Loose teeth, forgetfulness, frequent urination, lower back pain, weak legs, and even infertility may all be linked to a weakened “kidney,” according to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
Unlike the anatomical kidneys recognized in conventional medicine, the “kidney” in TCM represents a broader concept—one that regulates six vital functions supporting overall health.
The Functions of the Kidney in TCM
According to TCM, the kidney is responsible for several key functions:
1. Storing Essence (Jing) and Governing Reproduction
The kidney stores essence (jing), which is regarded as the foundation of life and the root of all organ function in TCM.
Kuo-Pin Wu
Kuo-Pin Wu has practiced traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for nearly 20 years. Formerly a structural engineer with a master’s degree from a renowned university, he later earned a doctor of medicine degree in TCM. Leveraging his engineering background in logical analysis, he specializes in identifying patterns to diagnose and treat complex diseases. Wu is currently the director of XinYiTang Clinic in Taiwan.
