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Common complaints associated with the natural aging process can often be addressed and remedied using Traditional Oriental Medicine (“TOM”). According to the philosophy of TOM, the Kidney system plays a major part in growth, development and aging. This system includes not only our Kidney and Urinary Bladder organs, but also the quality of our skeletal system, our endocrine (hormone) system, healthy brain functioning, and our reproductive organs. One aspect of Kidney Qi ("chee"), which loosely translated means energy, is sometimes referred to as Source Qi; it can be considered our Energy Trust Fund. Our goal is to draw as little as possible from Source Qi so as not to diminish our life’s energy reserves Rather, we should attempt to derive our energy from what is referred to as "Post-Natal Qi,” namely that which we gain from eating a healthy diet, enjoying moderate exercise, getting adequate rest, and maintaining a balanced emotional state of well-being.

Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, cupping (a method of drawing out stagnation from deep within muscle tissue), radiant heat therapy including moxabustion (application of heat using the herb mugwort), and QiGong (energy movement exercises) are some of the modalities of TOM. The overall principle of TOM is to maintain health by keeping our energies flowing in a balanced, harmonious way. It is believed that all disease conditions are due to a stagnation or deficiency of Qi. 

Listed below is a sampling, which is by no means exhaustive, of concerns that may arise in our “golden years,” brief explanations of how they are viewed through the eyes of a TOM practitioner, and suggested prescriptive measures used to address them.

Arthritis, osteoporosis, lower back pain, knee pain/weakness: The integrity of the Kidney system can be seen in the strength of the bones and in the flexibility of the joints. Conditions such as those named above are viewed as a Kidney Qi deficiency, and would be addressed with acupuncture and Chinese herbal remedies designed to tonify and warm the Kidney system. Often this will include the use of moxabustion, in which the herb mugwort would be applied to or near the tonifying acupuncture points to provide deep, radiant heat to the lower back region or other areas that may be stiff and sore. Herbal remedies would have the nutritional factors of supplying needed calcium, magnesium and Vitamin D, as well as pharmacological properties to support and balance the hormones.

Sleep irregularities: TOM would investigate whether the difficulty is in falling asleep or staying asleep, and/or whether sleep is interrupted due to a weak bladder. After making a differential diagnosis, the practitioner would consider whether the condition is due to a Blood Deficiency (similar to but not necessarily indicating anemia), Yin Deficiency (the condition of overall dryness, which can generate a sense of heat and restlessness) or Qi deficiency (which can be responsible for a weak bladder). Based on the diagnosis, the TOM practitioner will prescribe appropriate acupuncture points and herbal remedies designed to tonify Blood and/or Yin and to strengthen the Kidneys and Bladder (which would also be considered in the case of urinary incontinence).

Menopausal Symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats, dryness): Acupuncture and TOM have long been useful in addressing symptoms associated with menopause. Indeed, common herbal therapies used today (black cohosh, dang gui, soybean) are staples in the Chinese herbal apothecary. Since menopausal symptoms are exacerbated by stress, acupuncture – a well-known stress reliever – is also very helpful in making this transition as comfortable as possible. 

Forgetfulness, dementia: As mentioned above, the brain is closely associated with the Kidney system. Chinese herbs such as (but not limited to) gingko biloba, combined with scalp acupuncture, are prescribed to increase blood flow to the brain, thereby nourishing and maintaining a healthy state of alertness.

Libido: Sexual health is also a component of the Kidney system. By tonifying the lower lumbar region (known in Chinese medicine as the “Gate of Vitality” as well as the umbilical region, the practitioner can help strengthen and build Kidney Qi to improve sexual health. Further, herbal therapies that stimulate our testosterone levels will assist in enhancing overall sexual wellness.

Susan Fox, M.S., L.Ac, Dipl.Ac., Dipl. C.H