bubble_chart Content

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that the kidneys are closely connected to the bones, bone marrow, and brain. For example, Neijing-Wei Lun states "the kidney governs bone marrow," Neijing-Xuanming Wuqi mentions "the kidney governs the bones," Neijing-Wucang Shengcheng states "all marrow belongs to the brain," Neijing-Qibing Lun says "the marrow is primarily governed by the brain," and Neijing-Hai Lun states "the brain is the sea of marrow."

According to modern medical discoveries, "the kidney governs the bones" is reflected in several aspects:

• The kidneys can activate vitamin D, promote the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the intestines, and also enhance the reabsorption of calcium in the renal tubules, maintaining bone calcium and blood calcium levels.
• The kidneys are responsible for releasing erythropoietin (EPO) to stimulate bone marrow to produce red blood cells. Kidney failure inevitably leads to anemia, a point rarely mentioned in classical Chinese medicine.
• Excessive cortisol secretion from the adrenal glands can lead to excessive breakdown of proteins throughout the body, and a lack of protein in the bones can also cause osteoporosis.
• Endocrine factors such as growth hormone, melatonin, adrenal cortex hormones, thyroid hormones, and sex hormones all affect the growth, development, and metabolism of bones.
• Specifically, calcitonin from the thyroid can inhibit osteoclasts, thereby inhibiting bone resorption, promoting calcium absorption in bones, and reducing calcium and phosphate levels in the blood. Parathyroid hormone, on the other hand, increases osteoclast activity, leading to bone resorption and the release of calcium and phosphate into the blood.

Therefore, the broad kidney system encompasses various endocrine functions that promote the growth, development, and formation of bones.

"The kidney governs brain marrow" is reflected in several aspects:

• During growth, thyroid hormones can directly affect brain development, so kidney qi partially encompasses the function of thyroid hormones.
• "The kidney stores essence," and the essential substance "kidney water" or "kidney essence" stored in the kidneys is the foundational material for constructing the brain's neural network. Sufficient kidney water leads to a strong brain.

Teeth are also a type of bone, hence TCM has the saying "teeth are the surplus of bones." Strong kidneys lead to strong teeth. But if teeth are not strong or are extracted, does this affect kidney qi? In 2012, a study published by Tri-Service General Hospital indicated that "men who had teeth extracted had a 1 to 1.26 times higher risk of erectile dysfunction 1 and 1.5 years later, with men under 40 having a risk as high as 1.78 times." So does tooth extraction lead to erectile dysfunction? This explanation actually confuses cause and effect. The study should be interpreted as follows: patients with insufficient kidney qi have poor teeth that are prone to decay, and severely decayed teeth are extracted. Insufficient kidney qi is the cause, while tooth extraction and erectile dysfunction are both results. This study at least demonstrates a certain connection between teeth and reproductive function, which is included in the broad kidney system of TCM.