney disease. Notably, a higher daily intake of beans was associated with a reduced risk of chronic kidney disease and proteinuria, a high level of urinary protein.Black Sesame Seeds
Black sesame seeds are rich in magnesium, which supports nervous system stability and muscle function, thereby reducing nighttime urination. One study showed that sesame oil supplementation helped protect against chronic kidney disease in rats by inhibiting kidney fibrosis.Dried Cranberries
A randomized controlled trial found that among women with overactive bladder, daily intake of cranberry powder reduced daily urination frequency by 16.4 percent, episodes of urgency by 57.3 percent, and patient perception of bladder condition by 39.7 percent compared to a placebo. Additionally, an observational study indicated that eating sweetened dried cranberries may reduce the incidence of urinary tract infections in susceptible women.Natural Ways to Prevent Bone Loss
Declining kidney function accelerates bone loss, while insufficient kidney qi further reduces bone strength and support, both of which contribute to osteoporosis. This condition weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures. Some effective ways to prevent osteoporosis include:
Healthy Diet
Incorporating milk, cruciferous vegetables (bok choy, mustard greens, and napa cabbage), and gelatinous foods (wood ear mushrooms and kelp) into your diet provides natural calcium crucial for maintaining strong bones and supporting bone density.Sun Exposure
Exposure to sunlight before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m. helps the body produce vitamin D, which enhances calcium absorption.Regular Exercise
Activities such as brisk walking, jogging, squats, pushups, and hiking stimulate bone formation and repair, contributing to improved bone density over time.Improving Tinnitus Through Acupressure
A cross-sectional study found that chronic kidney disease was associated with hearing loss. In other words, patients with chronic kidney disease are more likely to experience hearing loss than those without the condition.Massaging the lower back to stimulate the zhishi (BL52) and shenshu (BL23) acupoints can effectively enhance kidney qi and help alleviate tinnitus.
According to TCM, meridians are the channels through which energy flows in the body. The internal organs are connected to the body’s surface through these meridians. Along the meridians are specific points known as acupoints, which possess unique functions. By stimulating the corresponding acupoints through techniques like acupuncture and massage, it is possible to treat diseases related to specific organs.
This massage technique involves placing the palms of your hands on the lower back, positioned on either side of the spine. Rub up and down for one minute, and repeat the massage twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening.
Effective Acupoint for Kidney Health
The fuliu acupoint offers benefits similar to those of liu wei di huang wan, a well-known Chinese herbal formula used to relieve symptoms such as heat intolerance, dry mouth, and insomnia. It also helps prevent kidney-related diseases. The acupoint is located on the inner side of the lower leg, three finger-widths above the tip of the inner ankle, along the anterior edge of the Achilles tendon.Massaging this acupoint twice daily—once in the morning and once in the evening—for up to one minute can strengthen kidney function. It also helps boost energy levels, improve memory, and enhance focus.
