Continuing our discussion of Traditional Chinese Medicine's (TCM) concept of the Water element associated with the season of winter, we recall that Water relates to the Kidney/Bladder organ and meridian systems of the body. 

In a literal sense, the kidney supports beautiful skin by cleansing the blood.  Skin issues such as as rashes and breakouts are an outward sign that the Kidney and

Bladder systems coupled with the Lung and Large

Manifesting the Will

Intestine systems are having difficulty eliminating toxins from the blood. This is usually due to diet, dehydration, and stress.  Another fascinating component of the Kidney/Bladder system is that the Kidneys are the seat of the will while the Bladder is the seat of the emotions.   In TCM, Kidney generates willpower and ambition, the desire to do something with one's life. The image of the doctor well illustrates the ability to manifest the will.  Low Kidney energy represents loss of will and is associated with the onset of chronic illness which may include hypertension, a condition that taxes the heart.  Tensions and repressed emotions are often a component of chronic illness and represent an imbalance in the Bladder meridian and organ system.  Awareness of these interactions is the beginning of creating change when we recognize an imbalance in our Kidney/Bladder systems.  Now is the time to give these systems the appropriate attention and support so that we will have the energy to move into spring with renewed vitality, beautiful skin, and replenished will.    

If you have concerns about your health or symptoms, please call me for an evaluation and treatment (acupuncture and non-needle approaches). 

 Maureena Bivins, Ph.D., L.Ac. Call 818.991.2600.