Are you tired, feeling cold, or having hot flashes? Do you have sleep disturbances or an achy lower back/knees? Are you feeling fearful?
If you do, you might be deficient in the Water Element in Chinese Medicine, also known as Kidney deficiency.
The Water Element or Kidneys store the body's life essence, known as jing, and play a major role in aging and longevity.
In our fast paced world, we frequently walk around with depleted Kidneys. The Water Element can get depleted from poor diet, lack of sleep, stress, emotional strain, overwork, genetics, and many other causes.
How can we refuel our Kidneys?
Eating a whole foods diet full of fresh vegetables, clean protein, whole grains, nuts and seeds. The color that represents the Kidneys is blue and black, so eating blue and black foods such as blueberries, blackberries, black lentils, and black beans are beneficial. The Kidneys like salty foods (not processed salt) like miso and lacto-fermented sauerkraut as well .
Getting plenty of rest and engaging in activities that are nourishing and restorative. Finding ways of taking time to rest, relax, and breathe. The Kidneys like a slower pace with quiet introspective activities.
This is why Qi Gong is such a wonderful activity, since it allows us to learn how to slow down and breathe. Even more importantly, the movements serve to move and support the energy or qi in the body, enabling us to build the energy in the Kidneys, replenishing the Water Element.
Check out this video of a Kidney Water Element Qigong Movement to help build Kidney energy: