The process of aging begins much earlier than most people may think. By the late 20s, most people are already showing some decline in physical prowess, such that many athletes have passed their prime. In the 30s, the aging process continues at a gradual rate.

In the 40s and 50s, the pace of aging quickens, which may be particularly pronounced in women due to the relatively rapid loss of female hormone output at the menopause. By the ages of 60s and 70s, the classical changes of aging become apparent in most people: white hair, wrinkled skin, stiffer joints and the degeneration of the arteries.

The effect of aging can to some extent be moderated. In some people, the process of aging is very much slower than normal. we are all familiar with people who appear to be 50s, but who in fact are 70s.

Understanding in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Kidney is the “fire of life”, which controls the process of life: the development, degeneration and health, according to the principle of traditional Chinese medicine. The word “kidney” here refers to at least two things: the physical organ and the whole related system, which may include the nerves in the brain, hormonal system and the genital organs in the view point of modern medicine.

Each person is born with certain amounts of “essence of life”, which is stored and protected in the kidney. This is the substance that controls the aging process. It is mainly derived from parents and is nourished by the foods. It is remains fairly constant during file and only changes very slowly. It, however, can deteriorate by poor nutrition, chronic illness and overindulgence in sexual activities. After the age of forty, this “essence of life” begins to decline and this is the time when extra care is needed in order to slow the process of aging.

It is a common practice to correct the imbalance of the body supplement the essence with Chinese medicine in order to slow the aging process. The imbalance may be the Yin or the Yang of kidney, various other deficiencies may also exit alongside the diminishing supply of the “essence of life”.

After the practitioner of Chinese medicine has diagnosed the condition of a person, he or she can then make a program using herbal medicine, acupuncture or the combination of the two to improve the balance of the body and slowing down the process of aging.