Love Your Kidneys by The Vale Practice

Feeling sluggish, tired and grumpy? Time to give your kidneys a bit of a recharge. Our Vale Practice therapists have come up with new insights on how to maintain this vital body part that, if followed, could put that spring back in your step and a sparkle in your eyes!

Never realised how crucial your kidneys were? Take it from Bea Erler, Vale Practice massage therapist and acupuncturist, who explains: ‘The kidneys and bladder are responsible for preserving, cleaning and circulating fluids in our bodies. Lack of fluid in the body can lead to problems such as thirst and dry mouth, headaches, dry and itchy eyes, dry and clicky joints (lack of synovial fluids), dry skin, urinary tract problems etc. Therefore it is essential to drink enough water and watch the intake of dehydrating foods and drinks such as coffee and alcohol and spicy foods.’

Drinking the requisite 1.5 to 2litres of fresh water a day is vital, too. As is slowly reducing the intake of sugary, fatty foods (cake, sweets, crisps, biscuits and mince pies!), and trying to reintroduce more healthy, simple fare such as fresh soups, vegetable risottos and good, wholegrain bread. Don’t switch all at once or the cravings will kick in, but start packing in more dark green vegetables, nuts and fruit to keep your Vitamin B, Iron, potassium, magnesium, copper and zinc levels up; and broccoli, cabbage, oranges and berries for Vitamin C too.

Kidney imbalance leads to more than just feeling parched. Bea, who is trained in the holistic Chinese five-element framework, explains: ‘In Chinese medicine, the kidneys and bladder belong to the water element. The emotion relating to water and the kidneys is fear and anxiety. With a balanced water element we fear and react to things that are a real danger to us such as being careful crossing a busy road or installing smoke alarms. If the water element is out of balance we can either have no fear at all, which puts us into danger, or we can live in a constant state of fear and anxiety.

‘The water element relates to coolness, calmness and fluidity, like a still lake in ourselves where we can return to time after time to refresh and reenergise.’ Acupuncture works on all aspects of the organs – their physical and emotional function – to aim to bring everything back into balance.

Best foot forward

Reflexologist and masseur Paul Smith says: ‘Kidney function gets slower as we age so every little thing we can do to help them on the way the better!  Kidneys are one of the body's most important organs. Their main function is to remove toxins from your system. Reflexology can help stimulate the kidney's and keep them working properly. Reflexology has been used for thousands of years to stimulate organs and keep them in their best working condition.  

The Kidney points are located roughly in the centre of the feet. Use your thumb to apply some light pressure on this spot, using small, circular movements to help boost your kidneys. If you get some nice foot cream you can incorporate it into an all over foot rub to keep your feet nice and soft!’

Help to help yourself

If you’re struggling to even think about being more healthy – or kick any post-party cravings – take a tip from Vale Practice hypnotherapist and reiki practitioner Jane Crowe: ‘Taking care of your body is all about valuing and caring for yourself. Hypnotherapy can help you to understand and neutralise the negative thought patterns that may be responsible for the unhealthy eating and drinking patterns and “self destruct” behaviour that can be so damaging to your body - especially your kidneys. Your kidneys are there to help flush out toxins but can be overwhelmed by the demands of an excessive lifestyle. Use the power of your mind to change your habits and help your body feel safe and cared for.
 
‘Reiki is also a safe and relaxing way to rebalance mind and body.  The gentle, safe yet powerful energy can shift negative thinking and behaviour and turn it into a more positive approach. The kidneys in particular can be helped by focusing Reiki on the sacral or second chakra which is situated just below the navel. This chakra, or energy centre, governs the digestive system as well as the emotions, sexuality and desires. It controls our relationships and social interactions with others so it is important in helping maintain a healthy and balanced approach to life.’

Finally, a good night’s sleep is essential in the winter months to restore and rest all your organs – especially those that have been working particularly hard at processing festive season toxins. Avoid drinking caffeine before going to sleep – even if it doesn’t appear to affect your ability to get to sleep it will still be stimulating parts of the body, and stopping you from achieving the best night’s sleep possible. For those of you who have difficulty sleeping, reflexology or cranial Osteopathy can be really helpful; Bea offers an evening treatment of combined massage and acupuncture that has won her a loyal following of former-insomniacs. Or if you prefer something a little less hands on Jane Crowe has also built up a fan base for her hypnotherapy ‘five steps’ CD:‘Better Sleep’.

Copyright 2009 The Vale Practice. The Vale Practice was founded in 2000 by osteopath Amberin Fur, who felt that there was a strong requirement for an integrated complementary medical practice to serve South East London. She has hand-picked an excellent, highly qualified and motivated team of practitioners, to offer a full, holistic range of therapies from hypnotherapy to acupuncture. Working to the highest standards, the practice aims to offer a tailored treatment programme to maximise the clients' health and wellbeing.