Syndromes of the kidney

The kidney functions to store essence, serving as the source of reproduction and development ; to dominate water metabolism, thus maintaining the balance of the body ' s fluid ; to dominate bones and produce marrow, thus keeping the bones healthy and strong ; and to open into the ear, the urinogenital orifice and the anus. Therefore, the kidney is regarded as the congenital foundation of life. Pathological changes of the kidney most often manifest as dysfunction in storing essence, disturbance in water metabolism, abnormality in growth, development and reproduction.

When the kidney yin and kidney yang are properly stored and kept from leaking, the kidney functions effectively.

• Deficiency of the kidney qi
• Insufficiency of the kidney yang
• Insufficiency of the kidney yin