The function and duty of the kidney is to store our essence and it is the house of our will power. It is the source of our pre-heaven qi or original qi that we inherit from our parents. It is the qi from the kidneys that controls reproduction, our growth and development and produces our bone marrow and brains. The kidneys are like a candle or oil lamp that has a finite source of energy and once it is gone it cannot be replaced. In the same way we are born with a finite amount of energy. We cannot create more of this energy, but we can control if it is used wisely or recklessly in our life choices.
The kidney houses our will power. It gives us the energy for hard work and the persistence to see a job is finished all the way. When it is functioning properly it helps provide energy for all of our daily activities. If there is a disharmony there can be a lack of determination and motivation that can even lead to depression. On the other hand a person might work too hard or work too much without proper rest.
This will deplete their essential energy much faster than normal because the kidney will supply any organ with additional energy if that organ becomes depleted, this can lead to disease in any organ, not just the kidneys.
The kidney is the ‘mother’ to the liver and the lungs are the ‘mother’ to the kidney. The kidney provides the liver with a good physical body and mind that is strong. This allows the liver to be flexible and provide a smooth flow of qi and blood throughout the body. If the body and mind are not strong then the qi and blood will not flow smoothly. If the lung is functioning properly we will be able to take deep inhalations. Good deep meditative breathing can help to increase the body’s energy and so that we do not have to dip into the reserve of energy housed in the kidney.
Emotions associated with the kidney, if it is functioning properly. is our will power, motivation and focused determination. If it is not functioning properly there will be emotions of fear, anxiety, panic attacks, a lack of willpower, and discouragement. The partner organ to the kidney is the urinary bladder which controls the storage and release of urine. If functioning properly it will help further transform the pure and impure fluids from the small intestine, absorbing what is useful and eliminating what is not. If it is not in harmony there can be excessive or insufficient urination and nocturnal emissions and leaking. In some cases with children there can be bedwetting if they are in an environment that is scary, unsafe, or if they have experienced abuse. If there is not proper elimination and too much holding of urine this can lead to holding of grudges, jealousy, and suspicion.
The season that resonates with the kidney is winter, the color is black, the taste is salty (flavor of salty softens) and the element is water. The winter is a time for hibernation and reflection. It is a time to conserve our energy and rest in a dark room with no light. It is also a reminder to keep yourself warm and eat warm foods so that the body does not have to use its precious energy to keep us warm and heat up the foods we consume.
The five elements or phases can be viewed from many different perspectives and relationships. As we’ve seen there is a physiological correspondence to these elements and emotional correspondences. There is also the perspective of time with the seasons of the year and this can also be viewed on a monthly, weekly, daily and even hourly basis as well. It is important for us to remember that the five phases are not static. Each phase just came from another phase and will eventually be turning into another phase. The more that we study ourselves and the environment around us we can see the functions and duties of the five elements and their unique interrelationships.
