On December 5th, we wrapped up our Harness the Tail of the Dragon series by diving into the kidneys—the ultimate vitality powerhouse.
Our theme for the evening was:
More Boldness in Life | Support Your Kidneys
In Chinese Medicine, the kidneys are seen as the root of life-force – fueling physical, emotional, and spiritual resilience.
The kidneys are associated with courage, overcoming fear, and mastering balance. They filter the blood, sustain adrenal function, and house the essence of vitality.
Here are some of the tips & resources:
1. Katie’s Flower Essence Recommendations
Did you know that nearly everyone living in the desert struggles with malnourished kidneys? It’s no surprise—deserts are rich in air and fire but lack the balancing elements of water and wood.
Katie recommends these flower remedies to help restore balance:
- True Strength: Build resilience and root into a deep sense of belonging.
- Expansive Presence: Replenish your energy and open to fearless independence.
- Divine Timing: Align with life’s flow and step into bold purpose.
- Fierce Compassion: Dissolve fear of loss & surrender into self-compassion.
- Awakened Perception: Release worry and step into uninhibited freedom.
- Sacred Heart: Soothe your heart and surrender into self-love.
2. Herbal Support: Drink Wisdom Nectar ~ Man Up and Nourishing Teas!
Man Up contains Uva Ursi, an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory herb with a special affinity for the urinary tract.
Nourishing contains Nettle, one of the most nutritive herbs and a natural diuretic ~ supporting cleansing of toxins and waste.
Ginger, turmeric and cinnamon (repeats from last month!) also have powerful anti-inflammatory and circulatory actions that will benefit the kidneys. Keep adding these to food or beverages, however you like!
Using herbs in tea blends and in food is a great way to get gentle herbal support without needing to do a full individual evaluation of the body. Herbs have the power to create radical shifts in our physiology, so if you’re interested in a more in-depth herbal protocol, book a session here.
3. Traditional Chinese Medicine
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the kidneys are the foundation of life, storing vital essence (jing), the source of energy, vitality, and longevity. Strong kidneys rejuvenate body and mind, filtering what we no longer need and nurturing what helps us thrive.
To Replenish Jing ~
- Nourish Through Food: Incorporate dark foods like black rice, mung beans, and kidney-supportive herbs such as licorice, ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon.
- Hydrate for Vitality: Consume warm broths, teas like Man Up and Nourishing, and water-rich fruits like goji berries and persimmons.
- Gentle Movements: Practices like Qi Gong can stimulate the kidney meridian, boosting circulation and life-force energy.
4. Applied Kinesiology & Emotional Release
Dr. Elizabeth shared how Applied Kinesiology (AK) provides valuable insights into kidney health through muscle testing ~
- Tenderness Around the Belly Button: can signal that the kidneys have “dropped” due to difficulty filtering toxins, whether environmental, immune-related, or emotional.
- Tight Psoas Muscles: closely associated with kidney function, tightness here may indicate stress or imbalance.
- Shins and Shin Splints: often point to bladder-related strain, as the kidneys and bladder work together in the urinary system.
- Lower Back Pain: can reflect kidney dysfunction or adrenal fatigue.
The kidneys are tied to fear, control, and the ability to let go. Imbalances may manifest as ~
- Overwhelm or panic
- Difficulty facing challenges or making decisions
- Tendency to live in the past or worry about the future
Muscle testing helps determine whether the kidneys need support and identifies the most effective remedies!
5. Meditation: The Antidote to Fear
Lisa emphasized that fear dissolves when we stay present. Meditation helps us detach from past regrets and future anxieties, grounding us in the moment and creating space for clarity and courage.
If you’re craving more moments of peace and presence, you can join Lisa for meditation sessions every Tuesday and Saturday.
These gatherings offer a chance to deepen your practice, nourish your inner self, and yes—enjoy chocolate!
Psst... if you haven’t heard yet, the chocolate has arrived! All 13 flavors, including three new ones, are here!
A special shoutout to the NEW Dragon Heart Chocolate, created in celebration of the Year of the Dragon. This exotic blend of dragon fruit, dragon's blood resin, and Chinese Five Spice is infused with LOTUSWEI Awakened Perception flower essences, bringing more clarity, freedom, and pleasure into your life.
6. Feng Shui: Bring the Water Element into Your Home
Water and wind are the essence of Feng Shui—their very nature is movement. When evaluating a space to live, it's vital to ensure that water (flow) and mountain (stability) are in harmonious locations, creating balance and grounding energy.
Here are some practical tips Alison shared to align your home with the Water element and support kidney health:
- Avoid Water Elements in Bedrooms: Keep mirrors, fountains, or images of moving water out of the bedroom, as they disrupt restful qi. Cover TV screens when not in use to reduce reflective energy and blue light exposure.
- Mind Mirror Placement: Mirrors should not face doors, as this creates energy disruption.
- Slow the Flow: Prevent qi from rushing straight through your home by placing a decorative element, like a screen, vase, or statue, near the front door. This softens and directs the energy, creating balance.
- Clear Clutter: Keep entryways tidy to avoid stagnant energy that can block vitality.
During the holiday season, enhance your home’s warmth by celebrating the “Red Phoenix” energy at your entrance. Add red accents like ribbons, flowers, or berries to uplift the space, inviting joy and positive qi!
7. Sips & Snacks by Chef Justin
Chef Justin highlighted the importance of warm, nutrient-rich foods to nourish your kidneys and support overall vitality. His menu featured comforting and revitalizing dishes, such as:
In addition to these delicious recipes, here are some key tips to enhance kidney health through your diet:
- Hydrate with warm soups, teas, and mulled ciders.
- Replenish with dark-colored foods and warm spices.
- Invigorate with cooked fruit compotes and toasted seeds.
Feel free to download, print, and try these recipes at home!
Events & Services at the SAN Center
Whether you're joining us here in Phoenix or from afar, we have a full calendar of events and offerings!
If you can't attend in person, don't worry—there are plenty of virtual experiences to explore as well.
From incorporating morning Qi Gong or evening meditations to starting your health journey with our skilled Traditional Chinese Medicine and Applied Kinesiology practitioners, the SAN Center has something for everyone.
We’re here to support you every step of the way!
Ready to start your journey of rebalancing - check out our services here.
Explore our intimate gatherings for self-discovery and experiential learning - view events here.
Supporting your kidneys isn’t just about physical health; it’s about empowering your boldness, replenishing your life-force, and creating space for your spirit to thrive.
To your vitality,
The SAN Center Team
P.S. Want personalized support? Our wellness concierge is here to help. Email us at hello@sancenterphx.com or call 844-WEI-COOL!