Chinese medicine has been practiced for thousands of years, during which time practitioners discovered many herbs and herbal formulas that can potentially rebalance the body. Chinese medicine theory is based on the body's systems and elements remaining in perfect balance to achieve good health. They also believe that the kidneys are the source of life in your body; when kidney energy or function is impaired, poor health may result.
Yin and Yang
You have probably heard of yin and yang, the opposite elements in Eastern cultures. According to Acupuncture.com, they are metaphorical images used to express the constantly shifting world. They are not fixed definitions; rather, they are simply a way to express the character of an action, organ or object. In Chinese medicine theory, yang is akin to light, upward movement, motion, heat and emptying. In contrast, yin is thought of as cool, moist, dark, holding and inward movement. Each organ is essentially thought of as being yin or yang, and it will have an opposite counterpart with which it stays in balance. When out of balance, one aspect can dominate the other.
The Kidney
The kidney stores essence, or jing, which is your life force or vitality, states TCMbasics.com. Kidney essence is classified as yin, while qi, or energy, is yang. Known as kidney yin and yang, they both require adequate stores to maintain a healthy balance. According to the website, when the kidney is deficient in yang, the body's warming functions are impaired. You can feel coldness or pain in the lower back and knees. You may need to urinate frequently, particularly at night, and your reproductive ability may be impaired. Kidney yang deficiency can lead to low libido, impotence, premature ejaculation and coldness of the uterus.
Herbs
In addition to acupuncture or acupressure treatments, herbs can potentially rebalance your organs and elements. Herbs also have yin and yang classifications and, as such, can affect the yin and yang aspects of specific organs. Your Chinese practitioner may recommend certain herbs for you if you have a kidney imbalance; based on your specific symptoms and lifestyle, herbs or an herbal formula can be recommended or blended for you to take at home. Some of these herbs were traditionally from animal origin, so if you are a vegetarian, ask your practitioner about other options. Talk to your doctor before trying an herbal remedy.
Plants for Kidney Yang
One herb specifically for increasing kidney yang is called Hu Lu Ba. According to TCMassistant.com, this herb is actually fenugreek seed. It is collected in summer and autumn, yang times of the year, when the fruit is ripe. It is recommended for improving kidney yang, dispersing cold and dispersing dampness. It should not be used in cases involving heat, yin deficiency or if you are pregnant.
Other Kidney Yang Herbs
Some of the more powerful herbs for tonifying kidney yang come from animal origin. TCMassistant.com states that Lu Jiao Shuang is derived from deer antler and is used to strengthen the kidneys and improve kidney yang. Lu Rong is another herb derived from antler and is also a potent kidney tonic. The website recommends its use for kidney yang, strengthening the qi, blood, sinews and bones. Your practitioner may also recommend Lu Shen, which can warm the spleen and stomach in addition to increasing your kidney yang. She may also recommend Yang Qi Shi or Gie Jie as kidney yang tonics; however, Gie Jie is technically made from the gecko lizard, and may not be available for use.
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