In winter, the kidneys are the first priority. Eight exercises protect the kidneys and strengthen the body.

The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine states: "The kidneys are the root of storage and the place where the essence is stored." They store both the innate and acquired essences, and have the functions of storing essences and managing growth, development and reproduction, which corresponds to the winter in nature. In winter, the yang energy in nature is stored, the weather is cold and the ground is frozen, and all things are closed, which is most conducive to the storage of the human body's yang energy and kidney essence. At the same time, it is cold outside in winter, people move less and eat more, and the body's absorption function is strong and the anabolism is vigorous, which can well conserve yang energy and nourish essence. Therefore, winter health care is most suitable for nourishing the kidneys.

Wang Xiangsheng, chief nephrologist at Jining Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital in Shandong Province, said that the corresponding organ for winter is the kidney. The kidney is the foundation of life and the source of life. If the kidney is strong, it can adjust the body to adapt to the changes in winter. Otherwise, the body's metabolism will be disordered and illness will occur. Therefore, the key to winter health preservation is to "nourish the kidney and prevent cold." Start with these small actions to strengthen the kidney.

Pinch the Achilles tendon

The location of the inner and outer Achilles tendons is exactly Taixi acupoint (the inner side of the foot, the depression between the back of the inner ankle and the heel bone) and Kunlun acupoint (the outer side of the foot, the depression between the back of the outer ankle and the Achilles tendon). Taixi acupoint is the original acupoint of the kidney meridian, the "Yangtze River" that gathers the vital energy of the kidney meridian, and can enhance kidney function; Kunlun acupoint has the effect of harmonizing qi and blood, strengthening the kidney and strengthening the spine. Pinch and rub the two acupoints every day for 3 to 5 minutes each time, which can have the effect of nourishing the kidney and maintaining health. When pinching and rubbing, you can use the thumb of the opposite hand, or you can use a massage stick or a smooth wooden stick to press and rub. In addition to the feeling of soreness and swelling, it is best to have a "numb feeling" as the degree of strength.

Massage the soles of your feet

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the Yongquan acupoint is directly connected to the kidney meridian. The Yongquan acupoint on the sole of the foot is where turbid qi descends. Regular massage can nourish the kidney and prevent premature aging. The specific method is: soak your feet in warm water before going to bed, rub your hands against each other to warm them up, then massage the right sole of the foot with your left hand and the left sole of the foot with your right hand, about 100 times on each side, until both feet are warm.

Tiptoe

It is beneficial to unclog the foot Shaoyin kidney meridian, and has the effect of protecting kidney essence, replenishing kidney qi, and consolidating the yin and yang in the kidney. Standing on tiptoe frequently can unblock the kidney meridian, promote the smooth flow of qi and blood, nourish the heels, and eliminate pain.

Shuttlecock

It can promote blood circulation and metabolism, replenish kidney qi and improve kidney function. In addition to improving kidney function, shuttlecock kicking can also help improve varicose veins, thrombosis, phlebitis, vascular occlusion, hemorrhoids and other symptoms. However, it is not suitable to kick shuttlecock after or before meals, as this can easily cause adverse gastrointestinal reactions. It is best to find a cool place, the ground should not be too hard or too soft, and the time should not exceed 15 minutes. You can stop when you feel sweating.

Catwalk

Catwalk can indirectly massage the perineum, which helps to open up the kidney meridian and maintain kidney health. How to walk in a catwalk? The catwalk is undoubtedly the way a cat walks, characterized by the soles of both feet forming a "1" shape and walking in a line. First step with your left foot, with your toes touching the ground first and your heels gently falling down. After your left foot lands, move your body's center of gravity forward and do the same with your right foot.

Rub the kidney point

The waist is the home of the kidneys. The Shenshu points on the waist can warm the kidney yang and dredge the meridians. You can often massage the Shenshu points (on both sides of the waist), once in the morning and once in the evening (better effect before going to bed), about 50 times each time.

Pressing Hand

Lie on your back with the backs of your hands pressed against your waist. After 5 to 10 minutes, you will feel a sense of heat all over your body. At first, your palms may feel numb and swollen when pressed against your waist, but this will disappear after 3 to 5 days of adaptation. According to Chinese medicine, this action is effective because the heat from your palms can warm up your kidneys when the Wailaogong (located on the back of your hands, in the depression between the second and third metacarpal bones) of your hands are pressed against your kidneys. 10 to 11 p.m. is the end of the Hai hour and the beginning of the Zi hour (11 p.m. to 1 a.m.). At this time, the earth's energy is the strongest. The earth's energy is absorbed through the Neilaogong (located in the palm of your hand, the opposite point of the Wailaogong), and directly injected into the kidneys through the Wailaogong. At this time, the kidney-tonifying effect is doubled.

Rubbing your ears

"Ears are organs of the kidneys." Stimulating the ears can regulate the functions of internal organs, benefit the kidneys and strengthen the body. The specific method is: clench your fists with both hands, press and rub the earlobe up and down with your thumb and index finger, and be careful not to press too hard until the earlobe becomes warm.