Embracing February: nourishing self-love through kidney vitality 💛
This piece isn’t about romantic dinners or flowers; rather, it’s about something simpler but crucial: self-love, a key player in overall well-being and mental health. If you’re not making self-love a regular practice, here are some pointers to get you started:
The kidney meridian
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, February might not immediately be the first month you’d associate with the kidneys (although winter is). However, in this case I’d like to swim against the current (pun intended).
There’s a quote which suggests the opposite of love is fear.
According to TCM principles, the emotion fear is linked to the Kidneys and the water element. Yet, when you take care of them, it can bring love, trust, security, and healing. Healthy Kidney Qi, or Life Force Energy, supports the heart, cultivating self-love.
In TCM, the kidney meridian, one of the 12 main channels for Qi, runs symmetrically on both sides of your body, starting at the outside of the little toe, and moves towards the bottom of each foot, reaching the acupuncture point called Yongquan (Kidney 1). This point is located in the depression at the center of the sole, just in front of the heel. Here’s a great exercise to calm the mind and strengthen the kidney’s ability to receive Qi. A great side-effect of stimulating this point is that it is said to work anti-aging.
From there, it moves to the inner arch, circles the inner ankles and travels up the inner legs, reaching the back of the thighs into the buttocks’ fold. The meridian then journeys into the depths, encircling the genitals, connecting with the kidneys. It resurfaces just above the pubic bone. Following the center line, it ascends to the side of the navel, reaching the upper chest (the inner side of the collarbone).
Throughout its course, the meridian hits 27 corresponding acupuncture points.
Self-massage
Now that you’re familiar with the meridian’s route, explore the impact on your well-being by beginning your day with rhythmic tapping using loose fists or your fingers along its course. Whether standing or seated in a butterfly pose, this practice can really make a noticeable impact. Give it a go and check out the changes for yourself.
Butterfly pose
The kidneys themselves, located on either side of your spine just below your lower ribs, benefit from (self-)massage as well, stimulating overall kidney health. To do this, create loose fists with your hands, placing the sides of your thumbs and forefingers on your kidneys, and gently rub for a while. Alternatively, you can use the heels of your hands with your fingers pointing down toward your buttocks.
Stretching / Movement
Also, let’s not forget there are some great (Yin) Yoga poses you can practice to restore or balance the vital energy flow in the kidney meridian, such as Sphinx Pose and the Supine Spinal Twist.
Sphinx pose
Supine Spinal Pose
Hydration
From a dietary perspective, cucumbers are known to be a healthy addition, especially benefical for kidney health. And, of course, since I’m all about aromatherapy, here’s a great tip: did you know that cucumber seed oil supports the body’s natural detoxification processes and enhances kidney vitality? You can rub it on the Kidney 1 point (refer to the exercise as also mentioned above for precise location). While cucumber seed oil is not a replacement for drinking enough water, incorporating its use may contribute to overall hydration. Of course there’s a plethora of other benefits to this beautiful oil, which you can explore from my favourite essential oil brand.
Heart-Centered Breathing
As someone passionate about breathwork, of course I must include a breathing exercise here as well. To this end, breathwork can be a powerful tool in promoting self-love by influencing the autonomic nervous system and hormone regulation. Key hormones such as oxytocin and endorphins play a role in generating feelings of self-love, well-being, and happiness. I seriously wish I owned stock in the company that created this excellent breathing app. Here’s their heart-opening breathwork session to jumpstart your journey into self-love.
Remember, self-love is indeed a journey, like life itself. Think of these practices as your holistic tools along the way. Wishing you a month filled with self-care as you move closer to loving yourself just a little bit more.
After all, understanding and valuing your self-worth forms the basis for meaningful and healthy connections with others.
Jessica Felsenthal
This post is also available in: Engels
