According to traditional Chinese medicine, the kidneys are the foundation of our innate vitality. If we want to have a healthy body, it is crucial to protect our kidneys, especially for men. The kidneys store essence, and in order to have abundant energy, it is necessary to protect the kidneys. There are some important acupoints for men, and regular kidney massage can effectively strengthen the kidneys and consolidate essence.
1. Ears
After waking up in the morning, use your fingertips to rub the ear lobes in a circular motion, or press and knead them. When the ears feel slightly swollen and warm, it is enough. Massaging the ears is a method advocated by generations of health experts. It has the effects of harmonizing yin and yang, promoting blood circulation, and strengthening the kidneys and consolidating essence.
2. Lower Back
Rub the palms of your hands against the lower back on the same side for about 2 minutes until it feels slightly warm. Alternatively, make fists with your hands and use the back of your hands to tap the lower back, about 100 times on each side. The lower back is the residence of the kidneys, and this action is known as "rubbing the essence gate," which has the effects of strengthening the kidneys, invigorating the lower back, and promoting meridian circulation.
3. Feet
Lie flat on your back, use both hands to pull from the knees to the hip joints, then move along the line from the front armpit to the top of the head. Cross your hands with palms facing up, straighten your feet, and extend your hands forward as your upper body bends forward. Place your hands on the Yongquan acupoints on the soles of your feet, push your feet straight with force, and release your hands to return to a supine position. Repeat this 10 times, or adjust the number according to your ability. This method strengthens the lower back and knees, and consolidates the kidneys and essence.
4. Lower Abdomen
Rub your palms together to generate heat, press and knead the abdomen in a circular motion centered around the navel, following the direction of the large intestine's peristalsis. Gently and repeatedly rub. Stimulating the Dantian acupoint can promote meridian activity, and pressing and kneading can improve blood circulation, thus achieving the function of tonifying the kidneys.
5. Groin
Place your hands on both sides of the inguinal area (the base of the thighs). Gently massage along a diagonal direction for 36 times. You can do this several times a week. It has a certain effect on enhancing sexual desire and improving energy.
6. Testicles
Rub your hands together to generate heat, then hold the right testicle with your right hand, placing it in the palm, with the left testicle positioned on the creases of the thumb, index finger, and middle finger. Gently massage in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction for 30-50 times, until there is a slight sense of soreness and swelling without pain. Then repeat the same method with your left hand.
Men's Kidney-Nourishing Recipes
1. Du Zhong Braised Pork Kidneys
Ingredients: 15g Du Zhong, 4 pork kidneys
Instructions: Cut the raw Du Zhong into slices measuring 3.3cm in length and 1.6cm in width. Cut open the pork kidneys and stuff the sliced Du Zhong inside. Wrap the kidneys with damp paper and place them in a charcoal fire for slow roasting. Once cooked, remove the paper and serve.
Effects: This recipe strengthens the lower back and kidneys, and is suitable for those with kidney deficiency, lower back pain, and kidney inflammation.
2. Dodder Seed Porridge
Ingredients: Dodder seeds, rice, white sugar
Instructions: Clean the dodder seeds, then crush them and put them in a pot to decoct. Remove the residue and continue boiling the decoction. Add an appropriate amount of white sugar for seasoning before removing from heat. It is best to consume two servings a day, one in the morning and one at night.
Effects: This recipe has a good kidney-nourishing effect and can effectively treat impotence.
3. Cistanche Lamb Porridge
Ingredients: Cistanche, lamb, rice
Instructions: Chop the Cistanche into small pieces, wash the lamb, and chop it as well. Wash the rice. Put the Cistanche in a pot, add an appropriate amount of water, and bring to a boil. Then add the rice and lamb. Simmer the porridge over low heat. Add salt before removing from heat and serve.
Effects: This recipe has a good warming and tonifying effect on yang energy and essence. It is best to consume one serving a day.
In the cold winter weather, soaking your feet in hot water before bedtime can not only keep your feet warm but also promote sleep. Soaking your feet in hot water can increase body heat and dilate blood vessels, which is beneficial for promoting blood circulation. 9 PM is the best time to soak your feet because your kidneys have been working hard all day, and soaking your feet can help relax your kidneys and make you feel comfortable.
It is recommended to soak your feet for at least 30 minutes. Foot soaking can not only nourish the kidneys but also promote better sleep. Good sleep can also help the kidneys recover.
