Anatomy of Kidneys
The kidneys are two brownish bean shaped organs located on either sides of the spine roughly underneath the last ribs and are protected well by surrounding structures (D12-L3). As seen in the picture the right kidney is positioned slightly lower than the other because it must squeeze under the liver. Their primary purpose is to filter everything that doesn’t belong to us, filtering what is necessary from what isn’t. Since 70% of our bodies are made up of water their function is very important and that is why they are considered in the category of primary organs. It is a known fact that people cannot survive without both of them, so any damage to the kidneys must be taken seriously. The key word for their duty in the body is purification. The word itself tells us that we are working towards something pure and in the word ‘pure’ we have the root of “Urine”.
Function of Kidneys
- Regulation of plasma in the blood (regulation of fluid volume outside the cells)
- Regulation of osmolarity (volume of body fluids)
- Regulation of ion concentration such as sodium, potassium, calcium, etc.
- Regulation of pH (balancing acid and basic ions)
- Produce hormones (erythropoietin and renin, involved in regulating plasma calcium and glucose levels)
- Get rid of wastes (unneeded toxins for the body)
Symptoms and Causes of a Bruised Kidney
The main causes of kidney bruising are external factors. Most commonly car accidents, falls from great heights, physical assault, impact during sports, and any other force. It can give complications such as kidney failure, high blood pressure and even death, if associated with other systemic issues such as infections or a weakened immune state.
The blood vessels erupt due to the pressure exercised by the impacting force. The inability of the blood to find a way out it forces it to infiltrate between the surrounding cells. There it starts to put pressure on those cells and compromise their normal function, and then starts to coagulate and form the bruise.
People who suffer from such conditions show bruising and swelling primary where the physical force has been delivered; based on the force of the hit it is possible to categorize the damage on a scale from 1 to 5 (as illustrated in the following picture).
Depending on the damage patients refer different levels of pain, usually located on the back and upper abdomen. It is not surprising that the symptoms be associated with bloody urine, called hematuria, that can be visible to the eye or on a microscopic level to be detected from a urine sample.
On a vibration level, based on oriental alternative medicine, nothing happens by accident even what we think is random. What does this mean? We should understand that it is a message for us to understand that where we got hit is where we should look for the actual cause. A problem connected to the kidneys represents a missing “filter” of judgment and discernment between good and bad, useful and not useful, and any other decision in everyday situations. It also stands for an incapacity to keep interior balance, it points to deep ancestral fears and a need to reposition oneself on a more authentic level. Being more observant would be useful to prevent similar misfortunes, because things will keep repeating themselves until we learn the lesson.
Treatment of Bruised Kidney
Diagnosis of such a condition can be made from a physician through physical examination, urine tests to detect presence of blood cells, visual bruising, tender spots, cardiovascular shock recognizable from heart rate and blood pressure, and possibly from total failure of the kidney. Another exam of choice for diagnosis is an imagery check, with new technologies the best, quickest and simplest way is a CT scan with contrast(shown in the picture).
There are various ways to treat kidney bruises which depend on the overall damage and effect it has overall on the body. A specialist visit is always recommended in such cases, but in urgent situations there are several home remedies that can be easily made and applied immediately. First of all, immediately after the accident, cold water should be applied (do not overdo it with ice, it is not necessary since it has a way too low temperature compared to the body).
One of the most effective mixtures that has resulted to be considered very effective from testimonials is a mix of onion and salt.
How to make an onion and salt remedy right at your home?
Get 1-2 onions and cut them to little cubes, add 1-2 spoons of salt and mix together. Afterwards grind the mix until all liquid has been released and pour everything in a plastic bag that can be shut close. Apply directly in the affected area for 2-3 hours. Repeat twice a day if necessary (with a newly made mixture as the old one will lose its curative values)
Why it works?
Bruises are inherently coagulations of blood that has broken out of the vessels (where it should not be and must be removed), since onions and salt are powerful absorbents they attract the blood and help the body heal faster. This remedy is actually very useful on all kinds of bruises.
When there are sever constant pains that give trouble sitting and sleeping, these home remedies can be joined to natural pain-killers such as willow bark (to be avoided if taking aspirin or anticoagulants), turmeric or cloves. Also it is recommended to drink ginger and lemon tea (rich in vitamin C to boost immune system, and great anti-inflammatory).
In mild cases the bruising might recede on its own within 2 weeks without any medical treatment, all that is needed is bed rest and a specialist’s check. For graver situations intravenous injections of fluids might be needed to prevent shock and in the rare scenarios of serious anatomically compromising injury a surgical intervention must be performed. Even after a symptomatic recovery the patient must keep having urine tests done to monitor the presence of blood.