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In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the Kidney organ-meridian system is regarded as the foundation of good health.

Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, worsen or change unexpectedly, talk to your health professional.

Both Western and Chinese medicine acknowledge the integral role that kidney function plays in regulating the body fluids and the excretion of wastes via the urine.

However, in Chinese medicine, the Kidney is also traditionally understood to govern other body fluids (including tears, saliva, perspiration and the fluids that lubricate the joints), and to be vital for the function of all the organs and tissues in the body, especially the ears and bones.

It’s also closely associated with healthy transition through each of life’s stages, from the growth and development that occurs during childhood right through to the ageing process.

YIN AND YANG: THE KEYS TO BALANCE

From the perspective of TCM, the complementary but opposing forces of Yin and Yang exist everywhere in nature, including in the human body, where the Kidney organ-meridian works to keep them in balance.

Yin is nourishing, moistening, still and calm, and is associated with feminine qualities as well as coolness, slowness, contraction and downward movement.

Yang is active, energetic and fiery in nature, and is associated with masculine qualities, heat, dryness, speed, expansiveness and upward movement.

Maintaining Yin and Yang in a state of balance and harmony is traditionally considered central to optimal wellbeing in TCM.

If Kidney Yang is deficient, and Yin is exerting too much influence, resulting symptoms may be associated with a lack of ‘fire’ and/or a slowing down of activity – for example fatigue or feelings of weakness.

On the other hand, if Kidney Yin is deficient, Yang can become overactive, which may manifest as heat or restlessness. Deficiency of Kidney Yin may also be associated with night sweats and disturbed sleep.

JING: YOUR BACK-UP POWER SOURCE

The Kidney organ-meridian system is also the storehouse for Jing, a form of life force energy that’s with us in finite quantities from the time we’re conceived, but naturally declines as we get older.

In times of need, your stored bank of Jing acts as a form of back-up energy for your primary power source, the life force energy called Qi, which you extract from the air you breathe and the food and drink you consume. In that sense, you might like to think of Jing as being similar to the back-up battery that automatically jumps into action if the electricity supply to your computer cuts out.

Using your Jing as your back-up power source means that the rate of its natural decline speeds up, especially if you’ve been working long hours, leading a stressful lifestyle or neglecting your diet.

Consequently, from mid-life onwards, many people start to experience symptoms associated with deficient Jing, which may include:

• Frequent urination
• Fatigue, debility or feelings of weakness
• Mild joint aches and pains

FUSION HEALTH KIDNEY TONIC

Fusion Kidney Tonic is based on an ancient Chinese herbal formula called Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill that was originally developed around 900 years ago.

Fusion Kidney Tonic’s key ingredients include rehmannia, horny goat weed and goji berry, which are traditionally used to regulate body fluids, including relieving excessive urinary frequency in TCM. From the perspective of TCM, each of these herbs also has additional benefits for the Kidney organ-meridian system, as detailed below:

Rehmannia

In TCM, rehmannia is traditionally used to support kidney health in multiple ways, including strengthening and invigorating Jing and nourishing Kidney Yin. It’s also traditionally used in TCM to enhance liver health and as a blood tonic that helps relieve sleeplessness and irregular menstruation.

Goji berries

Goji berries are traditionally used in Chinese medicine to strengthen Jing, and as a longevity tonic that supports vitality and relieves fatigue and feelings of weakness. In TCM, goji berries are also traditionally taken to balance Yin and Yang, and to relieve the night sweats and mild dizziness that can occur when Kidney Yin is deficient.

Horny goat weed

Horny goat weed is a Yang-strengthening kidney tonic that’s traditionally taken to enhance bone strength and relieve mild joint pain in TCM.

Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, worsen or change unexpectedly, talk to your health professional.

Kidney health tips from traditional Chinese medicine

• The kidneys and bladder are traditionally considered sensitive to cold, so rug up in chilly weather and take particular care to avoid letting your lower back get cold
• When needed, keep the kidney organ-meridian system warm by applying a hot water bottle or heat pack to the lower back
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, but keep alcohol, soft drinks and coffee to a minimum
• A little salt is traditionally considered beneficial for the kidneys in Chinese medicine if you’re generally healthy (but don’t go overboard - you only need a small amount!) 
• The kidney organ-meridian is traditionally associated with the colour black in Chinese medicine, and blue-black foods are believed to strengthen and nourish it, so include eggplant, black sesame seeds, black beans, wood ear mushrooms, plums and seaweed in your diet 
• Other foods traditionally regarded as nourishing to the kidneys include walnuts, figs, raisins, brown rice and other whole grains, plus hearty broths and soups and warming casseroles