Yin Organ: Kidney Hours: 5-7 pm
Yang Organ: Urinary Bladder Hours: 3-5 pm
The Water Element relates to the Kidneys and the Urinary Bladder. It controls the skeletal system (bones), reproductive system including the testes and ovaries, and endocrine system including the adrenals, pancreas, hypothalamus, thyroid, pituitary gland, pineal gland, and thymus. Thus, the Kidneys rule overall constitution, health, and longevity. The health of the Kidneys is considered the foundation for the overall balance of all the other internal organs. The Yin aspect of the kidneys is storing the Essence of Life (Jing) and water; the Yang aspect is serving as the “life gate of fire”, that is, as the motive force for transformation in the body. Because of these fundamental functions, the Kidneys are affected by any chronic disease.
The Kidneys rule the bones and produce bone marrow; the teeth are considered a surplus of the bones. The Kidneys open into the ears and the hair on the head. The ancient texts say that if the ears and Kidneys are harmonized, the ear can hear five tones. The moistness and vitality of the hair on the head are related to the Kidney essence. (The hair also depends on blood for nourishment which is why the hair on the head is also referred to as a surplus of blood.)