Water Element Help Sheet

This patient handout is designed to give you tools to help you progress along the path to wellness. Use this information in order to maximize your healing process. This sheet includes a variety of tips that support the health and vitality of the element of water and it’s organ system of the kidney and bladder.

Functions of Kidney and Urinary Bladder/ Water Element

The meridian systems of the kidney and urinary bladder are the water element. This section gives you an overview of the functions of these organs according to Chinese medical theory.

• Governs reproduction
• Produces bone marrow
• Regulates water movement
• Influences growth and development
• Controls and activates sexual energy
• Determines the vitality and length of our lives
• Controls and supports the health and strength of the bones

• Stores inherited constitution (Vital Essence) called Jing Qi
• Separates “clear” fluid from “turbid” fluid and sends “turbid” fluid to Bladder
• Houses the “Zhi,” which is in charge of mental drive and courage, and provides determination and focus to accomplish goals and dreams
• Stores and controls the release of urine
• Removes liquid waste and toxins from the body

Some Physical Symptoms:

•Adrenal weakness
• Asthma
• Backache
• Bladder problems
• Broken, split and/or dull hair
• Cystitis
• Dark rings under eyes
• Dull, throbbing headache
• Frequent urination

• High blood pressure
• Impotence
• Kidney stones
• Knee problems/weakness
• Lack of libido
• Lethargy and/or fatigue
• Loose stools
• Hair loss
• Poor memory

• Poor teeth
• Premature graying
• Prostate disorders
• Sciatica and lumbago
• Shortness of breath
• Tight hamstrings/calves
• Urinary problems
• Weak and/or brittle bones

Some Emotional Symptoms:

• Armoring
• Depression
• Fear
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Lack of willpower

• Moaning and groaning
• Panic attacks
• Paranoia
• Timidity
• Adrenal weakness

Foods to Add:

Certain foods have specific effects within the body. This section is here to guide you to make food choices that support the health of the Water Element.

• Adzuki beans
• Barley
• Beef kidney
• Beet greens
• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Buckwheat
• Chestnuts
• Chives
• Cinnamon bark
• Cloves

• Dill seed
• Dulse
• Egg yolk
• Fennel
• Green beans
• Hijiki
• Kale
• Kelp
• Kidney beans
• Lamb

• Lentils
• Miso
• Mung beans
• Peas
• Peanuts
• Pinto beans
• White rice
• Radish leaf
• Raspberries
• Salt (In moderation)
• Sesame seeds

•Black soybeans
• String beans
• Tangerines
• Tempeh/Tofu
• Wakame
• Watermelon
• Water chestnuts

Element Associations:

This section lists a specific sound and an emotion associated with this meridian system, as well as the time of day and season when it is most active.

Acupressure Points

This section provides you with the most effective points for the water element. Rubbing acupressure points for 30-60 seconds can stimulate and promote good health and well-being.

Meridian Exercises

These are specific exercises for the activation of the body’s own energy systems. Each pose was specifically chosen because it has the greatest impact upon the healthy functioning of the Water Element.