Boost the Kidneys First by Nourishing the Liver

From the Perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine

1. Liver and Kidney Share the Same Origin
Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that "the liver and kidneys share the same origin." The liver stores blood, and the kidneys store essence; essence and blood can transform into each other. Adequate liver blood is necessary to better nourish the kidney essence; conversely, deficiency of kidney essence can also affect the production of liver blood. Therefore, when regulating kidney deficiency, it is indeed helpful to consider liver function for overall recovery.
2. The Liver Governs Smooth Flow
The liver's function of smooth flow ensures that qi and blood circulate smoothly, allowing the kidneys to function properly. If liver qi is stagnated, and qi and blood are not flowing well, it may lead to kidney dysfunction, manifesting as腰膝酸软 (weakness in the waist and knees), reduced sexual function, and other "kidney deficiency" symptoms.
3. Differentiation and Treatment Based on Syndrome
Traditional Chinese Medicine emphasizes syndrome differentiation and treatment. If your "kidney deficiency" is caused by liver issues such as liver blood deficiency or liver qi stagnation, then "nourishing the liver first to strengthen the kidneys" is the correct treatment approach. However, if it is purely kidney yang deficiency or kidney yin deficiency, direct regulation of the kidneys is necessary.