This article will explore the significance of the water element in TCM.
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The kidneys and urine bladder are two organs that deal with water. According to TCM, the kidneys hold our essence energy (Jing), which is our source of vitality, resistance, and longevity. The kidneys are the wellspring of creation and play a crucial part in the healthy functioning of our endocrine and reproductive systems. An imbalance in the water element, which affects the kidneys, can cause problems with growth, libido, and stamina.
How does TCM view the kidneys? TCM also claims that our Jing creates and supports our bones by producing bone marrow. A lack of vitality caused by reduced kidney function could lead to bone degeneration, particularly in the lower back and knees.
How does TCM view kidney emotions? Fear is the emotion connected with the element of water. This includes fears such as fear of heights, spiders, not being good enough, and other anxieties. In TCM, emotions are considered energy expressions. Since energy is neutral, emotions are not intrinsically “good” or “evil”; they are shaped by how we perceive and manage them.
Chronic fear can deplete our kidney chi, and a lack of kidney chi can lead to increased fear. It works in both directions. A powerful technique to balance renal chi and the water element is to spend quiet time connecting with the fear and allowing it to be present.
Because the Zhi influences the kidneys, which are the root of vitality, disturbances in this spirit can lead to physical depletion.
If your energy is consistently put toward activities or work that is out of alignment with who and what you are, it will deplete your jing (vital essence energy) and can lead to deep fatigue and other psychosomatic symptoms.
Zhi (志) is often translated into English as “will” or “willpower.”
Zhi (志）provides us with the drive, determination, and persistence needed to materialize our dreams.
Another translation for the word “Zhi” is memory. Zhi (志） helps us remember where we are going and what we are here to do.
The important question when working with Zhi (志）, is:
What is the purpose of my life? Does my work align with who I am on the deepest level?
Understanding what your body – and mind – require to maintain a healthy balance is important. Simple strategies to support oneself and keep the water element nourished include journaling, having a hot (foot) bath with lavender oil and Epsom salt (add 5 drops of oil to 1 cup of salt before placing it in the bath), or just drinking a cup of your favourite tea without doing anything else.
If you notice that you may be lacking balance in the water element, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with us.
Consume naturally sweet foods like dates, fresh fruits, milk, cashews, and rice, as well as naturally salty foods like seaweed, celery, tamari, miso, and, of course, good quality salt itself, to boost your water element.
In general, introspective activities such as meditation and yoga can help you support the water element and stay balanced. Acupuncture and certain acupressure massage also helps to balance the water element.
Water types are self-contained and self-sufficient, outspoken, smart, and contemplative. They are perceptive, critical, and thorough in their pursuit of knowledge and understanding. They prefer to remain nameless, cryptic, and hidden. The emotion associated with the Water element is fear.
Many foods have a flavour that appeals to the Kidney. Seafood, beans, or bone soup may be on your mind. All of these foods promote healthy kidney function.
The sense associated with the Kidney are the ears. Any ear issues, such as deafness, tinnitus, or ear infections, are signals from your body that the Kidney’s energy needs to be boosted.
According to the Five Element theory, salt is the taste that corresponds to and supports the Kidney. Want some salt? Listen to your Kidney and eat something salty!
The Kidney stores inherited energy from your parents termed “pre-natal Qi.” When another organ is low on energy, the Kidney uses this inheritance to deliver it an extra Qi boost.
The Kidney is related with the bone tissue. You may have symptoms such as osteoporosis, dental problems, or developmental concerns if your Kidney’s energy is insufficient.
