Acupuncture and Kidney Health: How TCM Supports Your Body’s Natural Healing

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Kidneys are considered the foundation of vitality, longevity, and reproductive health. They store Jing, govern growth and development, support bone strength, regulate water metabolism, and nourish the brain and marrow. When Kidney Qi becomes depleted or obstructed, symptoms such as low back pain, urinary issues, fatigue, tinnitus, edema, or kidney stones may arise.

While modern treatments for kidney stones range from hydration and prescription medications to procedures like shockwave lithotripsy, TCM offers a natural, research-backed pathway that can enhance outcomes and support long-term kidney health.

How Acupuncture and Herbs Help With Kidney Stones

Recent studies, including research from Jiangxi Jiujinshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, have shown that combining acupuncture with Chinese herbal medicine significantly improves the passage of kidney stones lodged in the ureter. Their study found that:

• The pharmaceutical drug tamsulosin (Flomax) alone was not highly effective once a stone entered the ureter.

• When combined with the Chinese herbal formula San Jin Tang, success rates increased noticeably.

• When acupuncture was added to this integrative approach, outcomes improved even further, helping reduce pain, relax the ureter, and support smoother passage of stones.

  
  

This is a powerful example of integrative medicine, where modern pharmaceuticals and ancient Chinese therapies work together to support the body’s natural healing processes.

Beyond kidney stones, acupuncture is highly effective for urinary conditions such as urinary incontinence, frequent urination, urgency, interstitial cystitis, pelvic tension, and chronic low back pain connected to Kidney deficiency patterns in TCM.

How Acupuncture & TCM Views Kidney Health

According to Chinese medicine, the Kidneys are the root of life. They are weakened by:

• Chronic stress

• Lack of rest

• Overwork

• Fear or chronic anxiety

• Excessive sexual activity

• Poor diet

• Long-term illness

  
  

Kidney imbalance can show up as fatigue, low libido, cold hands and feet, hair loss, brittle bones, water retention, and swelling. Supporting Kidney Qi, Yin, and Yang helps restore strength and vitality across the entire body.

TCM Lifestyle Recommendations to Nourish Kidney Energy

Supporting the Kidneys requires a balance of rest, movement, diet, and emotional regulation. Here are foundational practices drawn from Traditional Chinese Medicine:

Reduce Stress and Calm the Nervous System

Chronic stress is one of the biggest drains on Kidney Qi. Incorporating acupuncture, meditation, restorative yoga, massage, or breathwork helps shift the body from “fight or flight” into a state of healing.

Prioritize Restful Sleep

From a TCM perspective, deep sleep restores Kidney Jing and replenishes the body. Create consistent sleep routines and avoid overstimulation before bed.

Strengthen the Lower Back and Legs

Gentle stretching, tai chi, and strengthening the lumbar region help support Kidney health, since the Kidneys are energetically and physically connected to the low back.

Eat Kidney-Nourishing Foods

TCM recommends foods that are deeply nourishing, warming, mineral-rich, and often dark in color:

• Black beans, black sesame seeds, black rice, black walnuts

• Blueberries, blackberries, figs

• Bone broth

• Dark leafy greens

• Mushrooms

• Seafood: mussels, sardines, salmon, seaweed, kelp

• Warming spices like cinnamon and ginger

  
  

Avoid excessive cold and raw foods, especially in colder months, since they can weaken digestion and strain the Kidneys.

Experience Holistic Kidney Support With Acupuncture

Whether you’re dealing with urinary issues, recurrent kidney stones, back pain, fatigue, or want preventative support, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine offer a gentle yet powerful approach.

At Deanna Carell Aesthetics + Acupuncture, we specialize in blending modern research with classical Chinese medicine to create treatment plans tailored to your body and your unique Kidney pattern.

Support your Kidney health naturally and get back to feeling strong and balanced. Schedule your appointment today at our Naples or Nutley locations.