Kidney pain is a serious and often debilitating condition that can stem from a variety of causes, including infections, stones, or inflammation. Whether the pain is sharp, dull, or persistent, it can significantly impact your daily life and overall well-being. In Tokyo, many people are turning to acupuncture as a natural and effective solution to manage kidney pain and restore their body’s balance. Acupuncture, an ancient healing practice grounded in Traditional Oriental Medicine (TOM), targets specific energy points to alleviate discomfort, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
Kidney Pain
Kidney pain is felt in your sides, back, belly or groin. It’s often mistaken for back pain. Kidney pain can be caused by kidney stones, kidney infection, an injury or kidney cancer. Kidney pain treatment depends on the underlying cause.
What is kidney pain?
Kidney pain (renal pain) is discomfort near your kidneys. Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located just below your ribcage, on each side of your spine. Kidney pain doesn’t always mean there’s a problem with your kidneys specifically — but it does usually indicate an issue somewhere in your urinary system.
What does it feel like when your kidneys hurt?
People often mistake kidney pain for back pain. But there are some key differences between kidney pain and how it feels compared to back pain.
Kidney pain vs back pain
Back pain usually affects the middle of your back, over your spine, and most commonly in the lower back. Spine-related issues can also cause back pain to sometimes radiate down your legs.
In comparison, kidney pain is typically located higher on your back and it often feels deeper. Most of the time, kidney pain symptoms occur under your ribs, to the right or left of your spine. Kidney pain may also radiate to other areas, such as your abdomen or groin. Sometimes, hip pain is confused with kidney pain, but hip pain is lower down in your back than kidney pain.
Possible Causes
What are the most common causes of kidney pain?
Your kidneys are connected to your bladder and ureters (the tubes that carry pee from your kidneys to your bladder). Problems with any of these areas can result in pain and discomfort. Possible causes of kidney pain include:
- Kidney stones. Kidney stones form from the buildup of minerals or compounds inside your body. Stones may be as small as a grain of sand or larger than a pearl. Small stones may leave your body on their own. However, larger stones may get stuck in your urinary tract and prevent pee from passing through. In either case, intense kidney pain can develop.
- Urinary retention. With this condition, you’re unable to empty your bladder completely. This can happen suddenly or gradually over time.
- Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). This reflux of urine causes urine to flow backward from your bladder to your ureters or kidneys. VUR can happen to anyone, but it’s most common in babies and young children.
- Ureteropelvic junction obstruction. With this condition, there’s a blockage that occurs where your ureter attaches to your kidney. This can cause flank pain that may radiate to your belly or groin.
- Ureteral stricture. This refers to a narrowing of your ureter. The ureters are the tubes that carry urine from your kidneys to your bladder. Ureteral stricture can occur on one or both sides.
- Kidney infection (pyelonephritis). This condition develops when bacteria infects your kidneys. Symptoms include fever, chills, back or side pain, and nausea and vomiting.
- Polycystic kidney disease. People with this inherited condition have fluid-filled sacs (cysts) inside their kidneys. As the cysts expand, the kidneys become enlarged and can cause pain. As a result, they may not function properly.
- Injury or trauma. Impact from contact sports, accidents or other blunt force trauma may cause physical damage to your kidneys. This could result in blood in the urine or around the kidneys as well as leakage of urine from the kidneys.
- Kidney (renal) cancer. The most common type of kidney cancer, renal cell carcinoma, usually affects people in their 60s or 70s. Symptoms may include blood in your pee, flank pain or the appearance of a lump on your side.
What are common kidney pain symptoms?
People with kidney pain may experience different symptoms. Some of the most common kidney pain symptoms include:
- A constant, dull ache in your back.
- Pain in your sides, under your rib cage or in your abdomen.
- Severe or sharp pain that comes in waves.
- Pain that spreads to your groin area.
- Kidney pain is often accompanied by nausea or vomiting, especially if the pain is due to kidney stones.
Care and Treatment
How is kidney pain treated?
Kidney pain treatment depends on the condition that’s causing it. For example, if you have kidney pain due to an infection, your healthcare provider will prescribe antibiotics. If you have kidney pain due to stones, then you may need to have treatment to remove them.
What tests can help determine the cause of kidney pain?
In order to pinpoint a cause, a number of tools are available to help your healthcare provider make a diagnosis:
- Urinalysis: This test checks for the presence of blood, white blood cells (which would point to an infection), proteins and certain molecules that are linked to various kidney disorders.
- Imaging tests: Ultrasound or a CT (computed tomography) scan can provide images of the physical structure of the kidneys and urinary tract. It can also tell your healthcare provider if stones are present and determine if urine flow is adequate.
What should I do if my kidneys hurt?
If you have kidney pain that doesn’t go away, the first thing you should do is call your healthcare provider to schedule an appointment or go to the emergency room if you have symptoms such as uncontrolled pain, severe nausea or vomiting, fevers or chills, or an inability to pee. In the meantime, here are some things you can do to ease discomfort:
- Stay hydrated. Drinking lots of water will help flush bacteria from your urinary tracts. Avoid caffeinated drinks and alcohol.
- Use heat. Place a heating pad on your back, abdomen or side to help reduce kidney pain.
- Take pain relievers. To ease fever or discomfort, take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (unless you have known liver or kidney damage and are not supposed to use these medications).
What drinks are bad for the kidneys?
In general, water is the best. Drinks that are high in sugar can lead to diabetes and those with lots of salt or caffeine can cause dehydration, both of which can lead to kidney damage over time.
When To Call the Doctor
When should I call my healthcare provider?
See your doctor if you have persistent pain in the kidney area, or if you have back pain along with any of the following symptoms:
- Fever or chills.
- Nausea or vomiting such that you cannot eat or drink.
- Oddly colored pee.
- Pain when you pee.
- Blood in your pee.
- A repeated urgent need to pee that is unusual for you.
- The appearance of solid material (kidney stones) in your pee.
- A general feeling of illness or lethargy that won’t go away.
Acupuncture for Kidney pain in Tokyo
Many individuals dealing with kidney pain often seek natural and holistic treatments to alleviate their symptoms and support long-term kidney health. One such treatment gaining popularity around the world, including in cities like Tokyo, is acupuncture.
Acupuncture, a cornerstone of Traditional Oriental Medicine (TOM), has been used for thousands of years to treat a wide range of health issues, including kidney pain. The practice focuses on restoring balance to the body’s energ, by inserting very fine needles into specific points on the body. When it comes to kidney pain, acupuncture offers a gentle and effective approach to managing discomfort, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing. In this article, we will explore how acupuncture works for kidney pain, the benefits it offers, the scientific mechanisms behind its effects, and how you can seek treatment at a clinic like Fuji Wellness in Tokyo for a holistic and effective solution.
How Acupuncture Works for Kidney Pain
Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body, known as acupuncture points, to improve the flow of energy along pathways called meridians. According to Traditional Oriental Medicine, when there is an imbalance in energy, pain and illness arise. Acupuncture aims to correct these imbalances by using fine needles to stimulate these key points, helping to restore the natural flow of energy throughout the body. In the case of kidney pain, acupuncture focuses on several important areas:
Restoring Kidney Energy
In TOM, the kidneys are considered the source of vital energy. This governs many essential functions, including the regulation of water metabolism, the balance of fluid in the body, and the overall vitality of an individual. When vital energy becomes weak or stagnated, it can manifest as kidney pain or dysfunction. Acupuncture helps to restore the flow of vital energy, reducing pain and improving kidney function.
Promoting Blood Circulation
Acupuncture is known to enhance blood circulation in the body. Improved circulation helps to carry nutrients and oxygen to the kidneys, promoting healing and reducing inflammation. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from kidney infections or kidney stones, where circulation to the area may be compromised.
Reducing Inflammation
Acupuncture can help modulate the body’s inflammatory response. By stimulating certain acupuncture points, the body can reduce inflammation in the kidneys and surrounding areas, thereby alleviating pain. This can be especially helpful for people with conditions like kidney infections or cysts, which often involve significant inflammation.
Balancing the Nervous System
Acupuncture has been shown to influence the autonomic nervous system, which regulates vital bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, and pain perception. By regulating the nervous system, acupuncture helps to reduce the perception of pain, promoting relaxation and a sense of well-being. This can provide significant relief to individuals suffering from chronic kidney pain, especially in cases where stress or anxiety aggravates the pain.
Detoxifying the Body
Acupuncture is also thought to support the body’s natural detoxification processes. It can help stimulate the kidneys to remove waste products and toxins, which can further reduce the burden on the kidneys and help relieve pain associated with kidney conditions.
Key Acupuncture Points for Kidney Pain
When addressing kidney pain through acupuncture, practitioners typically target specific points along the body’s meridians that are believed to be linked to kidney health and energy flow. Here are a few key acupuncture points commonly used to treat kidney pain:
1. KI3 (Kidney 3 or Taixi)
Located on the inside of the ankle, KI3 is one of the most important points for tonifying Kidney Energy. Stimulating this point can help restore energy to the kidneys, alleviate pain, and enhance kidney function. It is commonly used in the treatment of kidney pain caused by weakness or stagnation of Kidney Qi.
2. BL23 (Bladder 23 or Shenshu)
This point is located on the lower back, near the second lumbar vertebra. It is the primary point for strengthening the kidneys and is used to treat kidney-related pain, such as that caused by chronic kidney disease or kidney weakness. BL23 is frequently used to invigorate Kidney Energy, improve circulation, and reduce pain.
3. REN4 (Conception Vessel 4 or Guanyuan)
Located on the lower abdomen, REN4 is often used to strengthen the overall energy of the body and enhance the function of the kidneys. It is especially useful for individuals suffering from kidney pain due to deficiency or weakness.
4. SP6 (Spleen 6 or Sanyinjiao)
Located on the inner side of the lower leg, SP6 is a vital point for regulating the body’s energy flow and promoting kidney health. This point is used to balance the kidney, spleen, and liver systems, helping to reduce kidney pain and promote overall well-being.
5. LV3 (Liver 3 or Taichong)
While primarily used to regulate the liver, LV3 is an important point for addressing emotional stress and tension, which can exacerbate kidney pain. By calming the liver and improving energy flow, LV3 helps to reduce pain and support kidney health.
6. ST36 (Stomach 36 or Zusanli)
ST36 is a well-known point used to boost energy and overall vitality. It helps to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes and can be used as an adjunct in the treatment of kidney pain, particularly when the pain is related to weakness or fatigue.
Scientific Evidence Supporting Acupuncture for Kidney Pain
While acupuncture is rooted in ancient practices, numerous studies have supported its effectiveness in treating pain, including kidney-related pain. Research has shown that acupuncture can have a positive effect on the autonomic nervous system, improve blood circulation, and reduce inflammation—all of which are important factors in managing kidney pain.
A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that acupuncture significantly reduced pain and improved kidney function in patients with chronic kidney disease. Similarly, other studies have shown that acupuncture can reduce the intensity of kidney pain caused by kidney stones, infections, and inflammation.
Though more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind acupuncture’s effects on kidney pain, the evidence thus far is promising. Many patients report substantial improvements in their symptoms, including reduced pain, enhanced kidney function, and a greater sense of well-being.
Conclusion
Kidney pain is a complex and often debilitating condition, but acupuncture offers a holistic and natural solution to alleviate pain and promote healing. By restoring balance to the body’s energy, improving circulation, and reducing inflammation, acupuncture can help to manage kidney pain and support long-term kidney health.
If you’re living with kidney pain and are looking for an effective, natural treatment, acupuncture at Fuji Wellness in Tokyo could be the solution you’ve been seeking. At Fuji Wellness, our team of experienced acupuncturists specializes in treating kidney pain and other conditions through personalized, holistic acupuncture treatments. We focus on restoring balance to your body’s energy, improving circulation, and promoting healing through targeted acupuncture points.
Our peaceful, professional environment ensures you feel relaxed and at ease during your treatment. Whether you’re suffering from kidney stones, infections, or chronic kidney disease, our acupuncture treatments are designed to alleviate your pain and improve your overall kidney health. At Fuji Wellness, we take the time to understand your individual needs and tailor our treatment plan to provide you with the best possible care.
Fuji Wellness:
- Address: 132-0031 Matsushima 1-chome, 21-14, Tokyo, Japan
- Contact: Click here
- Email: sunnyphamsensei@gmail.com
