Element Spotlight - Water

In our ongoing exploration of the five elements within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we now turn our focus to Water. As we transition from Fire, Earth, and Metal, we delve into how Water—governing the Kidney and Bladder meridians—plays a pivotal role, especially during the cold embrace of winter.

Kidney

Horary Cycle Time: 5PM - 7PM

Primary Actions:

• Stores the essence - Governs Birth, Growth, Reproduction, and Development.  

• Opens in the ears 

• Marrow Production - Fills the brain, controls the bones, including teeth.

• Hair Health - Manifest in the hair (on head) 

• Houses the will power 

• Controls the Gate of Life 

• Related to fear. 

Bladder 

Horary Cycle Time: 3PM - 5PM

Primary Actions:

• Removes water via Qi transformation  

Characteristics of the Water Element: 

• Associations: Winter season, cold, bones, salty, groaning, putrid, and Ear. 

• Recurrent subluxations: entire spine, ankle / foot, sacrum, bilateral pelvis, Intervertebral Disc, Ileocecal valve, Cervical spine, Lumbar spine, T12-L1, Shoulder, Occiput to T1, and Femur / Acetabulum.

• Muscles: Anterior Tibial, Peroneous longus, Sacrospinalis, Psoas, Upper Trapezius, and Illiacus.

• Emotions: paralyzed will and fear. 

In TCM, a Bladder deficiency and cold can manifest as frequent abundant pale urination, incontinence, inability to control urination, lower back ache, dizziness, night time urination, and white urethral discharge. Kidney-Yang Deficiency manifests as lower back ache, cold and weak knees, a sensation of cold in the lower back, feeling of cold, weak legs, bright-white complexion, tiredness, lassitude, abundant clear urination, urination at night, apathy, edema of the legs, infertility in women, loose stools, depression, impotence, premature ejaculation, low sperm count, cold and thin sperm, decreased libido.  

As we explore the Water element—our fourth elemental discussion—you might begin to notice overlaps among the elements and their effects on various muscle groups. These patterns highlight the interconnected nature of your body according to TCM principles.

In Western medicine, the kidneys are primarily seen as blood filters, crucial for maintaining bodily homeostasis by regulating hormone secretion, sodium absorption, and blood osmolarity. However, TCM extends this view by regarding the kidneys as the reservoir of your vital essence—the very core of your life force. They are considered your body's primary energy storage, crucial for vitality and growth.

Have you experienced persistent fatigue, a lack of energy, or a diminished emotional state? These can be signs that your lifestyle is taxing your kidney energy. Our contemporary, fast-paced lives—marked by constant activity and overwhelming demands—can severely deplete these vital reserves. This depletion often manifests as diminished vitality, reduced fertility, and decreased libido.

Preserving your energy is more than a practice—it's a necessity for well-being. If you find yourself struggling with these issues, consider this a vital call to nurture your body and restore balance. At Jai Yen Chiropractic and Wellness, we specialize in helping you align your body's energies and revitalize your health. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step towards reclaiming your vitality and well-being.

References:

Deadman, Peter & Al-Khakaji, MAzin: A Manual of Acupuncture, 2004

Maciocia, Giovanni: The Foundations of Chinese Medicine, 2005

N.E.T Master Chart