Give your kidneys some TLC for spring

Polarity therapist Jane Seaman explains why the kidneys are so important for our overall health and recommends you give them some extra love for spring. Here’s why…

• Do you have an achy lower back?
• Are you feeling tired all the time?
• Do you find it hard to make clear judgements?
• Are you feeling the effects of cold more than others?
• Have you been overworking? Burning the candle at both ends?
• Wake up feeling like you have not had enough sleep?
• Perhaps feel like you are on a treadmill, you feel the need to keep going but you are also exhausted and don’t know how to stop?

Any of these feelings may be because your kidneys are overburdened – and I know exactly how this feels. In the past I used to feel the effects of overburdening my kidney energy too.

I know better now as, being a polarity therapist, I am concerned with keeping the kidneys (and the liver) cleansed and supported.  I know one of the most important things when my kidneys are feeling the effects of modern-day living is to create time to simply rest. Let me explain a little more…

The role of the kidneys

Our kidneys are important organs. They play a vital part in maintaining the body’s fluid content, they produce hormones that regulate blood pressure and help to make red blood cells as well as activating Vitamin D (the sunshine vitamin) to maintain healthy bones.  They also act as a filtration system to rid the body of waste products. They work particularly hard in the winter time as we indulge with comfort foods and drinks. It is wise to include in your spring detox programme not only a liver cleanse but a focus on supporting your kidneys too.

Energetically, our left and right kidneys are our yin (female) and yang (male) balancers in life, the balance of incoming and outgoing energy.  How much energy do you give out… and how much time do you spend on self-care?

The kidneys are also energetically connected to the emotional state of our relationships and often get depleted when things are not going well in this area of life.  At the most subtle level depleted kidney energy function affects our ability to make clear judgements and discernment.

Kidney energy naturally progressively depletes with age. Our kidneys are particularly vulnerable to exhaustion bought on by hard-driven lifestyles, insufficient fluid intake (water), chronic illness, poor diet and mental and emotional stress. So if you are over 40 and you are keeping up the same paced lifestyle and work pressure as you did in your 20s your kidneys will be taking a battering!

How to check the health of your kidneys 

Check the kidney reflex on both your feet.

Press into the area shown with your thumb.

Although this reflex is frequently tender, excessive pain can be an indicator that your kidneys need help.

Puffiness under the eyes is another sign of depleted kidneys.

FIVE WAYS TO GIVE YOUR KIDNEYS TLC

1. Kidney treatment In polarity treatment sessions it is common for us to work into the kidney reflexes as a matter of course, as well as connect the reflex points to the kidneys themselves to support the body in releasing over-stressed kidneys and to establish the natural flow of energy for the body to repair itself. For people who are experiencing high levels of stress we would also focus on the adrenal glands which sit on top of the kidneys. This session is often extremely effective in allowing clients to experience what it is like to really feel relaxed again.
2. Cleanse with dandelion Giving our kidneys a regular cleanse is something that we can all do for ourselves and it’s good practice to cleanse your kidneys before you embark on a detox programme.  The humble dandelion has amazing diuretic properties.  It helps to flush toxins and salts out of the kidney. The leaves of the dandelion are high in B vitamins, which coincidentally happen to be anti-stress vitamins.  They also contain potassium, magnesium and zinc, all of which are vital minerals for our health.  So next time you look out at your garden and see a spattering of dandelions, take heed as they can be a great addition to your salad plate or add to hot water to create a herbal tea (you can buy dandelion herbal teas from most good health food shops).  You can also purchase dandelion coffee which is available from most good health food shops.
3. Kelp and nettle are other herbs that are excellent to support your kidneys.  You can add kelp to salads and soups and make nettle tea buy adding some nettles (be sure to wash the nettle leaves first and wear gloves to avoid being stung!) to hot water.
4. Lemon barley is a great boost for the kidneys.  Here is how you can make your own… To remove some of the laxative qualities of barley, dry-roast it in a large, heavy-based pan for a couple of minutes, then add water and bring to the boil. When it has reached this point, turn the heat down and allow a slow rolling simmer with the lid on for at least an hour. Strain the barley from the water and allow the liquid to cool. If the liquid is very thick, use it like a concentrate and add more water. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice and drink.
5. Foods for the kidneys Kidney beans, beetroot, cranberries, cherries, cinnamon, garlic and onions are also known to support your kidneys.

If your kidneys are in need of some TLC, polarity therapy sessions help your body rebalance and clear your mind.