The Life Details That Hide the Secrets of Health
Good health is achieved through daily habits and consistency. By paying attention to small details in our daily lives, such as making small movements while sitting, lying down, walking, and standing, we can achieve health benefits.
1. Clasping the Knees While Sitting
As the saying goes, "Legs age before the rest of the body." The knees are the most complex and vulnerable part of the body. Since the knees are mainly composed of ligaments and bones with less muscle, the blood circulation in this area is relatively poor, which is why we often feel that the knees are cool to the touch. Therefore, one important aspect of knee joint care is to provide warmth and massage. It is recommended for middle-aged and elderly people to develop the habit of clasping their knees with both hands and giving them a gentle massage while sitting on a chair or sofa.
Here is the specific method:
Place the palms of both hands on the kneecaps, and use the warmth of the palms to warm the knees. The naturally spread fingers will provide a massaging effect, similar to acupuncture. Start by using the fingers to press around the kneecaps in a radial pattern, about eight or nine times. Then use the fingers to gently knead the knees together, and finally rub the knees. The combination of warmth and massage can promote blood circulation in the knee joint, nourish the joints, and alleviate various symptoms such as joint pain.
2. Walking with Clenched Fists
Throughout history, grip strength has been an indicator of health and longevity. Modern studies have also shown that finger dexterity is associated with a healthy mind. A 50-year study by the University of London on grip strength demonstrated that grip strength is a significant factor in longevity, and clenching fists is the easiest way to improve grip strength.
Here is the specific method:
Bend the wrists, extend the fingers forward with the palms facing down, and then rotate the wrists from front to back, clenching the fists along the way. There are two key actions in clenching fists: rotating the wrists and pressing the Hegu acupoint with the middle finger. This is because there are several meridians, such as the Lung Meridian, passing through the wrists. By rotating the wrists, the various acupoints can be stimulated, which strengthens the functions of the related organs. In addition, when clenching the fists, the middle finger should press down on the Hegu acupoint in the palm. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the Hegu acupoint is part of the Pericardium Meridian, and pressing this acupoint has the functions of clearing heart heat, calming the mind, and reducing liver fire. We can practice clenching fists while walking, paying attention to rotating the wrists first, then holding the fists and pressing the Hegu acupoint for 3-4 seconds, and repeating this action.
3. Practicing Kegel Exercise While Lying Down
Kegel exercise is a traditional method of health preservation. According to traditional Chinese medicine, there are three meridians near the anus: Ren Meridian, Du Meridian, and Chong Meridian. These meridians are responsible for the circulation of yin energy, yang energy, and sexual function in the body. Kegel exercise can promote the circulation of these energies. The Huiyin acupoint is a very important acupoint for longevity, and regular practice of Kegel exercise can provide a good massage for the Huiyin acupoint and effectively maintain reproductive function.
Here is the specific method:
Slightly contract the anus, similar to the feeling of holding back bowel movements, hold for 3-4 seconds, then relax, and repeat. This exercise can help reduce the occurrence of hemorrhoids and improve symptoms of urinary incontinence in women.
How to Preserve Health in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Methods of Health Preservation, Daily Life Health Tips
4. Standing on Tiptoes
The feet are known as the "root of vital energy," and the corresponding reflex area of the reproductive system in the feet is the heel. Therefore, the movement of standing on tiptoes is beneficial for reproductive health.
Here is the specific method:
Raise the heels as high as possible, then quickly lower them halfway and vibrate the heels. This exercise can enhance the sensation in the feet, improve balance, and prevent falls in the elderly. The vibration produced by standing on tiptoes also provides a beneficial massage for the heel fat pad, relieving heel pain.
Daily Life Health Tips
1. Slow Morning Health: Slowly Getting Up, Slow Urination
They say, "The early bird catches the worm," but mornings are also the most dangerous time. Although the body is stretched and the mind is clearer after a night's rest, the organs and blood vessels are still in a half-asleep state. Therefore, the key to morning health is to take it slow.
Taking it slow when getting up means spending three minutes on three actions. While lying flat on the back, open the eyes wide and adjust to the transition from sleep to wakefulness. Then rub the palms together to generate heat and "wash the face" for one minute. Slowly sit up in a semi-reclining position and use the fingers to comb the hair 100 times for 2-3 minutes. Then move the feet to the edge of the bed and sit quietly for 2-3 minutes. During this time, practice deep breathing slowly.
Next, take it slow when urinating. After waking up from a night's sleep, there may be an urgent need to urinate, but it is important to remain calm. Emptying the bladder too quickly can cause dizziness and even micturition syncope. Urination should be slow, without applying excessive force or speed. When in an upright position or squatting, it is important to have something to hold onto for support.
It is also crucial to drink water slowly. After a night of metabolism and water evaporation, it is common to wake up with a dry mouth. However, drinking a large amount of water at once can put a strain on the heart. The correct method is to pour a glass of warm water, take a small sip to moisten the mouth, then slowly swallow it, taking small sips until drinking 250-300 milliliters is enough.
