The Kidneys, Conception and Winter.

In Chinese and Japanese Medicine Winter is related to the water element which corresponds with the energy of both the Kidneys and Bladder.  The Kidney channel is used in acupuncture to treat the adrenal glands, kidneys, urinary bladder, ovaries, and respiratory system, creating better health throughout the colder months. 

Having acupuncture working on the Kidney channel can help to clear a sore throat, alleviate hot flushes, night sweats, and headaches, and relax the body.  When the Kidney is in balance the whole body is in balance, stability, strength and feeling grounded are all qualities of the Kidney.

The Kidney channel is also related to the centre of energy and breathing and is very important for treating respiratory complaints, and poor inhalation.  We use this channel to aid with detoxification by stimulating the filtration and release through the urinary bladder.  Treating the Kidneys aids with urinary tract infections, bed wetting and incontinence. We see the Kidneys being related to the growth, maintenance and repair of bones. Using points on the kidney channel for osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, lower back, knees, and ear pain. and any other bone-related issues. 

KIDNEYS AND FERTILITY

They are also a big component of fertility, the “Gatehouse,” the “Jing” as we call it, known as the essence of life. Boosting the Kidneys aids with conception, working on the communication of the Heart and Kidneys is like the emotional side, talking to the sexual side, linking the two to create new life. I recall my journey in falling pregnant with my second child, it is here that I had my first experience with Chinese Medicine, seeing an acupuncturist who told me I would not fall pregnant until my Heart and Kidneys started communicating. I thought this was crazy! The fact I had an ill mother at this time, my heart was relating to loss and the kidneys had shut down about conceiving knowing that it was not the time to bring new life into the world, due to fear. Fear is an emotion related to the kidneys. So on with my journey, using acupuncture and herbs to conceive my second child, working on linking communication again, with great success.

FOOD AS MEDICINE - NOURISHING YOUR KIDNEYS

Food is medicine for the soul and a great way to replenish your kidneys. Thinking about your diet over winter can be the key to great health, conception and ensuring you're warm from the inside out. Slow-cooked foods are a great way to do just that.

FOODS TO EAT THROUGHOUT WINTER TO NOURISH THE KIDNEYS : 

• Salty foods - miso, soy sauce, millet, barley, 

•  Bitter foods - turnip, rye, oats, chicory & burdock root

• Warm hearty soups

• Whole grains

• Roasted nuts 

• Lamb, and other meats 

• Black beans, kidney beans

• Steamed winter greens

• Black sesame seeds  - great for constipation

• Root vegetables

• Fennel, rosemary

• Apples, pears, citrus fruits

• Cinnamon

• Walnuts - stop cough, wheeze, asthma - no greater than 200 grams/day

  
   Lamb and Barley Soup is great for nourishing, and a favourite in our home at this time of year, see the recipe below.

HERBS THAT ARE GREAT FOR WINTER: 

Cordyceps: 

Their benefits are wide-ranging, from enhancing vitality and kidney function to providing immune system support and promoting respiratory health. They can also help alleviate stress, anxiety, and various ailments such as fatigue and back pain. With its ability to boost Yang, it offers a natural solution for symptoms like erectile dysfunction, frequent urination, or night sweats. 

Astragalus & Goji Berries: 

These are hand-rolled into pea-sized pearls with organic honey for slow release. Astragalus is considered an adaptogen. Adaptogens are a class of natural substances that are believed to stimulate the body's resistance to physical, environmental, and emotional stressors. Astragalus aids with stimulating the immune system and reducing swelling. People commonly use astragalus for hay fever, diabetes, and kidney issues.

Goji: Strengthens the immune system, nourishes blood and moistens the lungs. It helps lower blood pressure and blood sugar. And also helps stimulate the immune system and protect organs. Goji is used for many conditions including diabetes, chemotherapy and radiation, weight loss, improving quality of life, and as a general tonic. Sipping Goji Tea, place 10 Goji Berries in hot water and let sit and then drink as you would a cup of tea.

Energy Tonic: This Chinese Medicine herbal formula is used as a tonic it is an excellent choice for boosting the Qi and gently nourishing the Blood, a key for the prevention of cold and flu, fatigue and feeling bodily cold in the winter season. 

Mel is in the clinic Monday, Tuesday and Thursday for Acupuncture and Herbal consultations and to chat with any queries you may have.

ANDY WEBB’S SLOW COOKED LAMB AND BARLEY SOUP