First, a note on fear:
"Chronic fearfulness, on the other hand, is draining. This constant anticipatory state leads to weakness and exhaustion, for it's like running the bodymind motor too fast and too long. The continual hyperactivity puts pressure on the whole bodymind system, and depletes the adaptive energy."
-Iona Teeguarden, The Joy of Feeling
The Kidney and Bladder meridians make up the 'Land of Chih' in Chinese Medicine. Chih is the aspect of the psyche responsible for strength of character, power of personality, vitality, enthusiasm, and sexual energy." It is the seat of resolution. It is the psychic force which give us the energy to move through and around obstacles to our growth, to being our real Self." The image is WATER, a universal symbol for the unconscious. The Kidneys and Bladder literally have a water function, as they regulate water metabolism. When the Kidney meridian is deficient, our energy levels plummet and we are liable to feel fearful, timid, inadequate, and inferior. We may experience fatigue, hypersensitivity to cold, ear problems or tinnitus, dizziness upon standing, hair loss, knee problems, menopausal hot flashes, night sweats, low back pain, brittleness of bones, and decreased sexual desire.
Traditional Kidney Meridian Associations:
- weak breath, panting
- hypersensitivity to cold
- drowsiness, lack of energy
- ear problems, tinnitus
- eyes blur upon standing (dizzy)
- fatigue
- irregular menstruation
- pain or numb soles of feet
- dry tongue
- water retention
The Kidney and Fear relationship in Chinese Medicine is analogous to adrenaline and cortisol (stress hormones) being released from the adrenal glands that lie above the kidneys, which activates our sympathetic nervous system or our ‘fight or flight’ response (fear/survival instinct). This is an important messaging system that helps us realize and deal with dangerous or life-threatening situations. However, this system can also become overactive when we are chronically stressed or have endured trauma. Our adrenal glands become overtaxed and we feel depleted and often restless.
If the above rings true, let's begin to understand that excessive fear can cause kidney weakness, and kidney weakness can cause the emotion of fear.
Meaning, it's important to address both the physical and emotional aspect.
Our 'Adrenal Fatigue' Tincture has been designed to tend to the adrenal system, kidneys and the emotion of fear. Discover more about this tincture.
Yours in TCM,
BY 36
Teeguarden, Iona Marsaa. The Joy of Feeling. Tokyo and New York: Japan Publications, INC., 1987. Print.
Teeguarden, Iona Marsaa. (2009). Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure® Intermediate Handbook (2). Idyllwild, CA: Iona Marsaa Trust.
Teeguarden, Iona Marsaa. (2009). Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure® Advanced Supplement. Idyllwild, CA: Iona Marsaa Trust.
