In the fast-paced life, we may overlook the subtle signals of the body, especially those related to the “foundation of innate nature” – the health of the kidneys. The essence (kidney essence) hidden in the kidneys is essential for vitality, reproductive capacity, and overall life force. Deficiency of kidney essence can lead to various physical problems, but fortunately, by observing specific parts of the body, we can self-test the status of kidney essence.
Inspiration from Hair Traditional Chinese medicine believes that “the luster of hair depends on the kidneys”, meaning the health of the kidneys directly affects the growth and luster of the hair. When kidney essence is abundant, the hair is dark, shiny, thick, and smooth; conversely, insufficient kidney essence may cause thinning, dryness, loss of luster in hair, or even premature graying. Frequent hair loss or lack of luster in hair may be a warning sign from the kidneys.
Brightness of the Eyes Eyes not only serve as the window to the soul but also reflect the abundance of kidney essence. In Chinese medicine, it is said that “the liver and kidneys are connected”, when kidney essence is abundant, the eyes are clear and spiritual; however, a deficiency in kidney essence may result in blurred vision, dry eyes, dark circles, and other symptoms. Prolonged eye fatigue accompanied by persistent dark circles may indicate insufficient kidney essence.
Strength of Teeth “Teeth are the remnant of bones,” the strength of teeth is closely linked to kidney essence. Individuals with abundant kidney essence have strong teeth and healthy gums; on the other hand, insufficient kidney essence may lead to loose teeth, receding gums, and premature tooth loss. If you notice widened gaps between teeth or loose teeth, kidney essence should be considered.
Sensitivity of Ears “The kidneys open up to the ears,” the adequacy of kidney essence directly affects hearing. With ample kidney essence, hearing is sharp; in case of deficiency, tinnitus and hearing loss may occur. Decreased hearing or constant noise in the ears may signal kidney essence deficiency.
Facing these warnings, actively adjusting lifestyle is crucial:
– In diet, increase intake of black foods such as black beans, black sesame seeds, black fungus, and foods rich in proteins, zinc, and vitamin E to nourish kidney essence. – Maintain a regular sleep schedule, avoid staying up late to facilitate kidney essence recovery. – Engage in moderate exercise such as Tai Chi, yoga to enhance physical fitness without excessive depletion of kidney essence. – Stay calm, reduce anxiety and tension, adopt relaxation techniques like meditation to protect kidney essence. – Moderation in sexual activities to prevent excessive depletion of kidney essence, maintaining physical and mental health.
Through these daily small changes, not only can we promptly detect and address insufficient kidney essence, but also enhance overall health, making life more vibrant. Paying attention to kidney essence and embracing a healthy lifestyle reveals the true essence in the subtleties.
