Do you believe the claim that abstinence can nourish the kidneys? Many people find this quite reasonable and actually follow it — canceling dates, avoiding intimacy, thinking that enduring for a while will make their kidneys exceptionally strong. But what are the actual results? Many find that the longer they abstain, the more they suffer from lower back soreness, weak legs, and declining energy. What's really going on here? Today, let's discuss this in detail.

Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches kidney nourishment not as a one-size-fits-all solution. If you've recently been working overtime, staying up late, or have been physically drained from a cold or fever, resting for ten days to half a month can indeed give your body a chance to recover. However, if you're experiencing kidney essence deficiency due to long-term late nights and frequent exhaustion, expecting abstinence to solve the problem is like expecting a leaky bucket to fill up on its own without patching the hole — it's simply unrealistic. The kidneys store essence, governing growth, development, reproduction, and fertility. Excessive abstinence not only fails to nourish the kidneys but may also create health problems.

Why does excessive abstinence harm the body? The foundation of physical health lies in the smooth circulation of qi and blood, which act like couriers within the body, delivering essential nutrients to various organs around the clock. Long-term abstinence is akin to placing numerous roadblocks in front of these delivery vehicles, hindering the smooth flow of qi and blood. This can impair kidney function, leading to symptoms such as low spirits, general fatigue, soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, and increased susceptibility to exhaustion. More troublingly, prolonged abstinence can also lead to emotional instability—where one may feel inexplicably irritable despite having no apparent worries—and in severe cases, even anxiety symptoms may arise. This is because, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, the kidney governs fear, and when the kidney is deficient, emotional regulation also deteriorates.

The essence and qi within the kidney follow their own set pathways, much like a daily commute. Long-term suppression and refusal to allow it to be discharged normally is akin to sealing off all subway entrances, which not only causes congestion and paralysis at the stations but also disrupts the entire transportation system. Many male patients experience issues such as difficulty achieving an erection and premature ejaculation due to excessive abstinence. The reproductive system is similar to a treadmill at home—if it is never used, it will rust and become sluggish. Prolonged inactivity may even affect fertility function, leading to regret when it’s too late to take action.

From the perspective of TCM, moderate intimacy not only does not harm the kidneys but can actually promote the circulation of qi and blood. It’s like performing regular maintenance on the body’s engine, with the key being to strike the right balance. In addition to maintaining a regular lifestyle, daily care is also crucial. Soaking your feet in warm water before bed at night and gently massaging the Yongquan (Bubbling Spring) point on the soles can help stimulate kidney qi. Traditional practices such as Baduanjin (Eight Section Brocade) and Tai Chi, with their gentle and flowing movements, are excellent for strengthening the kidneys and reinforcing the body’s foundation, making them particularly suitable for busy office workers to practice during spare moments.

The content of this article is intended solely for educational purposes. Nourishing the kidneys is not about simply and rigidly abstaining from intimacy but rather about finding a lifestyle rhythm that suits you. If any physical discomfort arises, it is essential to seek treatment under the guidance of a professional physician based on proper diagnosis!