In my previous blog, I talked a lot about the Water Element.
The Water element belongs to the winter and is about resting, recharging and deep recovery. The winter period is all about consciously resting and preparing for the growth cycle of spring. So that you can enter spring with sufficient energy. The Wood element is part of spring and here everything is about growth. From the literal baby boom in the meadows of lambs to the growth of your own ideas and desires. Logically, you need a good dose of energy for this. And make no mistake, even is rest happens a lot. Like letting a steamer simmer gently for a very long time.
If you spend the winter restless and without a break, your body can become exhausted faster. You may suffer from cold hands and feet, a weakened immune system, and be more susceptible to illnesses like colds and flu.
The organs associated with this element are the Bladder and our Kidneys. Of these two, I focus on the kidneys. This beautiful organ has a special, sometimes somewhat complex place in TCM. I am going to make an attempt to lift the veil a little:
The Heart-Nier Connection: Water and Fire in Harmony
In the five-element theory, the kidneys (water) and the heart (fire) form a dynamic pair.
In the kidneys lies our DNA, received from our parents, and is the basis for our physical constitution. But, as classical TCM says, here also lies our potential of our life, given by the heaven. In the kidneys lies a kind of puddle of watery potential which is only expressed when it receives a spark from the heart. Once in touch with this heart fire, steam begins to rise from this puddle of water which breathes life into everything. Physically and spiritually.
When this heart-kidney balance gets disrupted, both physical and emotional complaints can arise. Think fatigue, a restless mind or a reduced ability to realise life goals.
In a nutshell: In the kidneys lies your given potential. How you reach your potential depends on how and for what purpose you use your kidney energy.
Good nutrition, sufficient rest and conscious choices in work and relaxation help connect heart and kidneys and fulfil your true ‘being’.
With these insights, TCM offers a fascinating perspective on the kidneys, not just as physical organs, but as the core of our well-being and growth. By living consciously and listening to our inner balance, we can get the best out of ourselves and be in harmony with our lives.
The power of the kidneys: Willpower
Our willpower, self-knowledge and bringing our will together with our life purpose. The more we stay true to our roots and potential, the better we can be who we are meant to be.
Willpower helps us stay focused and persistent, gives us ambition and drive to achieve our goals. With little energy and willpower, a person may struggle to accomplish things, feel easily discouraged and become indecisive.
Willpower without energy puts one at risk of burnout. Setting unrealistic goals can lead to low self-confidence.
Kidney emotion: Fear
In addition, our emotional base is partly determined by the kidneys. The element Water, to which the kidneys are linked, resonates with the emotion fear. This explains why a feeling of safety or insecurity often stems from kidney energy. Just as deep fear can literally ‘freeze’ us, the kidneys symbolise our primal power to survive and thrive.
Children peeing in bed when they first have to go to school or the recognisable images of people with wet trousers running from the collapsed Twin Towers in NYC.
Fear is a useful emotion. It helps us set boundaries and create balance.
If your house is on fire, you should run away!
However, too much fear can be paralysing or cause extreme stress. Stress damages the heart and other organs. Anxiety is a major cause of many problems, including fear of failure, loss of control, responsibility, dependence, loneliness and even fear of death.
No fear is also a form of imbalance. People who live on adrenaline kicks, like jumping out of aeroplanes, bungee jumping for fun, are people without a healthy fear stimulus. Physical and emotional symptoms will also emerge from this.
Ming Men: The Gateway to Life Energy
Between the kidneys is the Ming Men fire, also known as the Gate of Life. This source of life energy gives us drive, willpower and motivation. It ensures that ideas from the heart (which is connected to the element fire) are transformed into action. The dynamic between kidney-yang (the movement of energy) and kidney-yin (the storage of essence) is at the heart of our physical and mental well-being. This fire is also the start of our entire metabolism. It is the fire under the pan of the stomach and spleen. Which converts all our nutrients into energy or passes them on for excretion. Age gives a lower fire, but also wrong nutrients. Then free clear steam cannot form and we have to deal with damp. More on this in my blog on damp.
Common physical kidney complaints
Balance in the kidneys: wisdom
When willpower and energy are balanced, a person can work consistently and dynamically towards clear goals without wasting much energy. This gives inner strength and confidence in yourself and life, eliminating anxiety.
It is all about a strong will, paying attention to yourself and others. Showing courage in the face of life's problems, but not recklessly. Living from inner confidence and strength, rather than from insecurity or fear.
And with this you amass wisdom, what we call the virtue of the kidneys: The power to be yourself and want to be yourself, stubborn and steadfast. This brings inner peace in thinking, being and acting.
‘Human: know yourself,’ is the most apt statement for a balanced kidney energy.
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