The Kidney in Traditional Chinese Medicine is related to the Water element and is attributed with physical, energetic and psychological functions of great importance for our growth, development, reproduction and vitality.

Energetic functions

• Pre-Heaven Qi.
• Conserves the Jing, the Essence of Kidney. The foundation of growth and development of all body systems.
• Controls sexual and reproductive function.
• Energetic transformation of fluids.
• Nourishes the Extraordinary Organs.
• Controls the perineum.
• Reception of air. Helps Lung in the descending of air.
• Sense of hearing.
• Its maximum energy is from 5 to 7 in the afternoon.

Related physiological structures

The Kidney system includes in its physiological structures the two kidneys and the adrenal glands. It has a strong relationship with the structure of the uterus for reproduction. Kidney nourishes the bones and the marrow, produces blood and nourishes the brain. Relationship with the ears for the sense of hearing. It manifests in the lumbar region and in the knees.

Psycho-emotional functions

Zhi, the psychic aspect of Kidney has to do with the capacity to carry out what we propose to ourselves, the will-power. When Kidney is weak there is fear, lack of confidence, phobias, there can be anxiety.

Main symptoms of dysfunction

• Alterations of urination: polyuria, dysuria, nocturnal enuresis, incontinence.
• Lower back pain.
• Pain or weakness in knees or heels.
• Infertility, miscarriage.
• Menstrual alterations. Amenorrhea, menstrual irregularity.
• Impotence, spermatorrhea.
• Low libido.
• Deafness, tinnitus.
• Delay in growth.
• Premature aging.
• Bone problems.
• Loss of memory.
• Dark circles under the eyes.
• Early morning diarrhea.

Related syndromes and pathologies

• Kidney Syndromes.
• Water Element Pathology.

Combined syndromes

• Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency.
• Rupture of Heart and Kidney.
• Lung and Kidney Yin Deficiency.
• Liver and Kidney Yin Deficiency.

Pathologies

• Urological disorders.
• Gynecology.

Channels

• Kidney Channel.
• Divergent of Kidney.
• Connecting Channel of Kidney.
• Muscle Channel of Kidney.

Anatomy

There are two kidneys, the right kidney and the left kidney. Both are located in the posterior part of the abdomen to the sides of the spinal column. Above each kidney there is an adrenal gland.

• The Right Kidney is behind the Liver and slightly lower than the left one.
• The Left Kidney is almost joined to the Spleen below the diaphragm.
• Both are separated from the Liver and Spleen by a membrane that covers the internal organs called peritoneum, in their posterior part.

They are located between the last thoracic vertebra and the first three lumbar vertebrae, protected in their upper part by the 11th and 12th ribs.

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