A Qigong Look at the Urogenital System

In Qigong, the Urogenital and reproductive systems are a collective system

they have the main functions of: Regulating the Fluids, filtering the blood, storing essence and regulating the reproductive process

Regulating the Fluids: indicates regulating the overall water levels in the body. It does this by reading fluid levels in the blood flowing through it and initiating a process of fluid retention (keeping fluid in the blood) or fluid ejection (extracting it into the urinary bladder) depending on the bloods fluid levels. This process has effect of: Regulating blood plasma and blood pressure (by increasing or decreasing blood volume).

Filtering Blood: along with fluid regulation the Kidneys also filter out metabolites such as urine and other minerals. This has the affect of cleaning the blood and regulating the acid base balance (a shared function with the Respiratory System).

Storing Essence - Because water is the basis of our entire physical structure this regulation process has a huge impact on our greater health. As we age and the Kidneys regulation abilities diminish the body becomes dried out and withered. This is viewed as out essence becoming diminished.

Regulate Reproductive process In traditional Chinese Medicine theory the ability to reproduce is determined by more than just the presence of the sex organs. Reproduction is dependant with our personal store of Essence (recall the three treasures: essence, energy and spirit). Essence involves the production of sperm and egg, which includes everything from their genetic inscription to their formation. It also involves the development of a potential embryo and fetus. Essence is measured by the vitality of the Source Dantien and the health of the Kidneys. Where as the vitality of the sexual organs relates to the Perineum Dantien.