January Self-Healing Tips

Ah, January, the month of promises. Those New Year resolutions we say we are not going to make, but then make them anyway, either quietly to ourselves or loud and proud to anyone who will listen to you or read your blog. No matter how you declare your resolutions, there is only one ingredient necessary to make them manifest. The ingredient is WILL POWER. In Chinese Medicine, every organ system has an emotion or spirit energy connected with it. The organ system that relates to will power are the Kidneys. Ironically, the season which corresponds to the Kidneys is in fact wintertime. So let’s address how to awaken the energy of the Kidneys to get us through winter, and through our resolutions, with strength in preparation for the upcoming Spring.

The two acupressure points I would like to share are found along the Urinary Bladder channel. The Urinary Bladder is the yang organ system partner to the yin organ system of the Kidneys. The Urinary Bladder (UB) channel is the longest meridian of the body, beginning at the eyes, traveling up the forehead, along the spine to the backs of the knees, then doubling back up to the shoulders to run more laterally along the spine again, finally ending at the last toe. On the back at the waist are two points on either side of the spine, on level with each other. The inner point, Shenshu “Kidney Shu”, is about 1 ½ inches lateral to the spine. The second point is about 3 inches lateral to the spine on the same level as Shenshu. This second point is named Zhishi, or “Residence of the Will”. To locate these points, find the highest place of your hip bones (iliac crest) and trace this line around to your back. These points are about an inch above the level of your hips, bilateral to your spine at 1.5 inches and 3 inches lateral to the spine. 

To activate the qi of these points, you may press your thumbs into these tender areas, massaging in small circles. It is best to do this standing, with the knees slightly bent, while breathing gently yet deeply. If necessary, you may sit on the edge of a supportive chair. Another way to access the Kidney qi, the will power energy, is by making your hands into loose, relaxed fists and gently tapping this area. Thirdly, you may vigorously rub these points with the palm of your hands until heat is generated. For about 5 minutes in the morning and evening, you may alternate these three methods to benefit the Kidney qi system and strengthen your health and will power.

Foods that are beneficial to the Kidneys are foods which are dark in color- black, dark blue, dark purple. Food wise, these colors show up in purple yams, black sesame seeds, Forbidden (black) rice, black beans, etc. A common nut, the walnut, is known to be a Kidney tonic. You can add walnuts to your oatmeal, bake in some zucchini or carrot bread, and add to salads or sautéed vegetables.