Fear, the Kidneys and the Lungs

It is hard not to feel afraid during these times, especially in my profession for many reasons. 
But, it does not help us to feel afraid. 
Fear is related to the Kidneys in Chinese Medicine.
The Kidneys, are "the root of life." 
The Kidneys store our essence, our essence is our back-up, our constitution. We all have unique constitutions, which is why Chinese Medicine is so powerful because we treat everyone as an individual. 

Our immune system (click to watch a brief video)  in Chinese Medicine is rooted in the Kidney Yang. 
We are made of Yin and Yang. 
The Yang is the warming protective energy of our body. 
When we experience excessive fear, that draws and depletes our Kidneys, you equate it to Adrenal Fatigue, as when we are stressed, cortisol spikes in our bodies, and our adrenals get fatigued over time. 

Cortisol is really there for emergencies, like if you need to run from a bear. Read this newsletter for some great resources. When Cortisol is spiked for long periods of time it starts to break down our immunity. 

So, what can we do ? Breathe. Move, gently if you must, hydrate, rest. Unplug if you need to. 
Focus on your sense of safety. We have some great Meditations available on this website for you. 

The lungs and Kidneys have a relationship. 
The Kidneys receive the breath from the Lungs. So when we have trouble breathing sometimes it is a lack of Kidney qi being able to "grasp the qi " from the Lungs, so then the qi reverses and we can't breath. 
So, imagine if you are very afraid. Most of us can relate to that, if you have ever had a panic attack, then you know that feeling. 

Let's imagine breathing deeply, maybe you can imagine your diaphragm expanding. You could even picture your lungs and kidneys, that they communicate. Imagine, your breath filling your kidneys, and your kidneys rising up to protect your lungs. 

Otherwise, Hydrate with warm waters, teas and soups. 
In health and wellness, 
Stefanie