Hi Tracy,

Welcome to the group.

Many Qigong exercises help to build the Kidneys.

My favorite book is "The Way of Energy: Mastering the Chinese Art of Internal Strength with Chi Kung Exercise". This is the form I practice every day and I highly recommend it.

Another form of Qigong that I heard people love and experience miraculous healings is "Spring Forest Qi Gong".

Below are some exercises I found for Kidneys:

Kidney Qigong Part 1 - Elevating the Kidneys

Newsletters - SYL Wushu Newsletter - June/July 2002

By Grandmaster Shou-Yu Liang and Master Wen-Ching Wu

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the kidneys are in charge of growth, development, reproduction, urinary functions, and store the essence-of-life (jing). The kidneys not only have a leading role in maintaining the fluid balance of the body, but are also responsible for the condition of the bone and marrow, activities of the brain, and hearing. This is based on the belief that bones are nourished by jing which is derived from the kidneys. The kidneys are the foundation of one's innate constitution and physiologically relate to one's memory and will.

Normal kidney function can also be affected by excess fear. The kidneys have their specific opening in the ears. Therefore, healthy kidneys can ensure good hearing. Kidneys also have their specific openings in the urinogenital orifice and the anus. Therefore, chronic diarrhea, urinary problems, and premature ejaculations are also related to the condition of the kidneys. A darkening of one's complexion is usually seen in severe and chronic cases of blood stasis, accompanied by chills, and lowered vital functioning of the kidneys.

TCM also states that if either the kidneys, lungs, or spleen are deficient in vital-qi, then the guardian-qi (energy field on the surface of the body) will also be deficient. The body's immunity will be reduced and begin to affect other organs. About 400 years ago, during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD), medical expert Dr. Qi Shi said, "Curing a deficiency starts from the three roots: kidneys, lungs, and spleen." A deficiency in kidney-jing will affect your growth and development of your body. A deficiency in kidney-qi will also affect your hearing and cause a shortness of energy. The improper regulation of sexual activities will deplete your jing and cause eventual loss of sexual organ function and frequent urination will occur. If you are deficient in kidney-yin, your vision will deteriorate; and dizziness, ringing in the ears, weight loss, sweating during sleep, and/or nocturnal emission will occur.

If you are deficient in kidney-yang, then your life-fire will be deficient. Your vitality of spirit will be low, you'll tire easily. Your limbs may get cold and you may be afraid of cold. There may be pain and coldness in your waist area. Men may not be able to get an erection. Women may feel coldness in their womb.

Part 1. Elevating the Kidneys

This technique is especially good for curing an inflammation of the urinary bladder, kidney stones, urine containing blood, womb bleeding, frequent urination, and nocturnal emission.

Preparation and Movements:

Step 1. Sit straight with your feet touching the floor about a shoulder width apart. Sit with only one-third of your hips on the chair. Don't lean back on the chair with your back. Place your hands naturally on top of your keens (Figure 1-14).

As an alternative, you man stand with you feet shoulder width apart and with your hands overlapping on your dantian (Figure 1-15).

Step 2. Place your mind at you huiyin area. Exhale slowly, draw in and hold up your huiyin area slightly. Inhale slowly and release the huiyin area as you push your stomach out.

Key Points:

1.     The huiyin area refers to the testicles, vas deferens, penis and the anus muscles for men; the vulva, vagina, clitoris, and the anus muscles for women.

2.     This technique can be trained at any time. However, do not train more than 20 repetitions at a time. After each set, rest for a while before repeating the training. Too many repetitions at one time may cause dizziness for some people.

3.     People with high blood pressure should rest after every 5 repetitions, before resuming the training again.

4.     People that have a hard time falling asleep should avoid training this technique at night.  

Kidney Qigong Part 2 - Strengthening the Kidneys

Newsletters - SYL Wushu Newsletter - August/September 2002

By Grandmaster Shou-Yu Liang and Master Wen-Ching Wu

This technique takes in the pure essence of the universe; and supplements the innate essence in your kidneys. This solidifies the foundation of life and strengthens your jing.

Movements and Intention:

Step 1.
Sit straight with your feed touching the floor about a shoulder width apart. Sit with only one-third of your hips on the chair. Don't lean back on the chair. Place your hands naturally on top of your knees as in Figure 1-14.

Step 2.
Breathe naturally until your dantian is full of qi. Exhale slowly, draw in your abdomen and hold up the huiyin area slightly. At the same time, lead the qi from your dantian</I< mingmen point, then separate into tow paths around your waist and meet at your navel.

Inhale slowly and release the huiyin area as you push your stomach out. At the same time, lead the qi from your navel to your dantian.

Key Points:

1.     The huiyin area refers to the testicles, vas deferens, penis and the anus muscles for men; the vulva, vagina, clitoris, and the anus muscles for women.

2.     This technique can be trained at any time. However, do not train more than 20 repetitions at a time. After each set, rest for a while before repeating the training. Too many repetitions at one time may cause dizziness for some people.

3.     People with high blood pressure should rest after every 5 repetitions, before resuming the training again.

(you can view the pictures in the file section or click on the newsletter link in the email)