In the autumn and winter, many people's hands and feet seem to be as cold as the weather. This phenomenon is often related to the cooling weather and insufficient yang energy in the body. By paying attention to diet and nutrition and using massage and other methods to regulate, the condition can be greatly improved. Here are some "warming acupoints" in our body.
1. Yongquan Acupoint
According to folk saying, "cold starts from the feet." Many people feel cold in their feet during winter, no matter how thick their socks and shoes are. In fact, there is a "heating switch" on the foot called the "Yongquan Acupoint," which is a vital point for health preservation and disease prevention.
It is especially suitable for elderly people with kidney deficiency, cold intolerance, physical weakness, and low energy. That's why there is a folk saying, "If you want the elderly to be safe, keep the Yongquan Acupoint warm."
Location: The Yongquan Acupoint is located on the sole of the foot, about one-third from the front.
Massage technique: Rub the soles of the feet with both palms every day, or rub the left foot with the right hand and the right foot with the left hand. Regular massage can increase energy, enhance physical fitness, and improve cold resistance.
2. Zusanli Acupoint
The "Ling Shu" records: "If the yang energy is insufficient and the yin energy is excessive, there will be abdominal pain and rumbling... regulate it with Zusanli." Massaging the Zusanli Acupoint in winter can invigorate the middle and replenish qi, keeping the lower limbs warm.
Location: When the leg is bent, there is a small bone protrusion on the outer side of the knee joint called the "outer knee eye." The Zusanli Acupoint is about four horizontal fingers below the outer knee eye.
Massage technique: Use the thumb to exert pressure on the Zusanli Acupoint, press downward vertically, and rub slowly. The other four fingers can be clenched or spread out to apply coordinated force, allowing the stimulation to reach the deep muscles and produce a sensation of soreness, numbness, distension, and pain. After a few seconds, gradually relax and repeat the process several times.
3. Shenque Acupoint
During the cold season, catching a cold can easily cause diarrhea. The "heating switch" in the abdomen is the often overlooked navel - the Shenque Acupoint. It is mainly used to treat diarrhea, abdominal pain, prolapse of the anus, urinary disorders, cold uterus in women, and wind-stroke syndrome.
Location: The center of the navel.
Massage technique: Every night before bed, rub the hands together to warm them up and place them on the navel. Massage in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction until the area feels warm. This can warm the abdomen, make the complexion ruddy, and relieve symptoms such as abdominal pain, bowel sounds, water retention, and diarrhea.
4. Yangchi Acupoint
The Yangchi Acupoint is one of the commonly used acupoints in the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian. It is the place where yang qi is generated and is mainly used to treat diseases of the eyes, neck, shoulder, upper limb paralysis, and uncoordinated movements.
Location: In the middle of the back of the wrist at the point where the wrist lines intersect.
Massage technique: Stimulate the Yangchi Acupoint with slow and gentle force using both hands alternately. This can help relieve the coldness in the hands.
5. Laogong Acupoint
There is another "heating switch" on the palm of the hand called the Laogong Acupoint, also known as Wuli, Palm Center, or Guilu. It belongs to the Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian.
Location: In the palm of the hand, between the second and third metacarpal bones, closer to the third metacarpal bone. When making a fist, it is located at the tip of the middle finger and ring finger.
Massage technique: Use pressing and rubbing techniques in a counterclockwise direction. Massage each acupoint for about 10 minutes, 2-3 times a day. This can warm the hands, calm the mind, nourish the heart, and promote sleep.
6. Jianjing Acupoint
Why does massaging the shoulders and neck not only improve blood circulation but also make the shoulders and neck feel warm?
Because the "heating switch" in the shoulder area is the Jianjing Acupoint, which can also help relieve neck and shoulder pain, as well as diseases such as feeling heavy-headed or light-footed and stiff neck.
Location: In the middle of the line connecting the prominent bone at the back of the neck with the shoulder peak, directly in front of the nipple.
Massage technique: The person being massaged should sit, and the masseur stands behind them. Place the palms naturally on the Jianjing Acupoint, with the four fingers and thumb applying rhythmic kneading. The force and time should be appropriate, especially for people with hypertension or cardiovascular diseases, as excessive force should be avoided.
7. Dazhui Acupoint
The Dazhui Acupoint is the main switch for the yang heat energy of the Hand and Foot Yangming Meridians to converge with the yang qi of the Governing Vessel, which rises to the head and neck. It is equivalent to the overall heating switch of the whole body.
Location: Just below the most prominent bony protrusion at the back of the neck when the head is lowered.
Massage technique: During a shower at home, aim the shower head at the back of the neck and continuously rinse with hot water. This can make you feel warm all over during the cold season. The shower time should not be too long (no more than 20 minutes). For those who are weak or have cardiovascular diseases, the time should be reduced accordingly, and the water temperature should be around 40°C.
8. Ears
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the kidneys open up to the ears. Massaging the ears regularly in winter can not only prevent chilblains but also help in kidney health and smooth flow of qi and blood.
In addition, as the weather gets colder, blood vessels tend to contract, which can cause fluctuations in blood pressure. Changes in blood pressure can easily lead to cerebral hemorrhage or cerebral infarction, also known as a stroke. Therefore, regularly massaging these acupoints is also beneficial for protecting the cardiovascular system. People with a history of stroke must keep warm, cooperate with functional rehabilitation according to the situation, and take medication on time and in the prescribed dosage. If possible, periodic hot spring baths, with water temperature balanced with body temperature, are also helpful. These measures are conducive to dredging the meridians and regulating qi and blood flow.
