Functional Properties of Kidneys
Clinically, most kidney diseases are due to a deficiency of some sort and present as an asthenia syndrome. Tonification is the usual treatment for these deficient patterns because it tries to replace the missing elements in the body. However this is not absolute, sometimes a excess syndrome can be the cause of a kidney problem. Sthenia syndrome, which is the opposite of asthenia syndrome, occurs when there is a strong body resistance to fight off pathogens. Fever is a common symptom with a sthenia syndrome. In this case, a reducing method is applied to help soothe the over-acting stage of the body. It is not uncommon to have mixed and complex condition too, so remedies for resuming healthy energy and expelling the pathogens are generally used in these instances. It is important to weigh the predominant symptoms carefully when generating a diagnosis and apply the correct treatment method to avoid further deterioration.
Conclusion
Since the kidneys affect so many vital bodily functions, maintaining their health is an essential part of disease prevention in Chinese medicine. Retaining youth and vitality is also closely linked with good kidney functioning. This is why the kidneys' importance in health maintenance cannot be overlooked.
Written By:
Prof. Zou Yanquan (鄒燕勤教授) Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing TCM University
National Medical Center of TCM Kidney Disease
Editors:
Angela Collingwood MSN, Integrated Chinese Medicine Holdings Ltd. Jennifer Eagleton, BA & MA (Asian Studies), Integrated Chinese Medicine Holdings Ltd.
Rose Tse, Integrated Chinese Medicine Holdings Ltd.