There is a "kidney replenishing switch" on the feet, press it to replenish kidney qi! There is a "sleep aid switch" on the hands... press it and fall asleep.

When it comes to acupoints, many people find them mysterious, complex, and too professional. In fact, some health acupoints are not difficult to find and press.

Today, I will introduce some commonly used acupoints for health. Spend a few minutes every day to easily improve your body!

Watch out for these 6 symptoms of kidney deficiency

It is commonly said that "nine out of ten people have deficiency," indicating that kidney deficiency is common! If you suspect that you have kidney deficiency, you can do a little test by comparing the following symptoms.

Hair

To determine kidney deficiency, start by looking at the hair! The essence of the kidneys is reflected in the hair. If the hair grows well, has luster, and is not split, it indicates good kidney health. Premature graying, hair loss, and dryness are signs of kidney deficiency.

Edema

Kidney deficiency can cause abnormal water and salt metabolism, leading to symptoms of edema such as swollen eyelids, dark circles under the eyes, and swollen feet.

Weakness of Qi

Kidney deficiency can also cause chronic cough and asthma. Even a short walk can cause breathlessness. Many patients with respiratory failure have deficient Qi and may also experience kidney damage.

Frequent urination and constipation

Many middle-aged and elderly people experience constipation and nocturnal urination due to kidney deficiency. Severe constipation can even lead to anal fissures, hemorrhoids, and other discomforts.

Lower back pain

The lower back is the residence of the kidneys, so people with kidney deficiency often feel lower back pain and soreness. Sometimes even doing household chores can be painful, making it difficult to straighten the back.

Insomnia and vivid dreams

Kidney deficiency can also cause insomnia, frequent dreaming, and waking up in the middle of the night, resulting in poor sleep quality and lack of energy during the day.

If you have 2-3 of these symptoms, it means your kidneys are not in good condition. If not treated promptly, it may be too late!

1. "Sleep aid switch" on the hands

There is an acupoint on our wrists called Shenmen, which is an important acupoint of the Heart Meridian. Frequent pressing can nourish heart Qi, calm the mind, and aid sleep. It is especially suitable for insomnia caused by Qi and blood deficiency or Yin-Yang imbalance.

Location: Shenmen is located on the inner side of the wrist, in the depression between the little finger and ring finger, extending down to the end of the wrist.

Method: Lie on your back in bed with your head, trunk, and legs naturally flat. Then, place your hands together with the palms facing each other, fingers interlaced, and rest them on the lower abdomen.

Start by using the left thumb to press and massage the Shenmen acupoint on the right hand, silently counting to 120. Then, switch to using the right thumb to press and massage the Shenmen acupoint on the left hand, silently counting to 120. Repeat this process 2-3 times.

2. "Kidney replenishing switch" on the feet

The feet are known as the "second heart" of the body, and they are located at the end of the body with relatively poor blood circulation. Neglecting foot health can be detrimental to overall health. It is important to pay attention to keeping the feet warm. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the feet have dense clusters of acupoints and multiple meridians converging there, including an important acupoint for health called Yongquan.

Frequent stimulation of Yongquan acupoint can activate and nourish the kidney meridian, strengthen the kidneys, and protect Yang Qi. Regular stimulation of this acupoint can also enhance overall physical fitness, help prevent colds, improve memory, relieve cold hands and feet, and improve sleep quality.

Location: It is located on the sole of the foot, in the depressed area when the foot is curled.

Method: Use the thumb of one hand to press and massage the Yongquan acupoint on the other foot. Massage for about 3 minutes, then switch to the other foot and massage for another 3 minutes. It is even better to massage while soaking your feet or use both feet to rub against each other alternately.

3. "Digestion switch" on the abdomen

Tianshu acupoint is a window for observing the function of the large intestine. To understand the function of the large intestine, it is helpful to touch the Tianshu acupoint. If there is no obvious pain sensation, it indicates a relatively healthy intestine.

If you have constipation, pressing and massaging the Tianshu acupoint can help with bowel movements. It is important to note that the massage should be done in a clockwise direction.

Location: It is located about two inches (approximately the width of three fingers) to the sides of the navel.

Method: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Use the tips of your index and middle fingers to press and massage the Tianshu acupoint.

While stimulating the acupoint, push out your abdomen and take a slow breath, then slowly lean forward and exhale. Repeat this process 5 times, then sit down with your legs together.

While pressing the Tianshu acupoint, try to lift your left leg as high as possible, then lower it, and then lift and lower your right leg. Repeat the leg-lifting motion 5 times.

4. "Fire extinguishing switch" on the top of the foot

The liver is associated with "fire," and it is prone to excessive heat. When the liver is "hot," symptoms such as red and dry eyes, tinnitus, bitter taste in the mouth, and redness on the sides of the tongue may appear.

The Taichong acupoint on the top of the foot acts as a switch to lower the heat. It is an important acupoint related to the Liver Meridian. Frequent pressing on this acupoint can pacify the liver, reduce heat, resolve stagnation, and calm the mind.

Location: It is located in a depression about two finger-widths above the gap between the big toe and the second toe.

Method: Use the thumb to press the acupoint, moving it back and forth in the direction of the toes. Massage each side for about 5 minutes.

5. "Heat supply switch" on the neck

When you lower your head, you will feel a prominent bone at the back of your neck, which is the seventh cervical vertebra. Just below it is the Dazhui acupoint. According to TCM, Dazhui is a point that connects Yang Qi. It is the intersection of the Governing Vessel and six Yang Meridians. Regularly stimulating the Dazhui acupoint can promote blood circulation, dispel coldness, and relieve the symptoms of cold hands and feet.

Dazhui acupoint can also be used to prevent colds. If you feel the onset of a cold with symptoms such as dizziness, headache, stuffy nose, and itchy throat, rubbing the Dazhui acupoint can help invigorate Yang Qi and resist external pathogens.

Location: It is located on the midline at the back of the neck, just below the seventh cervical vertebra in a depression.

Method: Rub the Dazhui acupoint for 10 minutes in the morning and evening. Feel the warmth and aching sensation.

6. A simple exercise to clear blood vessels and prevent blood clots

Ankle pumping exercise. By moving the ankle joint, it acts like a pump to promote blood circulation in the lower limbs and prevent the formation of blood clots.

Method: Keep both knees naturally extended. Use all your strength to curl your feet for 10 seconds, then extend your feet with all your strength. Repeat this process.

Try to achieve the maximum range of motion with each curl and extension, and perform the movements slowly and gently. Both feet can be exercised simultaneously.