Kidneys, Jing and Traditional Chinese Medicine
Author: Richard Heft | 
The following is an excerpt from Hot and Cold Health by R. G. Heft (Acupuncture Physician FL 1992- 2002) based on traditional Chinese medicine and the questioning and counseling of 10,000+. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is based on the theory, observation that everything, including the body is an ongoing balance of opposites, many of which we control through diet, herbs, exercise, thought, etc.
If you cannot afford or do not want to risk $20 or less for an unknown author, book (available on Amazon), then I will give , send the E Book (adobe file, 1.005 KB) for free. No gimmicks. It is the only thing I have to sell unless you want to pay for my advice, the majority of which you will find in this article, concerning this one subject, organ system. Read the whole book, beginning to end (317 pages), before making any changes. The information is complex yet simple. Consult with a doctor if necessary. You are smart enough to understand.
The kidneys are one major organ system. There are four other major organ systems. You cannot possibly know, understand the kidney organ system, jing without first knowing, fully understanding the other four spleen, liver, heart and lungs), which are conveniently located on this blog. It also te reason why I offer the whole EBook for free, so that you will have the whole story, not part.
Chapter 13 Kidneys
The kidneys store jing (sexual essence), regulate blood electrolytes, pH balance and filter the blood removing and combining nitrogenous (protein and fat) wastes, urea with water into urine, sent down via ureters to the urinary bladder for temporary storage and eventual excretion via the urethra. The kidneys control the urinary bladder, urination and elimination in general. They are located on the rear wall of the abdomen in the small of the back on either side of the vertebral column. Too much or too little protein and fat, excessive sex, caffeine, coldness, immobility, sedentary lifestyle, excessive sitting, lying down, and or chronic illness tend to weaken the kidneys.
Jing (DNA, sexual essence, sperm, ovum, etc.) is the fundamental, material substance of life. It is stored in the left kidney as kidney yin and transformed by the right kidney (kidney yang, gate of fire) into the marrow, bones, brain, spinal chord, sex organs and original chi (stimulus of all organ function). Jing is fixed at birth. Its decline starts after sexual maturity. Jing is the fountain of youth when full, and the harbinger of old age, disease when less, declining. The following are functions associated with the kidneys, jing:
1. Govern birth, growth, development and reproduction 2. Govern the bones, spine and brain (jing produces marrow) 3. Govern head hair and teeth (excess of the bones) 4. Govern water (urination) 5. Open into the ears (kidney meridian passes into the ear) 6. Control will power (jing, hormones, marrow)
In Western medicine, the kidneys regulate, balance electrolytes (positive and negative ions), producing and maintaining the correct amount of electrical conductivity. They also regulate pH, acid and alkaline. The pH scale ranges from 1 – 14. A pH of seven is neutral. Below seven is acid, above, alkaline. Normal body, blood pH is approximately 7.3. Anything above (alkalosis) or below (acidosis), in the extreme weakens, sickens and pains. Electrolytes and pH, as everything else are a predetermined balance of opposites: negative, acid (hot, building) and positive, alkaline (cold, cleansing).
Protein and fat (acid) build and fuel all structure, function, blood, jing kidneys, etc. Low protein and low fat diets, in the extreme, tend to thin and weaken the blood, which in turn, thins and weakens jing, hair, teeth, bones, etc. Too much protein and fat, in addition to alcohol, smoking and caffeine also thins and weakens jing.
Excessive sex, masturbation (daily), caffeine, alcohol, smoking, stimulant drugs, bulimia, overwork, heredity and or living in an excessively hot, dry climate increase, accelerate jing consumption. When jing declines, the aging, drying, thinning and weakening process begins. You can live fast and die young or slow down, conserve jing and live longer. .
Excessive sex, masturbation is especially weakening for men, which is why men generally lose consciousness after orgasm. Orgasm, ejaculation produces a great loss of energy via a loss of essence, jing. Jing contains large amounts of protein and fat. Eastern philosophies advise the man to start but not finish (ejaculate, orgasm) to not only conserves jing but also extend lovemaking. Give up the small (orgasm) for the greater (longer lovemaking, healthier life). The less you ejaculate the stronger and longer you live, which is why many spiritual disciplines advocate celibacy. Celibacy also allows one to direct energy upwards into the higher chakras, spiritual energy centers, instead of down and out the lower chakras. For more information please read Chapters 28 (Meditation) and 29 (Spiritual Practices).
The following symptoms are associated with jing deficiency, also known as kidney yin deficiency, which usually occurs later in life. Anything earlier, indicates accelerated, premature aging, break down. Kidney yin (jing) and consequently kidney yang (kidney yin fuels kidney yang) naturally decline with age, after sexual maturity (varies according to the individual). They are never in excess. Kidney yin is cool, moistening. It acts like a large leafy tree that offers shade and coolness during a sunny day. As long as you stand under the tree, you feel cool and calm; but when you leave the tree and stand under the sun too long, you become, hot, dry, active and or irritable. Kidney yin deficiency removes the tree, shade.
Kidney Yin (Jing) deficiency
Stage One. Mild
1. Dry mouth at night Kidney yin (jing, blood) moistens. Long-term kidney yin deficiency, blood deficiency and or excessive heat (building, protein, fat, alcohol, caffeine and smoking), tends to cause heat, dryness, especially in the extremities, head, arms and legs, during the evening and or periods of inactivity. Dry mouth and throat, during the night is a symptom commonly associated with kidney yin, blood deficiency.
2. Night sweats occur when yin (jing, blood) is too weak, deficient to control, cool and moisten yang, fire, causing the body to temporarily overheat, perspire during the night.
3. Malar flush is partial facial flushing. Kidney yin, jing deficiency cannot fully control, contain energy, fire causing it occasionally rage, flash out of control producing partial (deficient) flushing as opposed to total flushing (entire face red). Excess heat (too much building, protein and fat) causes excess heat. Deficient heat causes deficient, temporary heat. .
4. Insomnia (light and dreamy) The shen, spirit sleeps in the heart (anchors, holds the spirit). The heart is a blood rich organ. Blood, protein, fat and kidney yin, jing deficiency tends to weaken, dry the heart (in addition to everything else) weakening its holding power allowing the spirit during the night to roam, rise up into the head, brain, stimulating thinking, dreaming.
5. Urinary difficulties Kidney yang heats the bladder, thinning its fluids making them easier to pass. When jing declines, kidney yang, fire also declines increasing and thickening water in the bladder making it more difficult, painful to pass. Yin fuels yang.
Stage Two. Chronic Kidney yin deficiency
6. Dry skin, nails, hair, eyes, secretions, etc Long-term kidney yin (jing, blood) deficiency dries the skin, hair, nails, etc.
7. Mental problems (poor concentration, loss of memory, etc) Long-term jing, blood deficiency weakens the marrow, brain.
8. Dizziness, vertigo Chronic blood, jing deficiency, poor circulation and or sudden excess heat (caffeine, alcohol, etc.) tends to cause dryness, dizziness (swaying, mimics the movement of fire) and vertigo (fear).
9. Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) The kidneys open up into the ears. Kidney yin deficiency tends to create a soft ringing as opposed to a loud ringing, generally a symptom of excess heat in the liver.
10. Nocturnal emissions The kidneys control the sexual organs. Kidney yin controls kidney yang. Kidney yang (chi) holds. Deficient kidney yin weakens, lessens kidney yang, holding power, causing leaking during the night (nocturnal emissions).
11. Mental restlessness and or irritability Yin deficiency tends to cause deficient heat, over stimulation of the brain.
12. Weak bones and teeth Jing is the material foundation of the bones, teeth and hair.
Kidney yin, jing fuels kidney yang. .Kidney yang heats, stimulates, supplements all function, yang: digestion (spleen), respiration (anchors the breath, inhalation), elimination (bladder, orifices of elimination), circulation (heart) and reproduction (transforms jing into ovum, sperm). Jing, blood deficiency, old age, poor diet, excessive sex, alcohol, caffeine, drugs, etc drains, weakens kidney yang.
Kidney Yang deficiency
Stage One. Mild
1. Coldness in the back and knees The kidneys are located in the small of the back. Kidney yang warms the bones, back, knees, etc.
2. Sore, weak lower back The kidneys are located in the lower back. Kidney yang (chi) holds the bones in place. Deficient kidney yang causes pain, weakness and coldness in the lower back. Cardinal symptom
3. Abundant, clear urination Kidney yang heats the bladder, thins the urine. Weak kidney yang cools the bladder increasing water, urine and the need to urinate.
Stage Two. Chronic Kidney yang deficiency
4. Bright, white complexion Kidney yang supplements heart and lung yang. Chronic deficient kidney yang weakens the lungs, heart, reducing circulation, blood flow to the head, face producing a bright, white complexion (cold). Blood is red (hot).
5. Shortness of breath Kidney yang anchors (pulls in) the breath, Chronic kidney yang deficiency weakens, decreases the inhalation.
6. Weak legs The kidneys rule the bones, legs
7. Loose stools at daybreak. Deficient kidney yang weakens spleen yang.
8. Premature ejaculation Kidney yang (chi) holds. A lack of yang can cause premature ejaculation (lack of holding).
9. Impotence Kidney yang moves and holds blood in the penis. A lack of yang or blood deficiency fails to build and fuel.
10. Chronic vaginal discharge Kidney yang warms, heats the body, uterus and vagina. Weak kidney yang cools, moistens and thickens fluids in the uterus, vagina into clear or white mucous discharges.
11. Edema in the legs and ankles Kidney yang controls water metabolism. Water increases, and tends to overflow into the legs and ankles when kidney yang is weak.
12. Prolapse of the uterus Kidney yang supports spleen yang, holding. Chronic kidney yang deficiency weakens spleen yang, holding causing the uterus to sink, prolapsed
13. Infertility in women Kidney yang transforms jing into ovum, moves the egg (ovum) through the ovaries and fallopian tubes into the uterus. Kidney yin deficiency and or an excess of cold, tends to weaken kidney yang, transformation, movement of the egg, fertility.
14. Tongue is pale, swollen and wet. Kidney yang heats the body, dries excess fluids and supports heart yang, circulation. Deficient kidney yang burns less fluids and moves less blood causing the tongue to become pale (blood is red), cold, swollen and wet.
The kidneys, jing are nourished by blood, protein, fat (red meat, pork), black foods (black beans, black fungus, black sesame seeds, black dates, rhemannia, etc.) and warmth (protein, fat, cooked foods, etc.). Cold temperatures (winter, air condition, swimming in cold water, etc.), cold drinks (juices, sodas, ice water) in excess, tends to chill, shock and weaken the kidneys. This is one reason why in some cultures women wrap their midsection, lower abdomen with an extra layer of clothing, to not only keep cold out, but also heat, energy in. It is also the reason why most foods are cooked, to not only aid digestion, but also increase body heat. This does not mean that vegetables should be overcooked, soft, mushy just cooked, lightly steamed, boiled, crunchy. Richard Heft
If you cannot afford or do not want to risk $20 or less for an unknown author, book (available on Amazon), then I will give , send the E Book (adobe file, 1.005 KB) for free. No gimmicks. It is the only thing I have to sell unless you want to pay for my advice, the majority of which you will find in this article, concerning this one subject, organ system. Read the whole book, beginning to end (317 pages), before making any changes. The information is complex yet simple. Consult with a doctor if necessary. You are smart enough to understand.
The kidneys are one major organ system. There are four other major organ systems. You cannot possibly know, understand the kidney organ system, jing without first knowing, fully understanding the other four spleen, liver, heart and lungs), which are conveniently located on this blog. It also te reason why I offer the whole EBook for free, so that you will have the whole story, not part.
Chapter 13 Kidneys
The kidneys store jing (sexual essence), regulate blood electrolytes, pH balance and filter the blood removing and combining nitrogenous (protein and fat) wastes, urea with water into urine, sent down via ureters to the urinary bladder for temporary storage and eventual excretion via the urethra. The kidneys control the urinary bladder, urination and elimination in general. They are located on the rear wall of the abdomen in the small of the back on either side of the vertebral column. Too much or too little protein and fat, excessive sex, caffeine, coldness, immobility, sedentary lifestyle, excessive sitting, lying down, and or chronic illness tend to weaken the kidneys.
Jing (DNA, sexual essence, sperm, ovum, etc.) is the fundamental, material substance of life. It is stored in the left kidney as kidney yin and transformed by the right kidney (kidney yang, gate of fire) into the marrow, bones, brain, spinal chord, sex organs and original chi (stimulus of all organ function). Jing is fixed at birth. Its decline starts after sexual maturity. Jing is the fountain of youth when full, and the harbinger of old age, disease when less, declining. The following are functions associated with the kidneys, jing:
1. Govern birth, growth, development and reproduction 2. Govern the bones, spine and brain (jing produces marrow) 3. Govern head hair and teeth (excess of the bones) 4. Govern water (urination) 5. Open into the ears (kidney meridian passes into the ear) 6. Control will power (jing, hormones, marrow)
In Western medicine, the kidneys regulate, balance electrolytes (positive and negative ions), producing and maintaining the correct amount of electrical conductivity. They also regulate pH, acid and alkaline. The pH scale ranges from 1 – 14. A pH of seven is neutral. Below seven is acid, above, alkaline. Normal body, blood pH is approximately 7.3. Anything above (alkalosis) or below (acidosis), in the extreme weakens, sickens and pains. Electrolytes and pH, as everything else are a predetermined balance of opposites: negative, acid (hot, building) and positive, alkaline (cold, cleansing).
Protein and fat (acid) build and fuel all structure, function, blood, jing kidneys, etc. Low protein and low fat diets, in the extreme, tend to thin and weaken the blood, which in turn, thins and weakens jing, hair, teeth, bones, etc. Too much protein and fat, in addition to alcohol, smoking and caffeine also thins and weakens jing.
Excessive sex, masturbation (daily), caffeine, alcohol, smoking, stimulant drugs, bulimia, overwork, heredity and or living in an excessively hot, dry climate increase, accelerate jing consumption. When jing declines, the aging, drying, thinning and weakening process begins. You can live fast and die young or slow down, conserve jing and live longer. .
Excessive sex, masturbation is especially weakening for men, which is why men generally lose consciousness after orgasm. Orgasm, ejaculation produces a great loss of energy via a loss of essence, jing. Jing contains large amounts of protein and fat. Eastern philosophies advise the man to start but not finish (ejaculate, orgasm) to not only conserves jing but also extend lovemaking. Give up the small (orgasm) for the greater (longer lovemaking, healthier life). The less you ejaculate the stronger and longer you live, which is why many spiritual disciplines advocate celibacy. Celibacy also allows one to direct energy upwards into the higher chakras, spiritual energy centers, instead of down and out the lower chakras. For more information please read Chapters 28 (Meditation) and 29 (Spiritual Practices).
The following symptoms are associated with jing deficiency, also known as kidney yin deficiency, which usually occurs later in life. Anything earlier, indicates accelerated, premature aging, break down. Kidney yin (jing) and consequently kidney yang (kidney yin fuels kidney yang) naturally decline with age, after sexual maturity (varies according to the individual). They are never in excess. Kidney yin is cool, moistening. It acts like a large leafy tree that offers shade and coolness during a sunny day. As long as you stand under the tree, you feel cool and calm; but when you leave the tree and stand under the sun too long, you become, hot, dry, active and or irritable. Kidney yin deficiency removes the tree, shade.
Kidney Yin (Jing) deficiency
Stage One. Mild
1. Dry mouth at night Kidney yin (jing, blood) moistens. Long-term kidney yin deficiency, blood deficiency and or excessive heat (building, protein, fat, alcohol, caffeine and smoking), tends to cause heat, dryness, especially in the extremities, head, arms and legs, during the evening and or periods of inactivity. Dry mouth and throat, during the night is a symptom commonly associated with kidney yin, blood deficiency.
2. Night sweats occur when yin (jing, blood) is too weak, deficient to control, cool and moisten yang, fire, causing the body to temporarily overheat, perspire during the night.
3. Malar flush is partial facial flushing. Kidney yin, jing deficiency cannot fully control, contain energy, fire causing it occasionally rage, flash out of control producing partial (deficient) flushing as opposed to total flushing (entire face red). Excess heat (too much building, protein and fat) causes excess heat. Deficient heat causes deficient, temporary heat. .
4. Insomnia (light and dreamy) The shen, spirit sleeps in the heart (anchors, holds the spirit). The heart is a blood rich organ. Blood, protein, fat and kidney yin, jing deficiency tends to weaken, dry the heart (in addition to everything else) weakening its holding power allowing the spirit during the night to roam, rise up into the head, brain, stimulating thinking, dreaming.
5. Urinary difficulties Kidney yang heats the bladder, thinning its fluids making them easier to pass. When jing declines, kidney yang, fire also declines increasing and thickening water in the bladder making it more difficult, painful to pass. Yin fuels yang.
Stage Two. Chronic Kidney yin deficiency
6. Dry skin, nails, hair, eyes, secretions, etc Long-term kidney yin (jing, blood) deficiency dries the skin, hair, nails, etc.
7. Mental problems (poor concentration, loss of memory, etc) Long-term jing, blood deficiency weakens the marrow, brain.
8. Dizziness, vertigo Chronic blood, jing deficiency, poor circulation and or sudden excess heat (caffeine, alcohol, etc.) tends to cause dryness, dizziness (swaying, mimics the movement of fire) and vertigo (fear).
9. Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) The kidneys open up into the ears. Kidney yin deficiency tends to create a soft ringing as opposed to a loud ringing, generally a symptom of excess heat in the liver.
10. Nocturnal emissions The kidneys control the sexual organs. Kidney yin controls kidney yang. Kidney yang (chi) holds. Deficient kidney yin weakens, lessens kidney yang, holding power, causing leaking during the night (nocturnal emissions).
11. Mental restlessness and or irritability Yin deficiency tends to cause deficient heat, over stimulation of the brain.
12. Weak bones and teeth Jing is the material foundation of the bones, teeth and hair.
Kidney yin, jing fuels kidney yang. .Kidney yang heats, stimulates, supplements all function, yang: digestion (spleen), respiration (anchors the breath, inhalation), elimination (bladder, orifices of elimination), circulation (heart) and reproduction (transforms jing into ovum, sperm). Jing, blood deficiency, old age, poor diet, excessive sex, alcohol, caffeine, drugs, etc drains, weakens kidney yang.
Kidney Yang deficiency
Stage One. Mild
1. Coldness in the back and knees The kidneys are located in the small of the back. Kidney yang warms the bones, back, knees, etc.
2. Sore, weak lower back The kidneys are located in the lower back. Kidney yang (chi) holds the bones in place. Deficient kidney yang causes pain, weakness and coldness in the lower back. Cardinal symptom
3. Abundant, clear urination Kidney yang heats the bladder, thins the urine. Weak kidney yang cools the bladder increasing water, urine and the need to urinate.
Stage Two. Chronic Kidney yang deficiency
4. Bright, white complexion Kidney yang supplements heart and lung yang. Chronic deficient kidney yang weakens the lungs, heart, reducing circulation, blood flow to the head, face producing a bright, white complexion (cold). Blood is red (hot).
5. Shortness of breath Kidney yang anchors (pulls in) the breath, Chronic kidney yang deficiency weakens, decreases the inhalation.
6. Weak legs The kidneys rule the bones, legs
7. Loose stools at daybreak. Deficient kidney yang weakens spleen yang.
8. Premature ejaculation Kidney yang (chi) holds. A lack of yang can cause premature ejaculation (lack of holding).
9. Impotence Kidney yang moves and holds blood in the penis. A lack of yang or blood deficiency fails to build and fuel.
10. Chronic vaginal discharge Kidney yang warms, heats the body, uterus and vagina. Weak kidney yang cools, moistens and thickens fluids in the uterus, vagina into clear or white mucous discharges.
11. Edema in the legs and ankles Kidney yang controls water metabolism. Water increases, and tends to overflow into the legs and ankles when kidney yang is weak.
12. Prolapse of the uterus Kidney yang supports spleen yang, holding. Chronic kidney yang deficiency weakens spleen yang, holding causing the uterus to sink, prolapsed
13. Infertility in women Kidney yang transforms jing into ovum, moves the egg (ovum) through the ovaries and fallopian tubes into the uterus. Kidney yin deficiency and or an excess of cold, tends to weaken kidney yang, transformation, movement of the egg, fertility.
14. Tongue is pale, swollen and wet. Kidney yang heats the body, dries excess fluids and supports heart yang, circulation. Deficient kidney yang burns less fluids and moves less blood causing the tongue to become pale (blood is red), cold, swollen and wet.
The kidneys, jing are nourished by blood, protein, fat (red meat, pork), black foods (black beans, black fungus, black sesame seeds, black dates, rhemannia, etc.) and warmth (protein, fat, cooked foods, etc.). Cold temperatures (winter, air condition, swimming in cold water, etc.), cold drinks (juices, sodas, ice water) in excess, tends to chill, shock and weaken the kidneys. This is one reason why in some cultures women wrap their midsection, lower abdomen with an extra layer of clothing, to not only keep cold out, but also heat, energy in. It is also the reason why most foods are cooked, to not only aid digestion, but also increase body heat. This does not mean that vegetables should be overcooked, soft, mushy just cooked, lightly steamed, boiled, crunchy. Richard Heft