The Water Element

The Water Element in us is responsible for our will, drive, the ability to realise our potential – the foundation of the Yin and Yang energies.

The organs that are associated with Water are the Kidneys and Bladder.

The Kidneys

The Kidneys are the foundation of our Yin and Yang, given to us by storing the Jing. The Jing is the congenital essence which we inherit from the sperm of our father and the ovum of our mother: determining our constitutional makeup, strength and vitality. Inherited Jing cannot be increased but can be enhanced by caring for ourselves with acupuncture and balance of movement and rest.

The Function

The kidneys play a major role in the control of body fluids, their yin nature balancing the yang influence between the Water and Fire elements. This balance is vital symptoms of excess and deficiency of fluids within the system.

Bone

The condition of the bone and its bone are largely depend on the kidneys, affecting teeth, brittle or soft bones.

Symptoms of Kidney Imbalance

Kidneys can show up in a diverse range of symptoms: fluid issues, fatigue, oedema, constipation, back pains, asthma, and frequently the origin of ear and nervous system issues

Mind & Spirit of the Kidney

The kidneys are responsible for the creation of power. Providing the willpower and drive.

If the yang of the kidney is deficient, one may be overwhelmed by fear, which erodes motivation and will, and can feed obsessive behaviour, OCD and burnout: fed by that fear. People with a deficiency of kidney yang may hide their fear behind a superficial exterior, which may eventually lead to emotional collapse or disease. Or lacking drive or get up and go, avoiding physical activity.

If the Yin of the kidneys is weak, the person may be restless, driven by their will, often striving to conquer new challenges, with excessive ambition. Also, can be a person who always seems to have reserves to draw on.  Often finds it a challenge to switch off and relax.

The Bladder  

The Bladder channel is the longest pathway in the body, starting at the corner of the eye, running over the head, twice up and down the back, then running down the back of the leg to the little toe. Many symptoms on the pathway are common, such as headache, back pain of many kinds, sciatica, painful knees and feet.

The Function

The main function is to control the distribution of fluids, storing the overflow, closely linked to the functions of the kidneys.

The Symptoms of Bladder Imbalabnce

Symptoms of cystitis, urine infections, bedwetting, incontinence, and issues related to lack or excess of fluids

Mind and Spirit

The Bladder has a crucial role in storing reserves of energy: physical, mental and spiritual.  In situations of tiredness and stressful situations draw on the inner resources of the bladder holding the necessary reserves. It can happen all too often that a person can drain their reserves continually, always running on nervous energy and hardly sleeping. Tending to create stressful situations of melodramas, feeding the adrenaline to make them feel alive, often lacking fear and putting themselves in high-risk situations.

The flow of thoughts can be affected by the bladder; a person may dry up, not being able to speak when attempting to speak in public. Or the mind constantly jumping ahead of itself, or fearful of what will come next.   

Team work

The Bladder and kidney work as a pair in the Water Element, in the team of all five elements or phases, generating the functioning of your Body, Mind and Spirit. For more information about the Five Elements See page:-https://www.southwellacupuncture.co.uk/acupuncture-five-elements/

Traditional Acupuncture Treatment

Traditional Acupuncture can help balance your elements to enhance your wellbeing, holistically treating you and your needs, to find peace and fulfilment in life. For treatment, contact Hannah Charles LicAc MBAcC at: https://www.southwellacupuncture.co.uk/contact/

Hannah Charles is a founder member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC)

The BAcC is an advocate for traditional acupuncture professionals and maintains the highest professional standards to protect the general public. BAcC members belong to an accredited register, regulated and approved by the Professional Standards Authority for Health & Social Care (PSA). For More information, see the website:https://acupuncture.org.uk/

Self-Care Guide for Balancing the Water Element

Support Kidney Health

• Stay Hydrated: Drink clean, room-temperature or warmed water throughout the day.
• Warmth Matters: Keep your lower back and feet warm, especially in cold weather.
• Rest & Recovery: Prioritise quality sleep and avoid chronic overwork.
• Gentle Movement: Choose activities like walking, tai chi, or yoga to maintain flow without exhausting reserves.
• Nutrition:
  • Include warming foods (soups, stews, root vegetables).
  • Add mineral-rich foods (seaweed, beans, nuts).
  • Reduce excessive stimulants (coffee, energy drinks) that drain kidney energy.

Strengthen Jing (Essence)

• Avoid Excess Stress: Chronic stress depletes reserves.
• Balanced Lifestyle: Alternate activity with rest; avoid extremes of exercise or inactivity.
• Mindful Living: Meditation or breathing exercises help conserve energy.

Emotional Balance

• Fluid Balance: Avoid dehydration and excessive diuretics.
• Stress Management: Reduce adrenaline-driven behaviours; avoid creating drama or high-risk situations.
• Mental Flow:
  • If thoughts feel scattered, practise grounding exercises.
  • For speech anxiety, rehearse calmly and breathe deeply before speaking.

Seasonal Awareness

• Winter is Water’s Season: Slow down, conserve energy, and embrace restorative practices during colder months.

Happy and Relaxed with Acupuncture Help