While physical factors are important, did you know what causes kidney cancer, using a symbolic lens? Here are some possible mental and emotional triggers for kidney cancer, based on the work of renowned healers and holistic practitioners.
Kidneys: Their physical function
The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs on either side of the spine, in the lower back. Their main function is to filter blood: remove waste, control fluid balance and regulate electrolyte levels. They ultimately, pass the waste out as urine.
Psychological importance and symbolism
To decode what causes kidney cancer, the kidney’s psychological significance becomes important. The kidneys
- Symbolise a healthy partnership, while retaining individual identity and honour.
- Storehouse of ‘essence‘ & energy which nourishes other organs.
- Represent discernment, regulation and balance.
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What causes kidney cancer: a broader view
1. Self-esteem issues
In her book Anatomy Of The Spirit, Caroline Myss correlates the kidneys with the third yogic (Manipuraka) chakra.
- The third Chakra represents the sacred truth ‘Honour Oneself’.
- It becomes particularly important during puberty. It is significant in the process of forming an autonomous self, ego, and personality separate from ones inherited identity.
- While hurtling through life, we often ignore self-care. Eventually, this can result in self-esteem issues like low self-worth, depression, fear of taking responsibility, etc.
2. Sense of entitlement
One one hand, the kidneys represent your personal sense of self (individual). On the other hand, they also influence how this individual ‘self’ interacts with others (relational).
- Sometimes, an inflated ego can make you judgmental about others.
- It can also manifest in an ‘I know everything’ feeling of superiority.
- This can result in your frequently dismissing others opinions and instead, becoming hyper-sensitive to criticism.
3. Restlessness
Like any system, your mind and body also needs time to rest, repair and refuel.
- The relentless quest for achievement and excellence creates undue pressure.
- This typically leads to restlessness and an inability to relax.
- Hence, you could feel excessive fear and anxiety.
Reflection
- How do you ‘discern and extract’ what is important/ valuable in life, while ‘filtering out’ what isn’t?
- What aspects of your key relationships are most satisfying? And by contrast, what are some disappointments/ challenges?
- When do you tend to judge people? Conversely, how do you handle criticism?
- What makes you feel afraid or restless? How do you relax and calm yourself down?
- If you feel ‘small’ or ‘lost’, then how do you restore your self-worth?
- What are your primary sources of energy? How do you ‘tank-up’ if you are depleted?
- What is your self-care routine (physical and emotional)?
- How do you balance taking care of yourself with taking care of others?
Source
- “You Can Heal Your Life” by Louise Hay: Read review here.
- “Anatomy Of The Spirit” by Caroline Myss. Read review here.
- “The Healing Power of Illness“ by Dahlke and Dethlefsen. Read review here.
- “Traditional Chinese Medicine Approaches To Cancer” by Henry McGrath.
- “Molecules Of Emotion” by Candace Pert.
- “Cancer As A Turning Point” by Lawrence LeShan. Read review here.
- “The Type C Connection” by Lydia Temoshok and Henry Dreher. Read more here.
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“Getting Well Again” by Carl & Stephanie Simonton. Read review here.
