Lower backache is the aching sensation one feels at the lower back just above the posterior. It can happen when one stood up after squatting for a short while, or standing too long in a certain position or after bending forward for a short while.

Causes

For allopathic people the problem is cause by:

• diabetes

• pregnancy

But for TCM although the above disease or condition can cause the problem, the most common cause of lower backache is kidney dysfunction.

TCM Kidneys

The kidneys are paired reddish-brown organs situated one on each side of the vertebral column and on the posterior wall of the abdominal cavity. The adrenal glands are situated on the superior portion of each kidney. Being approximately 11 cm. long, they extend down from the level of the twelfth thoracic to the third lumbar vertebra. The right kidney sits slightly lower than the left because of the presence of the liver. The kidney proper is composed of a cortex or outer layer; the medulla which is located deep to the cortex and consists of up to 18 triangular renal pyramids. The renal pelvis is the papilla of each pyramid projecting into a funnel-shaped minor calyx. The major calyces unite to form the renal pelvis which is the expanded upper end of the ureter. The urine passes as droplets from tiny pores in the papillae into the renal pelvis and finally the ureter, which carries it to the urinary bladder.

Western physiology and anatomy limits the description of kidney to the actual organ itself whereas TCM kidney also encompasses the urinary system (balance of mineral electrolytes) as well as the entire endocrine system including prostaglandins and the various neuro-transmitters. Therefore TCM kidney system not only involves the regulation of electrolyte balance of sodium and potassium, necessary for the circulation of bioelectrical energy throughout the body, it also involves the secretion of glucocorticoid hormone, cortisol, from the adrenal cortex, adrenaline secretions of the adrenal medulla as well as the other endocrine functions including the pituitary and thyroid glands. These are the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system of the body. Therefore TCM offers us a more holistic view of the dynamic interplay of kidneys’ complex physiological phenomena. TCM understanding of the kidney system is more complete. Once we understand the dynamic interactions of different parts then holistic herbs can be prescribe to harmonize the system. TCM's concept of health and healing is the concept of balance.

The kidney is a very complex organ and performs many important roles that help to keep the body health. Kidney cannot be treated as an independent organ. What affects the liver, the liver would eventually affect the kidneys. What affects the spleen will also eventually affects the kidneys. They all work holistically helping one another to function efficiently.

Glucocorticoids, secreted by the adrenal cortex, are used metabolically to aid in the utilization of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. The digestion of food release latent energy. Glucocorticoids are also used by the body to counter and resist all forms of major and minor stress be it physical or mental. Gluconeogenesis is a process whereby the liver secretes enzymes necessary to convert amino acids from proteins into glucose. The employment of cortisol and other glucocorticoids is used to help stimulate this process of gluconeogenesis i.e. a healthy kidney would ensure the efficiency of the liver.  First, one of the metabolic effects of cortisol is to increase the transport of amino acids from the extracellular fluids into the liver cells. From this, gluconeogenesis is better facilitated. Secondly, cortisol helps all the enzymes convert these amino acids into blood glucose. Thirdly, cortisol causes the mobilization of amino acids from muscles and other extrahepatic tissue. The result of this is that more amino acids become available to enter into the liver's process of gluconeogenesis. Finally, one of the effects of increased gluconeogenesis is a decided increase in liver glycogen stores.

One of the most beneficial effects of cortisol is in the relief of stress. In this we see that cortisol is necessary for trauma, infections, intense heat or cold, psychological and neurological stress, and recovery from any debilitating disease. As a result, there is a relationship between lack of cortisol and what is diagnosed as "kidney deficiency."  Without cortisol our system can wind down.

Aldosterone is the most important mineralocorticoid produced by the body. Too much or too little of it would disrupt the biochemical balance (potassium and salt content) in the body which would affect the function of the kidneys, liver and spleen. A deficiency of aldosterone would lead to urinary problem. Herbs can be used to cause the body to secrete the enzyme, renin from the kidney which in turn stimulates aldosterone from the adrenals if there is deficiency in this area.

Symptoms of Weak Kidneys

• lower backache

• joint and knee pains

• weakness of legs

• stiffness

• impotence or frigidity libido

• hearing problems

• frequent urination

• growth and maturation problems

• bone and marrow problems

• feverish sensation in the soles and palms

• nocturnal emission

In women

• scanty menstrual flow

• amenorrhea

• feeling cold at night (even on a hot night)

Causes of Dysfunction Kidney

• Side effects of drug like pain killers (Pain killers can damage the kidneys)

• Certain types of food like excessive lime

• Too much sex

• Dysfunction liver (strong liver will reduce kidney stress)

Some of the traditional uses (like hepato-protective function, bone regeneration ability, improved blood function, hypolipidemic, anti-edema and antioxidant properties) of these herbs Radix Panax Notoginseng, Poria Cocos Wolf, Calyx Diospyros Kaki,  Radix Polygonum Multiflorumand  and Radix Salvia Miltiorrhiza have been proven by scientists throughout the world. These herbs have traditional been used to improve kidney function and to treat weak kidneys.

Some of the traditional uses (like hepato-protective function, bone regeneration ability, improved blood function, hypolipidemic, anti-edema and antioxidant properties) of these herbs Radix Panax Notoginseng, Poria Cocos Wolf, Calyx Diospyros Kaki,  Radix Polygonum Multiflorum and  and Radix Salvia Miltiorrhiza have been proven by scientists throughout the world. These herbs have traditional been used to improve kidney function and to treat frequent urination caused by weak kidneys.

Panax Notoginseng:

1) Experiments and modern clinical trials have shown that Panax notoginseng has immunologically active. Panax notoginseng stimulates macrophages, promotes antibody formation, activates complement and increases T lymphocyte proliferation.  (T lymphocyte: a small lymphocyte developed in the thymus; it orchestrates the immune system's response to infected or malignant cells) and protected animals from liver intoxications. 41992

2) Clinical research by western scientists have shown that Panax Notoginseng has anti-inflammatory, analgesic (reduces pain) and immunomodulatory action. 44000

3) Clinical research by western scientists have shown that Panax Notoginseng reduces thrombogenicity (blood clot) and arrhythmias (improves blood and heart function), increases erythrocyte deformability (causes the ability erythrocytes cells to change shape as they pass through narrow spaces, such as the microvasculature i.e. improves blood flow), is an antioxidant, which can counteract free radical damage associated with atherogenesis and myocardial damage seen with ischemia (reduce blood supply) and reperfusion (damage to tissue caused when blood supply returns to the tissue after a period of ischemia). 66054

4) Clinical research by western scientists have shown that ginsenosides Rg1 from Panax Notoginseng has estrogen-like activity and should be classified as a novel class of potent phytoestrogen and that ginsenosides have demonstrated pharmacological effects in the central nervous, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems. 61497

Poria Cocos Wolf:

1) Clinical research by western scientists have shown that Poria cocos improves kidney functions. 07662

2) Clinical research by western scientists have shown that Poria cocos has anti-inflammatory functions and protects red blood cells from AAPH-induced hemolysis (affected by microorganisms).   160 - 162

Polygonum Multiflorum:

1) Clinical research shows that the extract of the root of Polygonum multiflorum exhibited a significant antioxidant activity. 33196

2) Clinical research by western scientists have shown that Polygonum Multiflorum increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, reduce total cholesterol, free cholesterol, triglycerides, retard atherosclerosis, protect the heart, strengthen the membranes of erythrocytes (red blood cells) and has powerful natural antioxidant and free radical scavenger and these have powerful anti-aging benefits in humans. Forster

Salvia Miltiorrhiza:

1) Scientists confirmed the validity of the historical use of the drug to improve heart and kidneys functions, promoting coronary blood flow without affecting heart rate, inducing dilation of renal vascular system, an increase in renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate, decreases blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, methylguanidine, guanidinosuccinic acid and inorganic phosphate (in rat studies), is a free radical scavenger, inhibits platelet aggregation and reduces accumulation of methylguanidine and guanidinosuccinic acid levels (methylguanidine and guanidinosuccinic acid have been reported to cause platelet dynfunction, hemolytic activity, glucose metabolism disturbance and inhibition of lymphocyte transformation). 1527-0661

2) Clinical research by western scientists confirmed the validity of the historical use of the drug, Salvia Miltiorrhiza for improving liver functions. Stronger liver would reduce kidney stress. 64749

3) Clinical research by western scientists confirmed the validity of the historical use of the drug for improving liver functions.  566-572(7)

4) Clinical research by western scientists confirmed the validity of the historical use of the drug, Salvia Miltiorrhiza for improving liver functions. 41991.

Thanks to growing trust in herbal treatments survival rates have improved over the years. Herbal formulations to treat various types of kidney liver problems has proven to be safe and very effective without any side effects. When allopathic science failed, more and more people have to turn to trustworthy alternative source. It was desperation that saves them.