As we continue our celebration of Men’s Health Month, it is time to look at the most important area of the male anatomy. No. Not that. But it does feed into that. We’re going to be talking about the kidneys. In East Asian Medicine, the kidneys hold immense significance in men’s health, serving as a foundational source of vitality and longevity. The kidneys are considered the root of the body’s vital energy, “essence” or Jing, responsible for growth, development, and reproductive functions. While all organs are important, the kidneys can be crucial to men’s health.
The kidney system includes the adrenal glands and the reproductive organs, playing a key role in energy, motivation, and sexual function. If the kidneys are not functioning at their peak, issues can pop up, including low back or knee pain, lack of energy, poor memory, low sex drive, impotence, premature ejaculation, low sperm count, poor sperm motility or morphology, prostate problems and frequent urination.
One vital aspect is the kidneys’ role in sexual health and fertility. Governing the reproductive system, including the production of sperm and sexual desire, the kidneys store and distribute sexual energy, influencing men’s sexual potency, stamina and overall vitality. Maintaining healthy kidney function is believed to enhance male fertility and sexual performance, as well as overall health and wellness.
Maintaining healthy kidneys is crucial for overall well-being. East Asian Medicine (EAM) offers several tips to support kidney health. Here are some EAM recommendations to help keep the kidneys functioning optimally.
1. Balanced Diet, Black Foods and Warm Foods – A diet full of fresh, whole foods helps keep qi, blood, and essence running at their optimal levels. And foods that are dark in color or have a salty flavor will continually nourish the kidneys. Think black olives, black rice, black beans, kidney beans, soy sauce, blackberries and blueberries. Shellfish, nuts and seeds also benefit men’s reproductive health, especially walnuts and almonds. Warm and cooked foods are also easier to digest and gentler on the kidneys. Excessive consumption of cold or raw foods should be avoided or limited, as they may weaken the kidneys.
2. Stay Hydrated – Proper hydration is vital for kidney health. When the body is dehydrated, it makes it harder for the kidneys to perform their detoxification process, which can then lead to kidneys infections and kidney stones. Drink warm or room temperature fluids and avoid too many cold or iced beverages, as they can weaken the kidneys.
3. Manage Stress – Emotional stress can impact kidney health. Working too hard depletes kidney yin, while working too little slows down kidney yang. Meditation, qigong, tai chi or gentle exercises can help balance your energy and keep the kidneys functioning well.
4. Get Acupuncture – Regular acupuncture treatments help regulate energy flow, alleviate imbalances, and support overall well-being. Getting a monthly treatment is advised to help keep the body in optimal condition. More frequent treatments are recommended if there are complicating factors like diabetes or heart disease.
5. Exercise – We all hear it over and over again…ya gotta move. But so many of us just don’t do it. And because men tend to have more physical jobs, they are less likely to want to exercise. But the good news is that all one needs to do is go for a walk several times a week to help keep the blood flowing to the kidneys and the rest of the body. The best time is after a meal, because it helps the body digest and metabolize the food, while delivering the nutrients to the needed areas of the body.
Optimal kidney function is essential for men’s health, impacting various aspects of well-being, including hormonal balance. By addressing kidney health holistically, men can optimize their well-being and lead healthier lives, with acupuncture playing a pivotal role in controlling and managing factors that affect the kidneys.