“Fear, Kidney Energy & TCM”

Kidney Energy, Fear & TCM:

In TCM, energy, emotions and physical health are closely connected.

The 5 essential elements are:

Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water.

Each element relates to a specific emotion and organ in the body.

What do the "Amygdala" & "Hypothalamus" have to do with fear?

Amygdala:

The amygdala is part of the brain that receives information and interprets this information to generate the emotion of fear.

Hypothalamus:

When the amygdala generates a fear emotion, it sends impulses to another part of the brain, called the “hypothalamus".

The EMOTION  of FEAR:

FEAR belongs to Kidney energy and the Bladder. Both organs are associated with the Water Element.

FEAR is a normal emotion and is essential to our survival. It can become problematic when extreme and ignored.

When KIDNEY energy is abundant, we have a healthy sense of self, direction, and optimism to pursue our goals. Plus, we feel more confident and committed.

Indications the Kidney Energy is Out of Balance include Feeling:

• Fearful

• Insecure

• Anxious

• Aloof

• Isolated

Physical symptoms when the Kidney Energy is imbalanced:

• frequent urination

• urinary incontinence

• night sweats

• dry mouth

• bad dreams

• poor short-term memory

• low back pain

• ringing in ears

• hearing loss

• premature grey hair

• hair loss

• osteoporosis

KIDNEY issues often arise when dealing with FEAR (ie. changing life direction or unstable living conditions).

Long-term or excessive psychological fear of change easily damages the Kidney Qi. Which results in alterations in the immune system, and increasing susceptibility to illness.

Function of Kidneys

The function of kidneys is to remove waste and excess fluid from the body in the form of urine.

Kidney’s play a central role in fluid regulation, and are the storehouse for vital energy and Jing (our essence).

They provide the drive and willpower to press forward and accomplish goals.

When we consider how close the adrenal glands are to the kidneys, the connection with fear makes sense.

Adrenals trigger the flight or fight instinct. Too much stress for too long depletes kidney energy and leave us stuck in a cycle of fear. 

Water Element & Fear

Water is essential to life. The Water Element is about life force, energy and flow. Water flows to take the shape of whatever contains it.

When the Water element is balanced, one moves smoothly through life with strength, courage, and willpower. There’s a sense of flow, ease, and alignment to one’s purpose or destiny.

When the Water element is out of balance, the opposite is true – feel a lack of courage and procrastination. Fear may prevent us from “seizing the day”.

How to keep the Water Element Balanced:  

Fear can be an intense and debilitating emotion, which when out if balance prevents us from living our lives fully.

While a healthy level of fear protects us from real dangers in the environment; too much fear can immobilise us.

Allowing ourselves to slow down is a crucial step in addressing the adrenaline rushes of everyday life. It it becomes excessive it leads to depletion of energy.

How to Restore & Balance Kidney Energy:

Critical factors to restore kidney energy are:

1. REST

2. TAKE THE PRESSURE OFF

Once fears are released you can move on to a more joyful life.

Action:

• Reflect on your fears

• What you are afraid of?

Tuning into our inner selves is what the water element is all about. 

How TCM Helps

TCM is concerned with restoring balance. Treating the kidney energy stimulates your natural energy reserves, and your body and mind can return to a state of homeostasis.

Stimulating specific points along the Bladder and Kidney channels via either Acupuncture or Acupressure is a gentle way of looking after Kidney energy and our LIFE FORCE. This helps restore the flow of vital energy, allows the kidneys to perform their normal functions at an optimal level.

Herbal medicine, dietary advice, massage and exercises complement the treatments.