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📖 Donguibogam > Neijing Pian (Chapter of the Inner Canon)
If Your Hair Is Falling Out and Your Knees Feel Cold, Your Kidneys May Be Crying Out
Translation Disclaimer
This content is a carefully translated version of traditional Korean medical records (Donguibogam) and its modern interpretations. While prepared by specialized medical translators, it is provided for informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health decisions.
Modern Symptoms
Why are we experiencing this pain?
"Have you ever been surprised to see handfuls of hair falling out into the drain every time you wash your hair in the morning? If you often feel an unexplained fatigue, or your knees ache with cold, or your lower back feels stiff, please listen closely to today's story. Perhaps a very important 'root' in our body is quietly sending an SOS signal for help."
Modern Medical Proof
Science Unveils the Secret of Kidney Energy: Hormones, Cells, and Aging
So, how can the 'energy' of the Kidneys as described in Donguibogam (Principles and Practice of Eastern Medicine) be understood in modern medicine? It's not simply referring to the anatomical function of the kidneys, but rather, it's closely linked to our body's overall deep physiological regulatory capacity.
First, the vital energy called 'Essence' can be compared to 'cellular vitality' and 'hormonal balance' in modern medicine. It is particularly closely related to the function of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands secrete various sex hormones and mineralocorticoids, including cortisol, the stress hormone, to regulate our body's stress response, energy metabolism, immune function, and reproductive function. Chronic stress, insufficient sleep, and unhealthy eating habits can exhaust the adrenal glands, leading to symptoms similar to adrenal fatigue syndrome. This can be understood in the same context as 'depletion of Kidney Qi' in Donguibogam. Hair loss (alopecia), persistent fatigue, and decreased concentration are typical symptoms.
Second, the idea that the Kidney nourishes bones, bone marrow, and the brain is connected to 'bone marrow hematopoietic function', 'nervous system health', and 'maintenance of bone mineral density'. The kidneys metabolize vitamin D to regulate calcium metabolism and directly affect bone health. If renal function declines, vitamin D activation becomes difficult, increasing the risk of osteoporosis or osteomalacia. Furthermore, the process of blood cell generation and immune cell maturation in the bone marrow aligns with the concept of 'Essence filling the bone marrow' as described in Donguibogam. Brain function also depends on the balance of neurotransmitters and vitality of brain cells, which can be indirectly linked to the energy of the Kidneys. Aging of brain nerve cells can also be seen as equivalent to the depletion of Kidney Essence.
Third, the perspective of hair as the 'Kidney's reserve blood' emphasizes the importance of hair growth cycle, blood circulation, and nutrient provision. Hair follicle cells are very actively dividing cells, for which adequate blood supply and nutrients are essential. Chronic stress due to adrenal fatigue can damage the scalp and contribute to inflammatory responses, hindering blood supply to hair follicles. Additionally, thyroid hormone and sex hormone imbalances are also important causes of hair loss (alopecia), and these hormones are deeply related to the adrenal glands. Thus, the health of the Kidneys is directly connected to the balance of our body's overall systems, including hormones, metabolism, immunity, and regeneration. When this balance breaks down, it informs us with signals like hair loss (alopecia) or joint pain. Do not simply dismiss these as symptoms of aging; please listen closely to the messages your body is sending.
Small Habits for Your Body's Root and Kidneys
2 steps you can take right now
1
🧡 Warm Foot Care
Before bed, try a foot bath or half-body bath for about 15-20 minutes in warm water. The feet are called the 'second heart' because blood circulation is so important there. Especially on the soles of your feet, there are many acupoints related to the Kidney meridian, which helps strengthen Kidney Qi. By warming the body and promoting smooth circulation of Qi and blood, your hair will become stronger, and your lower back pain will improve.
2
🌿 Nourish Your Body's Root with Deep Breathing
In our busy lives, it's easy to fall into short, shallow breathing. Even for just 5 minutes a day, sit in a comfortable posture, deeply inhale through your nose, filling your lower abdomen with air, and then slowly exhale with diaphragmatic breathing. Diaphragmatic breathing helps regulate the parasympathetic nervous system, reduce stress, and draw up deep-seated Qi to replenish the energy of the Kidneys. Consistent practice will help you feel much more comfortable in both body and mind.
Traditional Wisdom
If Your Body's Root, the Kidney, Is Crying Out
In Donguibogam (Principles and Practice of Eastern Medicine), our body's Kidney is not simply seen as an organ that filters waste products. It is regarded as the 'source of life' that stores and manages our body's deepest and most fundamental energy. Like the strong root of a tree, the Kidney plays a crucial role in supplying vitality to our entire body, regulating growth, and influencing aging.
Within the Kidney, a precious vital energy called 'Essence' is stored. This Essence is the seed and fundamental substance of our body, essential for strengthening bones, filling the bone marrow, and governing brain function. And surprisingly, one of the places where the state of this Essence is best revealed is our 'hair'. Donguibogam describes hair as the 'excess blood associated with the Kidney'. Just as branches and leaves flourish when the root is strong, hair can grow lustrous and abundant when Kidney Essence is full and healthy.
Conversely, what happens if Kidney Qi and Essence become deficient? Just as a tree weakens when its root withers, our body begins to send various signals. The most representative symptom is hair thinning and, in severe cases, hair loss (alopecia). Also, because the Kidney regulates bones and joints, dull ache in the lower back and cold knee pain often appear. Persistent fatigue, physical decline, and decreased concentration are also symptoms that can occur when Kidney Qi weakens. You can interpret all these symptoms as an earnest plea from the Kidneys deep within our body, crying out, 'Please take care of me!' Please listen closely with an open mind.
Original Donguibogam Record
腎者主骨生髓其華在髮. 髮者腎之餘血也.
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Author: AI Donguibogam Research Team
We analyze Heo Jun's 'Donguibogam', a UNESCO Memory of the World, using modern data science and AI. Our goal is to reinterpret the wisdom of traditional medicine hidden in ancient texts to suit the lifestyles of busy modern people and deliver it in an easy-to-understand way.
Caution (Disclaimer): This content is for providing health information based on historical literature and cannot replace medical diagnosis and treatment. If you have any health problems, please consult a specialist (doctor/oriental medical doctor).