This post probably should be called Why Should I Rub My Kidneys? But knowing how to, probably more specifically, where they are to rub, is more important.
Known as “The Root of Life” in Chinese Medicine. They act like batteries for Qi, or energy, for your body. I like to get up in the morning, have a big glass of warm water, and rub my kidneys to charge them up for the day. Your kidneys filter the toxins and waste from your body, and you get rid of that via a direct connection between your kidneys and bladder.
In TCM, the kidneys are also responsible for the production of bone marrow, which governs your bones, brain, spinal cord and obviously your marrow. So anyone with myeloma, blood or bone issues should take extra care of their kidneys. Renal failure or kidney failure is one of the main ways people with myeloma die, getting plugged up with all those extra light chains. These guys are very important to keep running well for everyone, especially people with cancer.
If you don’t believe any of this or none of this makes sense to you, who doesn’t like a good back rub? It just feels good, and you can do it anytime and while doing other things. I rub my kidneys while I cook, because there is a lot of little snippets of time in between things. Rubbing them, while standing and having a chat with a friend is also a good time. If you are too sick to do it, you can get help or get a little electric massager to do the job.
So, where are your kidneys located for a good rub?
All you have to do is find the bottom of your ribs on your back. Your kidneys are a little under your ribs at the top, and the rest are exposed right under, on either side of your spine.
In this picture, my hands are right up against the bottom of my ribs, so that’s the level for my kidney massage.
There are also two thin tubes of called ureters that run between your kidneys and bladder. I also like to rub from my waist to my kidneys to get those a bit of a massage as well.
The actual kidney massage should be whatever feels good for you and your body type. You can go clockwise, counterclockwise, back and forth, and up and down.
Using a closed fist versus open hands will change the feeling as well.
In this video, I’m using the Qi Gong method of massage, using the acupuncture point, Large Intestine 4, or the Great Eliminator, on my kidneys. If you make a V with your pointer finger and thumb, the spot is at the bottom of the V. (LI-4 is also a good spot to rub in general or if you are going through some constipation)
I do find it interesting, as I’m currently going through carfilzomib. I can feel my kidneys working hard a few hours after the infusion, especially when my urine turns a putrid color. I can feel that my left kidney is having a harder time with things than my right. I make sure to drink lots of fluids and rub, rub, rub especially on the left.
It’s a minimal commitment to do and another simple tool to put into your well-being toolbox. Give it a try!
Carrots Over Cancer 
Mahalo for the tip : )
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