Ledbury Focus Winter 2019/2020 Ledbury Focus Dec-Jan 2020 v3 | Page 54

The Importance of Kidney and Adrenal Health for General Vitality by Helen Mawson, BSc Hons, DIpM, BTAA, BAUK, KFRP I Contact me for more information I have clinics in Ledbury and Corse, Gloucestershire Contact me on: T: 01531 579 035 M: 07904 457 075 or email me at helen@complete -balance. co.uk You can also find out more information and article on my brand-new website: www.complete-balance. co.uk Newsletter Sign up for my newsletter via my website in order to receive health information and promotional offers. 54 t’s the time of year when we all need a little extra help with our health and vitality! In this article, I share with you some information on how we can balance our kidney and adrenal health for general health and vitality. I will also share with you some self-help tips for stimulating energy and giving you more vitality helping you stay in tip top condition throughout Christmas and into the New Year! Location of the kidneys and adrenals The kidneys are located on the back of the body on each side in the region bounded superiorly by the twelfth rib, medially by the vertebral column and inferiorly by the superior lilac crest. The adrenal glands are located just above the kidneys on both sides, each gland has an outer cortex and an inner medulla. Physical function of the kidneys and adrenals The primary physical function of the kidneys is to remove waste products of metabolism from our bodies. Our kidneys perform essential activities to the urinary system and also serve homeostatic functions such as the regulation of electrolytes, maintenance of acid-base balance and regulation of blood pressure. The kidneys work to filter the blood and remove water soluble wastes which are diverted to the bladder. The adrenal glands are endocrine glands and they produce a variety of hormones including adrenaline, cortisol and aldosterone. The kidney and adrenals work together synergistically to regulate several body functions one of the main functions, for example, is blood pressure. The kidneys make renin which tells the adrenals to make hormones that regulate fluid volume, vascular tension and sodium levels. Kidney health and Traditional Chinese Medicine In terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) our kidneys are where we store our vital energy and general vitality. The balance of kidney energy is crucial and essential to good overall health and balance. When the kidneys are well the qi or energy in a person is balanced and well and this qi / energy can be distributed as it is needed. When the kidneys are damaged this ability to distribute qi / energy becomes impaired. A TCM practitioner, Acupuncturist or Kinesiologist would generally work to stimulate the kidney meridian by gently massaging or needling points on the kidney meridian and on the bladder meridian. This stimulation would help balance the kidney energy and kidney health would become balanced as a result. In practice, I would use a combination of the Bowen kidney To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: [email protected]