Kidney and Bladder Meridians

Yesterday I practiced a yoga sequence from Sarah Powers' book Insight Yoga, which relates yoga to Chinese concepts of energy and chi. She explains Asana in the context of yin and yang, yin being more passive, yang more active. The sequence I practiced for the kidneys and bladder consisted of yin poses, which are held stationary for 3-5 minutes. This idea appealed to me, because it supports a more reflective state of being.

I was also interested in the mental and emotional associations that correspond with the kidneys, and the similarities that are found in the lower chakra system. I have always felt a need to explore the lower chakras in particular, so I was also keen to observe the effect that kidney stimulating postures would have on my thoughts and mood. According to Powers, the kidneys house our essence energy, which she calls jing. If the kidney is out of balance the primary emotion is fear. It will also affect our will power, ambition, concentration, and energy levels. I immediately thought, "I need to replenish my kidneys, ASAP."

I found the sequence interesting and challenging. I placed my intention primarily on my thoughts, paying attention to what they were up to. Granted, in some of the poses my body took precedence because it was struggling a bit, especially in Half-Dragonfly Pose, (which is a modified seated forward bend). But when I found myself settled and comfortable, I could witness my thoughts and practice not reacting to them. The pattern that emerged was one of restlessness. The urge to come out of the pose was sometimes so strong it became a physical sensation. It was interesting to let the thoughts run their course, like a whining child, and not give into them. Because of course they rise and fall, like all thoughts. It was a valuable practice, both personally and as research for teaching.