What should men do if they have kidney deficiency! Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the kidneys are the "foundation of innate vitality". Every year during the "Major Snow" solar term, it is recommended to cook "two bone soup" to nourish the kidneys and liver. Strong kidneys provide abundant energy and a healthy liver ensures smooth blood circulation, which can help resist the cold and strengthen bones and muscles. Beef and lamb bones are known for their warming and yang-enhancing properties!
[Bone Soup for Warming and Yang-enhancing]
Winter is a season of hibernation and it is important to follow the laws of nature for health. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, the "Major Snow" solar term is an ideal time for tonifying and regulating the body.
"In spring and summer, nourish the yang; in autumn and winter, nourish the yin." This is a basic concept in traditional Chinese medicine that many people are familiar with," says Hou Xixin, Director of the Nutrition Department at Zhengzhou Third People's Hospital. "During this time, nourishing the kidneys and liver is essential. Strong kidneys provide abundant energy and a healthy liver ensures smooth blood circulation, which can help resist the cold and strengthen bones and muscles."
Hou Xixin suggests that winter is a good time to eat beef and lamb, which can help warm the body. Cooking bone soup with beef and lamb bones has many benefits. According to traditional Chinese medicine, lamb bones are warm in nature and can nourish the kidneys and strengthen bones, as well as warm the middle and stop diarrhea. Modern research has found that lamb bones contain calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, and collagen, which provide essential nutrients for the bones and help prevent osteoporosis. They can also relieve joint and bone pain, as well as weakness and fatigue in the lower back.
Beef bones have the effect of tonifying the kidneys and strengthening bones. Beef bones contain collagen and chondroitin, which can prevent bone aging. They also contain amino acids, B vitamins, and vitamin A, which are beneficial for liver function.
[Three Acupoints for Enhancing Male Vitality]
1. Zusanli (ST 36)
Located four finger-widths below the outer knee, Zusanli is known for treating various abdominal conditions. It is one of the nine acupuncture points used for reinforcing yang and is considered a vital acupoint for strengthening the body.
Massaging Zusanli can tonify the middle energy. When used for tonification, it can invigorate the spleen, nourish the stomach, and enhance qi, similar to the effects of herbs like Dangshen, Baizhu, Shan Yao, and Hongzao. When used for purgation, it can promote digestion, relieve food stagnation, and regulate intestinal function, similar to the effects of herbs like hawthorn and rhubarb.
2. Sanyinjiao (SP 6)
Located four finger-widths above the inner ankle, Sanyinjiao is an acupoint on the spleen meridian of the foot Taiyin. It is named because it is the meeting point of the liver, spleen, and kidney meridians. Since the liver stores blood, the spleen governs blood, and the kidneys store essence, this acupoint is used to treat blood-related conditions.
When used for tonification, it can invigorate the spleen, nourish blood, and regulate blood circulation, similar to the effects of herbs like Danggui, Ejiao, Zihexie, and Yimi. When used for purgation, it can activate blood circulation, disperse blood stasis, similar to the effects of herbs like Tailuo, Taoren, and Honghua.
3. Shenmen (HT 7)
Located at the ulnar side of the wrist crease, Shenmen is the original point of the heart meridian of the hand Shaoyin. It is known as the "gateway" where the vital energy enters and exits. When used for tonification, it can calm the mind, nourish the heart, and enhance heart qi, similar to the effects of herbs like Suanzaoren and Boziren. When used for purgation, it can clear the mind, open the orifices, similar to the effects of herbs like Zixuedan, Shichangpu, and Hu Po.
[Warming Foods for Winter]
1. Brown sugar water
In the cold winter, it is important to emphasize warming foods. When it comes to beverages, brown sugar water is the best warming tonic. Brown sugar is known as the "Eastern chocolate" and its benefits lie in its warming and nourishing properties. It can dispel cold, warm the stomach, invigorate the spleen, and relieve pain. It is also rich in essential minerals and trace elements such as calcium and iron.
2. Clams
Clams are rich in iodine, which can promote the secretion of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones have a thermogenic effect, accelerating the oxidation process of most tissues and cells in the body (except the brain, glands, and uterus), increasing heat production, strengthening blood circulation in the skin, and providing resistance to cold. However, clams are cool in nature, so they should not be consumed in excess by those with spleen and stomach deficiencies.
3. Chinese cabbage
Chinese cabbage has a warm nature and a sweet taste. It enters the spleen and stomach meridians and has the effects of warming the stomach, invigorating qi, and dispelling cold. It is beneficial for conditions such as cold pain in the stomach region, fear of cold in the abdomen, abdominal pain, and constipation.
4. White radish
White radish has high nutritional value and is one of the best foods for keeping warm. It is rich in calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, vitamin A, vitamin B, and especially high in vitamin C, which has significant antioxidant and anti-aging effects. In addition, white radish can prevent excessive gastric acid secretion and promote digestion.
