Flexibility in the legs is a criterion for judging the health of the elderly. In fact, it is not only the elderly who need to pay attention to protecting their legs, but also young people. Women who often wear high heels can massage the Yin Ling Quan acupoint, while people with cold feet can massage the Yong Quan acupoint.
1. Feeling tired from walking: massage or tap the Ling Quan acupoint
Walking for a long time can make your feet tired, especially for women who like to wear high heels while shopping. It is recommended to soak your feet in hot water when you get home, and at the same time, massage or use a health hammer to tap the Ling Quan acupoint (Yin Ling Quan and Yang Ling Quan).
2. Leg swelling or heaviness: pat the thighs
In the park or square in the morning, it is common to see elderly people patting their legs. The elderly say that patting the legs can promote blood circulation and improve their health. Traditional Chinese medicine experts believe that patting the legs does have a health effect. The thighs are divided into six meridians that connect to the abdominal organs: the kidney meridian, stomach meridian, bladder meridian, liver meridian, gallbladder meridian, and spleen meridian. Patting the legs will stimulate these meridians and regulate the internal organs. Spending a few minutes every day to pat the inner and outer sides of the thighs can ensure the smooth flow of these six meridians. Start from the lower end of the buttocks and pat from top to bottom, focusing on areas with more flesh. Patting the legs from time to time can help eliminate leg swelling and heaviness.
3. Cold feet: rub the Yong Quan acupoint
Elderly people and some women often experience cold hands and feet in winter due to poor blood circulation. Miss Zhang dislikes having cold feet when she sleeps in winter. She says, "I can't sleep all night if my feet are cold." At this time, you can rub the Yong Quan acupoint on the inside of the palm to warm up the feet. This acupoint is located at the junction of the front one-third and the back two-thirds of the sole. In addition, regularly patting the Zu San Li acupoint can improve the blood circulation of the fingers and toes through meridian regulation, making the hands and feet warmer.
4. Leg cramps or soreness: massage the Cheng Shan acupoint
Sudden leg cramps or leg soreness after exercise is common. Traditional Chinese medicine experts suggest massaging the Cheng Shan acupoint for leg soreness and cramps. The Cheng Shan acupoint is located on the back of the calf, 8 inches below the Weizhong acupoint, between the two bellies of the calf muscles. It is mainly used to relax tendons and relieve spasms, and is suitable for treating back pain, leg cramps, and lower limb weakness.
5. Degeneration of joint function: rub the knees and swing the ankles
Elderly people are prone to arthritis and joint pain due to aging and decreased flexibility in the legs. If you start from a young age and pay attention to rubbing the knees, swinging the ankles, or doing bending and kicking exercises, you can relax your legs and prevent joint diseases. It is recommended to rub the knees in a clockwise direction, and for bending and kicking exercises, stand upright, bend forward, stretch out your hands, and then kick your legs.
