As people age, their kidney function often declines. What are the symptoms of kidney deficiency in the elderly? How can it be treated? Let's take a look together!
Symptoms of Kidney Deficiency in the Elderly:
1. Cold limbs due to stomach cold
Kidney yang deficiency is common in the elderly, characterized by coldness in the limbs, even reaching the elbows and knees. It may also be accompanied by lumbago, fatigue, shortness of breath, and a weak voice, as well as a dull taste in the mouth.
2. Dizziness and tinnitus
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the kidneys store essence and nourish the brain. Kidney deficiency can lead to insufficient nourishment of the brain, resulting in dizziness and tinnitus.
3. Sexual dysfunction
The yin and yang of the kidneys depend on each other and restrict each other in the human body. If one side weakens, it can lead to disorders such as impotence, premature ejaculation, spermatorrhea, and seminal emission.
4. Shortness of breath
The kidneys have the function of receiving qi. If the kidneys are deficient and cannot receive qi, it can cause shortness of breath.
If the elderly experience symptoms of kidney deficiency, it is necessary to seek treatment from a reputable hospital in a timely manner.
Methods for Kidney Nourishment:
1. Dietary kidney nourishment
There are many foods that can nourish the kidneys. In addition to black foods such as black sesame seeds, black fungus, black rice, and black beans, walnuts and chives can also help nourish the kidneys.
2. Exercise for kidney nourishment
Exercising to nourish the kidneys is an advocated measure. Here are some simple and easy-to-learn exercise methods:
(1) Lumbar massage
Method 1: Rub your palms together until they feel warm, then place them on both sides of the lower back, with the palms against the skin. Massage the lower back up and down until there is a warm sensation.
This exercise can be done once in the morning and once in the evening, about 200 times each time. It can help nourish the kidneys and receive qi.
Method 2: Clench your fists and use the knuckles of both thumbs to naturally massage the lower back. Make circular rotations inward, gradually increasing the force until a sore and swollen feeling occurs. Massage for about 10 minutes, once in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
The waist is the residence of the kidneys. Regularly massaging the lower back can prevent and treat problems such as lumbar muscle strain, lower back pain caused by kidney deficiency in middle-aged and elderly people.
(2) Foot massage
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the Yongquan acupoint connects directly to the kidney meridian. Regularly massaging the Yongquan acupoint can nourish the essence, prevent premature aging, promote liver function, improve sleep, and have a certain therapeutic effect on dizziness, insomnia, tinnitus, coughing up blood, nasal congestion, and headaches caused by kidney deficiency.
(3) Strengthening kidney fitness massage
Sit upright with your legs naturally apart, shoulder-width apart. Bend your elbows and raise your hands to the sides, with your fingertips pointing upwards, level with your ears.
Then raise your hands, feeling a slight pull on both sides of your ribs, and then return to the starting position.
This can be done for 3-5 times in a row, and 3-5 times a day. Before doing the exercise, relax your whole body.
Breathe in while raising your hands, and breathe out while returning to the starting position. The force should not be too strong or sudden.
3. Sleep health
Adequate sleep plays an important role in the biochemical processes of qi and blood and the maintenance of kidney essence.
Clinical observations have found that many patients with kidney failure have a history of staying up late, excessive fatigue, and lack of sleep.
Therefore, do not stay up too late and develop good sleep habits. Going to bed and getting up early is beneficial for maintaining kidney essence.
4. Take care of your feet
Keeping your feet warm is a way to nourish the kidneys. This is because the kidney meridian starts from the soles of the feet, which are easily affected by cold.
Therefore, pay attention to keeping your feet warm. For example, do not directly face the air conditioner or fan with your feet while sleeping, and do not walk barefoot on damp ground for a long time.
5. Drink water regularly
Drinking water in moderation is an important method of kidney nourishment. The best times to drink water are: after waking up in the morning, around 10 am, around 3 pm, and before going to bed.
The timing does not need to be fixed. The principle is to drink when thirsty. The amount of water intake varies from person to person and should not rigidly follow the "eight glasses of water a day" rule.
6. Maintain regular bowel movements
Constipation not only causes irritability, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, but also harms the kidneys, leading to lumbago, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.
Therefore, maintaining regular bowel movements is also a method of kidney nourishment.
