The Importance of Kidney Essence in Traditional Chinese Medicine
According to the profound insights found in the “Suwen: Jin Gui Zhen Yan Lun”, the essence is considered the foundation of life. The vitality stored in the kidneys consists of pre-natal essence and post-natal essence. The pre-natal essence is inherited from parental reproductive energy and is inherent from birth, serving as the initial substance for embryonic development. On the other hand, post-natal essence refers to the refined energy derived from food intake, facilitated by the digestive functions of the spleen and stomach, alongside byproducts from the physiological activities of various organs, which are ultimately stored in the kidneys.
The Role of Kidneys in Lifespan and Vitality
The kidneys are considered the primary storage house for life essence. As noted in the “Suwen: Liujie Cangxiang Lun”, the kidneys govern the act of seclusion and are the root of essence's storage. Throughout one’s lifetime, individuals inevitably go through phases of growth, aging, sickness, and death, stages heavily influenced by the ebb and flow of kidney essence and vitality. For instance, the text highlights that “at seven years, a girl’s kidney energy flourishes, leading to deeper teeth and longer hair; at fourteen, menstruation begins, allowing for conception.” Similarly, it notes that for boys, “by the age of eight, kidney energy is strong; however, by the age of sixteen, energy declines, leading to diminished reproductive capacity.”
Furthermore, the “Jing Yue Quan Shu” emphasizes that to maintain good health, one must treasure their essence. When essence is abundant, vitality thrives, and a strong spirit leads to good health, reducing the likelihood of illness.
Preventive Care in Traditional Chinese Medicine
The “Nei Jing” articulates a crucial principle in traditional medicine: “the best physician treats not only existing ailments but prevents potential ones.” The highest practice in traditional Chinese medicine is to maintain the balance of yin and yang within the body, fostering a harmonious state of “yin ping yang mi.” Given that the kidneys are fundamental to the body's yin-yang balance, their significance in health maintenance cannot be overstated. Experts highlight that a vital rule of wellness is to “consolidate the kidneys and protect essence,” addressing not just existing kidney deficiencies but also preventing future ones.
Practicing Moderation for Kidney Health
One vital aspect of preserving kidney essence involves practicing moderation in desires. This encompasses not only sexual desires but also emotional attachments. Reducing harmful habits such as smoking and excessive drinking is imperative. Uncontrolled sexual desires can deplete essence, while excessive emotional turbulence can weaken the heart. Additionally, smoking harms the lungs, and drinking damages the liver. Engaging in excessive consumption of food can lead to gastric distress, creating further imbalance. Ultimately, indulgence in sexual, emotional, and other appetites can substantially drain kidney energy, leading to a significant loss of vitality.
The “Suwen: Shang Guo Tian Zhen Lun” warns against modern excesses, stating, “people today indulge excessively, treating alcohol as sustenance and misunderstanding the limits of desires, leading to the depletion of essence and resulting in early decline.” This indicates that a lack of moderation in sexual activities can hasten the depletion of kidney essence, especially past the age of fifty.
While moderate alcohol consumption may have health benefits, excessive drinking primarily damages kidney energy and overall wellness. Modern medicine supports the notion that prolonged heavy drinking can lead to severe health consequences, including necrosis of the femoral head. Therefore, moderation should not be confused with abstinence; understanding and practicing moderation is key to maintaining balance and promoting health.