In my view, every acupuncture point is a mini-miracle but there are some I go to more than others, I call them my ‘masterpoints’ and it’s a real joy to share them with you.
This blog features the first of the 4 thumps developed by my friend, teacher and mentor, the lovely Donna Eden – The Eden Method.
My #1 use of this point: Before I go outside my front door, especially for doggie walkies as it ensures that the energies of the body are running in the right direction so that when you walk you are walking ‘with your energies’ in harmony and therefore nourished by the physical action of walking.
Result: a walk energises me far more. If we walk with the energies running in a disruptive pattern e.g. backwards, a healthy walkies can be exhausting as you are physically walking ‘against’ the energy flows and that is a tiring stress for the body.
Tip: Kidney sits in the Water Element and is considered a sacred reservoir of pre-birth energy, the energy, or constitution, you come into this world with. We need to be discerning and nurture Kidney energy when younger as it may mean we enjoy a longer and healthier ‘senior life’, or as I like to call it a much happier ‘Crone Zone’!
"The kidneys are the root of life and the wellspring of our courage and determination. When they are strong, so are we."– Traditional Chinese Medicine Proverb
Water Element is considered Yin and perhaps the best thing you can do to nourish Kidney is sleep – it’s powerful juju and so often our body asks us to sleep and we just push through it, when having a power nap or a ‘good’ night’s sleep can really support us on all levels.
Let’s look at it’s location - How to work the points - Why work them?
Kidney 27 is also known as Shu Mansion / Storehouse and is located in the right-angle created at the junction of the collarbone and breastbone. About 2 cun (thumb-width) outwards from the breastbone). Your fingers may feel as if they fall into a ‘depression’, this is because there will be less electrical resistance on the skin’s surface over such an important point.
As the last point on the Kidney Meridian, K27 is seen as a vital gateway for circulating kidney energy throughout the body and are considered the "root of life," holding our essence (Jing) and governing our vitality and resilience.
To activate Kidney 27, gently tap or massage the point with your fingers for 20-30 seconds (on both sides of the body), while taking slow, deep breaths and smile.
TIP: Remember, to your body you are the voice of the goddess so perhaps talk to your Kidney energy, ask it to flow in the right direction and free, or any emotional connection you might be working with e.g. It is now safe for me to let go and start a new chapter in my life, all is well.
Stimulating this point can:
Relieve respiratory issues such as asthma, coughs, and chest congestion.
Support immune function and alleviate fatigue.
Aid in balancing adrenal glands, which are closely linked to kidney energy in TCM.
Address digestive disorders by harmonizing stomach energy.
TIP: Very useful to stimulate when eyes are tired as massaging K27 literally ‘shoots’ energy up into the eyes.
Alleviate fear and anxiety, which are associated with imbalanced kidney energy.
Cultivate feelings of courage and determination.
Provide a grounding effect, helping individuals feel more secure and stable.
Reconnects individuals to their core essence and purpose.
Donna Eden and the "Four Thumps" Donna Eden, a pioneer in energy medicine, recognized the significance of Kidney 27 and incorporated it into her "Four Thumps" technique—a series of taps or thumps on specific points to boost energy and vitality. According to Eden, tapping Kidney 27 helps:
Energize the Body: Activating this point enhances overall energy levels by supporting the kidney meridian.
Improve Focus: It clears brain fog and enhances mental clarity by optimizing energy flow to the brain.
Combat Stress: Tapping this point calms the nervous system and promotes a sense of relaxation.
Strengthen Immunity: Stimulating Kidney 27 fortifies the body’s defences against illness.
K27 has a profound ability to harmonize energy, bolster immunity, and promote resilience. Whether you seek vitality, clarity, or a deeper connection to your inner self, incorporating K27 into your daily routine can be a transformative step on your journey to becoming the best ‘you’ possible.
Let’s look a bit more at the Kidney energy in general ….
The kidney meridian energy, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is deeply tied to emotional and spiritual well-being. It is considered the source of life force or "jing," which governs growth, reproduction, and vitality. The kidney energy also influences our sense of fear, willpower, and inner strength.
Fear and Courage: When kidney energy is balanced, it fosters courage and confidence. When depleted, it can lead to fear, insecurity, and anxiety.
Willpower: The kidney energy supports "zhi," or willpower, which provides determination and the ability to overcome obstacles.
As mentioned above, the kidney is often called the "Root of Life" in TCM, symbolizing our connection to ancestral energy. It reflects our connection to our purpose and our ability to endure life's challenges.
It is associated with depth, adaptability, and the potential for renewal and transformation.
"As water shapes itself to the vessel, so too does the kidney energy teach us adaptability and endurance."– TCM Philosophy
Chronic stress, excessive fear, or trauma can deplete kidney energy, leading to fatigue, a lack of focus, or a sense of purposelessness.
Studies using electrodermal screening techniques have shown that kidney meridian imbalances often accompany chronic stress and adrenal fatigue. The kidneys are closely linked to adrenal function, aligning with TCM's view of their role in managing fear and resilience.
Modern research in integrative medicine has drawn parallels between kidney energy (jing) and genetic health or mitochondrial function, emphasizing its role in vitality and aging.
"The deepest fear can be transformed into the greatest strength when we nurture the energy within."– Unknown TCM Practitioner
The kidneys are the storehouse of "jing," or vital essence, which is depleted by overwork and lack of sleep. Aim for consistent, high-quality sleep to replenish this energy.
Drink enough water daily, but avoid overhydration, which can burden the kidneys. Not sure how much? Learn to energy test quantities. Not sure how to energy test? Check out my free blogs on testing or join my website newsletter and receive a free booklet on how to do it.
The kidney energy thrives in warmth. Keep your lower back (the area near the kidneys) warm, especially during colder months, to support kidney function.
Afterthought …. Sit comfortably. Place your hands on your lower back. Inhale deeply, imagining the breath reaching your kidneys. Exhale slowly, releasing tension.
Perhaps include affirmations like:
"I am safe and supported."
"My inner strength carries me through challenges."
Repeat for 5-10 minutes daily
Kidney responds well to the stretch below that stretches part of the actual meridian and also the psoas muscle associated with it. Creating space for improved flow of energy along the pathway. Kidney 1 is the first point on the entire meridian system, it deserves it name ‘Gushing/Bubbling Spring’ . Work with this point and you are affecting the entire system.
To stretch inner thighs and increase Kidney energy. It then opens up the chest and will aid lung capacity.
o Sit with legs bent in front of you, soles of feet touching.
o EXHALE and bend forwards a few inches until you feel the stretch in the inner thigh.
o Hold for a while
o Gently turn the feet out and feel the stretch increase.
o Hold the feet with thumbs on the K1 points of each foot (the ball) – massage these Kidney points and then along the inside of the foot, which represents the entire spine.
When you have finished, stay in position and
o place the hands on the floor behind you, fingers pointing away from you, palms pressed down. [it this is a step too far, just place your hands over your kidneys and backward stretch over them – think of a heavily pregnant lady and how they do this].
o Inhale and lengthen up the spine, trying to keep the knees as close to the floor as possible.
o Squeezing the shoulders back to open up the chest area.
o Hold, taking some deep breaths
o Inhale, release and extend the legs in front of you, shaking them to release the muscles.
Plug into the Planet ...
If you are comfortable in this position, stay in it and massage the cluster of Kidney points on the inner ankle K3,4, 5 and 6 at the same time, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths and ground yourself .
We need to press the ‘pause’ button sometimes or we risk serious exhaustion and collapse. Once a day do this short meditation, it presses your ‘pause’ button and stops you spinning off into stress!
When you feel connected to the Earth, continue holding, pressing, figure 8’ing or massaging the Kidney cluster.
At the same time, take your roots down and down until you come to a source of water that appeals to you: For me it is an underground pool surrounded by lush green tropical vegetation and large flat rocks, with a gentle waterfall. It could be a bubbling spring, it could be an entire ocean, it could be a woodland stream, a still yet deep reservoir or lake or desert oasis – visualise what feels right for you and connect to it – feel the peace and power of the water, know and be reassured that that power is available to you to clean away negativity and enable you to move forward.
You are there with this water, absorbing it’s power and energy.
Other stretches to consider …..
1. A simple forward bend with a slight turn to the left and then the right will massage the kidneys.
2. Or, a sideways bend.
3. Or, twisting the body to the right and then the left.
4. Or, a spinal suspension
Yes indeed – all this from one single point
now do you see why it makes my personal
‘masterpoint’ hall of fame!
For your 4-leggeds too
EVERYTHING I’VE WRITTEN APPLIES TO OUR ANIMAL COMPANIONS, SO GET CURIOUS AND ADAPT
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