The waist is the home of the kidneys, meaning that the waist is the residence of the kidneys. Regularly massaging the waist can prevent and treat conditions such as muscle strain and lower back pain caused by kidney deficiency in middle-aged and elderly people. So how can we massage to tonify the kidneys and strengthen yang? Below, we will recommend traditional Chinese medicine massage techniques for tonifying the kidneys and strengthening yang!
【Traditional Chinese Medicine Massage Techniques for Tonifying the Kidneys and Strengthening Yang】
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the Yongquan point connects directly to the kidney meridian, and the Yongquan point on the sole of the foot is the place where turbid qi descends. Regularly massaging the Yongquan point can nourish the essence, tonify the kidneys, strengthen the body, prevent premature aging, and also help to soothe the liver, improve vision, and promote sleep. It also has certain therapeutic effects on dizziness, insomnia, tinnitus, coughing up blood, nasal congestion, and headaches caused by kidney deficiency.
The method of foot sole massage is as follows: soak the feet in warm water before going to bed, rub the hands together to generate heat, then use the palm of the left hand to massage the sole of the right foot, and the palm of the right hand to massage the sole of the left foot, with each foot massaged more than 100 times, until the feet feel warm. This method has the effect of tonifying the kidneys and nourishing yin while reducing fire, and it is particularly effective for common symptoms of heat deficiency in middle-aged and elderly people.
1. Rub the palms of both hands together until they feel warm, then place them on the waist with the palms against the skin, and massage the waist up and down until there is a warm sensation. This exercise can tonify the kidneys and gather qi. It is recommended to do it once in the morning and once in the evening, about 200 times each time.
2. Make fists with both hands, use the knuckles of the thumbs to naturally massage the waist point, and perform circular rotational massages inward, gradually increasing the pressure until a sore and distended sensation is felt. Continue massaging for about 10 minutes, once in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
【Foods for Tonifying the Kidneys and Strengthening Yang】
1. Black Sesame
Black sesame is the go-to food for tonifying the kidneys as black foods are believed to have kidney-tonifying properties. It can be sprinkled on rice or bread and is delicious and kidney-nourishing. Black sesame has a good therapeutic effect on dizziness, blurred vision, tinnitus, premature graying of hair, and hair loss after illness.
2. Walnuts
Walnuts are warm in nature and have a sweet taste. They can not only tonify the lungs and relieve coughing but also tonify the kidneys and strengthen essence. Therefore, it is recommended to eat walnuts regularly in daily life.
3. Euryale Seeds
According to traditional Chinese medicine, euryale seeds "tonify the spleen and stomach and strengthen the essence and qi." The "Compendium of Materia Medica" also states that euryale seeds "nourish the kidneys and treat seminal emission." Many ancient prescriptions for treating seminal emission and premature ejaculation include euryale seeds as an ingredient.
4. Lamb
Lamb is warm in nature and is an excellent choice for nourishing the body in winter, especially for those who are afraid of the cold and have insufficient vitality. Lamb has long been regarded as a good food for tonifying the kidneys and strengthening yang.
【Foods to Avoid for Tonifying the Kidneys and Strengthening Yang】
1. Beverages
It is well-known that most beverages are highly acidic, and long-term consumption can alter the body's acid-alkaline balance. In particular, excessive consumption of sports drinks and soft drinks can burden the kidneys. Since the kidneys are important organs for regulating the body's acid-alkaline balance, they can be damaged.
2. Salty Foods
Many people have a preference for strong flavors and enjoy eating spicy and salty foods. Pickled vegetables, in particular, contain a lot of salt during the pickling process. Prolonged consumption can increase blood pressure and cause kidney disease by disrupting the normal blood volume in the kidneys.
3. Strong Tea
Strong tea contains a high amount of fluoride, and the kidneys are the main organs for excreting fluoride. When consumed in excess, the kidneys may not be able to eliminate the excess fluoride, leading to its accumulation in the body and causing harm to the kidneys.
4. Medications
Various illnesses afflict people, and when they get sick, they quickly buy various related medications. However, excessive use of quinolone antibiotics and aminoglycoside antibiotics can damage the kidneys and even lead to kidney failure.
