Acupuncture 101
Pondering the Kidney
part 5 of a 5 part series
Under the scope of acupuncture as a Traditional Chinese
Medicine (TCM), pathways or meridians of Qi flow traverse
the body and influence specific body regions, organ systems
and functionality. Qi is considered a vital life force loosely
translated as energy. When Qi is obstructed health imbalances
result. The Kidney meridian system influences development,
reproduction, water metabolism, and bone growth. This important
system stores Jing or essence, which often translated into
hormones or the body's genetic defining code - DNA. The
quality and quantity of Jing determines one's health and
longevity of life. The Kidney system opens to the ears and
manifests in the head hair. A variety of western diseases
such as menopause, osteoporosis, poor growth and development,
edema, asthma, sexual dysfunctions, hearing loss, tinnitus,
back pain, knee pain and even hair loss general are defined
by TCM as a Kidney deficiency.
It
is interesting to note that hair has been considered a very
important indicator of health since the dawn of time. Men
and women spend much time and effort on grooming and maintaining
hair. Hair being the manifestation of the Kidney system,
outwardly displays the essence, genetic health and sexual
energy of an individual. A variety of religions and cultures
throughout the world have traditionally covered the hair
especially from public display. These customs demonstrate
the personal and alluring nature of hair and how revealing
it can be as a health indicator to one's inner-most essence.
Christopher Carlow, D. Ac.
Doctor of Acupuncture
June 20, 2008
