The kidneys are one of the most important organs in our body, but they are also prone to diseases. According to traditional Chinese medicine, insufficient kidney qi can affect our health. So, what are some methods of kidney nourishment in our daily lives? Below, I will introduce several traditional Chinese medicine massage techniques for kidney nourishment.
【Massage Techniques for Kidney Nourishment】
1. Massage the Fuliu Acupoint
Located 2 inches above the inner side of the calf, in front of the Achilles tendon. The patient should sit or lie down properly when massaging this acupoint. Fuliu acupoint is located on the inner side of the calf, in the center of the inner ankle, two finger-widths above the shinbone and the Achilles tendon.
Massage the acupoint 3-5 times a day for 2-3 minutes each time, until a sour and swollen feeling is generated. This method has the effects of nourishing the kidneys, benefiting yin, warming yang, and promoting water metabolism.
2. Massage the Yongquan Acupoint
The Yongquan acupoint is a very important acupoint along the foot Shao Yin kidney meridian. It is located at the front one-third intersection of the midline of the sole, in the depression when the foot is flexed.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the Yongquan acupoint is directly connected to the kidney meridian and is the place where turbid qi descends. Regular massage of the Yongquan acupoint can nourish essence, tonify the kidneys, strengthen the body, and prevent premature aging.
3. Massage the Taixi Acupoint
The Taixi acupoint is the original acupoint of the kidney meridian and is considered the "Yangtze River" where the kidney meridian gathers qi. Therefore, it is often referred to as one of the "nine acupoints for restoring Yang" in ancient times, as it significantly improves kidney function.
Massage the Taixi acupoint regularly for about 5 minutes for each acupoint. Additionally, massaging the Taixi acupoint between 5 pm to 7 pm has a better effect. You can use the thumb of the opposite hand to massage, or use a massage stick or smooth wooden stick for massaging.
【Medicinal Herbs for Kidney Nourishment】
1. Goji Berries
Goji berries are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat liver and kidney yin deficiency, sore and weak waist, dizziness, forgetfulness, dizziness with excessive tears, excessive thirst, and nocturnal emission.
Chewing goji berries directly allows for better absorption of the nutrients in the berries, thus maximizing their health benefits. However, when chewing goji berries, it is advisable to reduce the quantity by half to avoid excessive nourishment.
2. Deer Antler
Deer antler in traditional Chinese medicine is a good supplement for nourishing the kidneys, replenishing essence and blood, and strengthening tendons and bones. It has a good effect on kidney yang deficiency and impotence caused by insufficient essence and blood.
Aside from soaking it in alcohol, deer antler can also be stewed with food or consumed directly. To achieve the effect of kidney nourishment and bone strengthening, it is best to take 1-2 pieces of deer antler and let them dissolve in saliva before swallowing, and then chew and swallow the residue.
3. Chinese Wolfberry Fruit
Chinese wolfberry fruit has the effects of nourishing the kidneys, nourishing yin, nourishing the liver, and improving eyesight. It is commonly used for liver and kidney deficiency, dizziness, tinnitus, blurred vision, and premature graying of hair. In China, Chinese wolfberry fruit has been widely used to invigorate the spirit and enhance physical strength.
Chinese wolfberry fruit is slightly cool in nature. Steaming it with yellow wine can enhance its ability to nourish the liver and kidneys and reduce its bitter and cold properties to avoid diarrhea.
【Lifestyle Methods for Kidney Nourishment】
1. Take Care of Your Feet
Keeping your feet warm is a method of kidney nourishment. This is because the kidney meridian starts from the soles of the feet, which are vulnerable to cold.
Therefore, special attention should be paid to keeping the feet warm. Avoid pointing your feet directly at air conditioners or fans while sleeping, and avoid walking barefoot in damp places for long periods of time.
2. Maintain Smooth Bowel Movements
Constipation and the accumulation of feces can cause turbid qi to rise, leading to irritability, chest tightness, and tiredness of the kidneys, as well as nausea and vomiting. Therefore, maintaining smooth bowel movements is also a method of kidney nourishment.
When experiencing difficulty with bowel movements, placing the back of both hands on the kidney area and applying pressure can stimulate kidney qi and expedite bowel movements. When walking, massaging the kidney area with the back of both hands can relieve lower back pain.
3. Diet for Kidney Nourishment
There are many foods that can nourish the kidneys. In addition to black foods such as black sesame seeds, black fungus, black rice, and black soybeans, walnuts, chives, shrimp, and lamb kidneys can also nourish and tonify the kidneys.
4. Sleep for Kidney Nourishment
Adequate sleep plays an important role in the biochemical processes of blood and qi and the maintenance of kidney essence. Clinical studies have found that many patients with kidney dysfunction have a history of staying up late, excessive fatigue, and inadequate sleep.
Therefore, avoid staying up too late and develop good sleep habits. Going to bed and getting up early is beneficial for the maintenance of kidney essence.
