Middle age often brings with it feelings of fatigue and occasional diminished mental agility, especially for those with significant work and life stresses and who frequently stay up late. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) attributes these symptoms to the declining function of the kidneys. To achieve longevity and good health, special attention to protecting and nourishing the kidneys from middle age onward is crucial.
According to the classic Chinese medical text, “The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine,” the essence of the kidneys is the foundation of life, determining one’s vitality. Kidney deficiency can lead to insufficient qi and blood in the entire body, resulting in persistent fatigue. The kidney’s energy system also governs the bones and brain. In other words, poor kidney function not only increases the risk of osteoporosis but also affects the brain, causing cognitive sluggishness and exhaustion. Typically, signs of declining kidney qi appear in women around the age of 35 and men around the age of 40.
