Disharmony of Kidney and Bladder
The kidney resides in the lower back. It is believed to store essence, which is responsible for bodily reproduction and development, and also related to brain and bone growth. TCM kidney also controls fluid metabolism, and grasps qi (vital energy) for the body. The ears, hair, and the genital area are important areas for observing kidney-related conditions.
The kidney meridian is communicated with the bladder meridian, meaning they have an internal-external relationship and can affect each other when one is diseased. Common symptoms of kidney-related issues in TCM include soreness and pain in the lower back and knees, ear ringing, hearing loss, premature graying, hair loss, loose teeth, impotence, night frequency, infertility, irregular menstruation, general swelling, abnormal urination or bowel movements.
Below are common disharmonies of the kidney and bladder:
Deficiency of kidney yang
Sensitive to cold temperatures, cold limbs, soreness and weakness in lower back and knees, spiritual fatigue, dizziness, vertigo, pale or darkened face, diarrhea before daybreak, profuse and clear urine or scanty urine with general body swelling, sexual dysfunction in men, and infertility in women. On examination, the tongue is pale, bulky and moist with a white coating, the pulse is deep and slow.
Western Medicine reference: Neurasthenia, infertility, prostate disorders, and sexual dysfunction.
Deficiency of kidney yin
Dizziness or vertigo, ear ringing, insomnia or dream-disturbed sleep, soreness and weakness in lower back and knees, dry mouth, afternoon fever, red cheeks, night sweating, deep-yellow urine, constipation, hot sensations in palms and soles, skinny appearance, increased libido and nocturnal emission in men, and menstrual problems in women. On examination, the tongue is red, the pulse is thready and rapid.
Western Medicine reference: Neurasthenia, infertility, sexual dysfunction, and tuberculosis.
Insufficiency of kidney essence
Infertility, poor sperm count in men, missed periods in women, and a decreased sexual functioning. A retarded growth and development in children that lead to a short stature, slow mental response, sluggish motions, delay fontanel closure and soft skeleton. Premature ageing in adults that may appear in hair loss, loose teeth, ear ringing, declined hearing, forgetfulness, absentmindedness, sluggish motions, lower limb weakness, and slow mental response.
Western Medicine reference: Infertility, sexual dysfunction, growth problems in children, and early ageing.
Insecurity of kidney qi
Spiritual fatigue, soreness and weakness in lower back and knees, pale face, hearing declined, frequent urination, producing large amounts of urine, dribbling after urination, involuntary leakage of urine or even incontinence, nocturnal seminal emission and even infertility in men, excessive and thin vaginal discharges or threaten abortion in women. On examination, the tongue is pale with a white coating, the pulse is deep and weak.
Western Medicine reference: Prostate disorder and sexual dysfunction.
Kidney failing to grasp qi
Sweating, spiritual fatigue, breath shortness, rapid breathing, prolonged exhalation compared to inhalation or irregular breathing movement that are worse with activity. There are also weak voice, lower back and knee soreness, cold limbs, and facial swelling. On examination, the tongue is pale, the pulse is deep and weak.
Western Medicine reference: Chronic asthmatic bronchitis and heart failure.
Kidney deficiency leading to edema
General swelling which is more obvious in lower limbs, abdominal distention, scanty urine, and soreness and weakness in lower back. There may also be palpitations, shortness of breath, asthmatic breathing, coughing with sputum or gurgling in throat that are aggravated by activity. On examination, the tongue is pale and bulky with a white glossy coating, the pulse is deep and thready.
Western Medicine reference: Chronic nephritis and heart failure.
Damp-heat in bladder
Frequent and urgent desire to urinate, difficulty urination, scanty urine with reddish tinge, burning pain in the urethra. There may be blood clots, clouds or stones in the urine, possibly lower abdominal distension or pain in the mid and lower back. On examination, the tongue is red with a yellow and greasy coating, the pulse is rolling and rapid, or hesitant and rapid.
Western Medicine reference: Urinary infection, prostatitis, and urinary stones.
