Massaging Yongquan point regularly can help maintain hair health. Apart from hair loss caused by diseases, natural hair loss is mostly due to poor blood circulation in the head. Therefore, moderate scalp massage can improve blood circulation in the head and reduce hair loss. Massaging acupoints on the head, especially the Baihui point, can indeed prevent graying and hair loss. However, there is an acupoint under the foot that should not be overlooked, as its effects on preventing premature graying and hair loss are no less than those of the Baihui point. This is the Yongquan point.
In traditional Chinese medicine theory, hair is referred to as "the remainder of the kidneys," meaning that the nutrition for hair is provided by the kidneys. If kidney essence is abundant, the hair will be black and shiny, less likely to fall out or split. On the other hand, if the kidneys are weak and deficient in essence, the hair will turn white and fall out. The Yongquan point, located at the bottom of the foot, is an acupoint of the kidney meridian. It is metaphorically referred to as the "source of water" in traditional Chinese medicine and has the function of tonifying the kidneys and calming the spirit. Persistently massaging the Yongquan point can double the effectiveness of hair maintenance.
Location: When locating the acupoint, you can sit upright or lie down with your feet raised. The human Yongquan point is located on the sole of the foot, in the depression at the front of the foot. It is located at the 1/3 point along the line connecting the second and third toe crease to the heel.
Massage Methods for Yongquan:
① In the Qing Dynasty's first external treatment monograph, "Guangsheng Ji," a specific method for rubbing the Yongquan point was described: Every night before sleeping, hold the toes with one hand and rub the sole of the foot with the other hand. If you can persist, you can rub it hundreds of times, or even up to a thousand times. For those without patience, several hundred rubs will suffice until you feel the sole of the foot heat up. After both feet are heated, gently rotate the toes a few times and then rub the two feet against each other dozens of times. Doing this once every night can consolidate essence and energy, promote blood circulation, and have the effect of "health preservation and longevity."
② Use the thumb pad to vertically press the Yongquan point on the sole of the foot. Press for a moment, then release. Repeat this pressing and releasing process, with the intensity being what you can tolerate.
③ In terms of technique, in addition to pressing, you can also use the thumb pad to push from the heel towards the toes. This method is called "pushing Yongquan." You can do this 100-500 times daily, depending on your personal situation.
④ Place the tip of the thumb, index finger, or middle finger on the Yongquan point on the sole of the foot and rub back and forth. Rubbing each foot 100 times is ideal. Regularly using this method can unblock the heart and kidneys, adjust organ functions, prevent colds, lower blood pressure, treat dizziness and insomnia, and promote sleep and smooth bowel movements.