Bend & Blend - Waterworks

Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, each about the size of your fist. They're located at the back of your upper abdomen, one on either side of your spine. The kidneys' main function is to eliminate excess fluid and waste material from your blood. High blood pressure and diabetes - are the most common causes of kidney failure– see previous articles.

The kidneys also house the Adrenal Glands which are chiefly responsible for regulating the body's stress response through the synthesis of cortisol and adrenaline. In other words, the task of your adrenal glands is to rush all your body’s resources into “fight or flight” mode by increasing production of adrenaline and other hormones. When healthy, your adrenals can instantly increase your heart rate and blood pressure, release your energy stores for immediate use, slow your digestion and other secondary functions, and sharpen your senses.

With so much stress in our lives our Adrenals can sometimes get overworked so it is important to look after ourselves and create some space for some “me time”. There are many herbal remedies and nutritional supplements that are of great benefit to the adrenal glands and if you lead a stressful lifestyle it might be a good idea to consult a professional therapist. Acupuncture is particularly renowned for focusing on healing kidney energy or “qi” as the Chinese call it. For a chat about how acupuncture can help you then please contact Caroline Williams or Christine Kim at The Self Centre on 01284 769090.

Tai Chi and Qi Gong both have specific exercises to stimulate the energy of the kidneys. They both work on the same principles as Acupuncture in that the body is made up of “qi” or energy and for the body to remain healthy this energy has to flow freely. Qi Gong in particular focuses a lot on the individual organs of the body and balancing out their energy levels to maintain optimum health. Yoga also has postures that benefit specific organs of the body, perhaps try this yoga exercise :

Upward-Facing Dog Pose

Benefits: Stimulates kidney and adrenal function, expands the chest and opens the heart center, expands the rib cage and increases lung capacity, energizes the spine, prevents hunched upper back, relieves backache, strengthens arms and legs, and increases blood flow in abdomen and pelvis Contraindications: Herniated lower back disks, Severe Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Neck problems

Instructions: Lying on your front place your hands underneath your shoulders with your fingertips in line with the top of your shoulders. Gently push on your hands to lift your chest off the floor. Make sure that you do not round your shoulders but draw the shoulder blades down your spine and lengthen your neck by drawing your head upwards towards the ceiling. Ensure that you spread your fingers and take the weight through the whole of your hands not just your wrists. Hold for 6 deep breaths. As you get stronger you will lift your hips and eventually your knees off the floor and only the front of your feet will remain on the ground.

Water – a miracle cure? Our bodies are made of 75% water and our brains are 85% water – a very interesting and informative bit of research has been carried out about the effects that dehydration has on all our bodies functions, not just the kidneys - details on www.watercure.com. “Your bodies many cries for Water” by F.Batmanghelidj is a fascinating read!www.the-self-centre.co.uk