Regular massage of the Yongquan point 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 falling of hair. However, there is an acupoint on the sole of the foot that must not be overlooked, which has effects no less significant than the Baihui point in preventing premature graying and hair loss. This acupoint is called the Yongquan point.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), hair is referred to as "the remainder of the kidney," meaning that the nutrition for hair is supplied by the kidney. If kidney essence is abundant, then the hair will be black and shiny, not easy to fall out or split. In cases of kidney deficiency with insufficient essence, hair will turn white and fall out. The Yongquan point located at the bottom of the foot is an acupoint of the kidney meridian. TCM likens it to "the source of water," having the function of nourishing the kidney and calming the mind. Persistently massaging the Yongquan point can double the effect of hair maintenance.
Location: When locating the acupoint, you can sit upright or lie down with your feet raised. The human body's Yongquan point is located on the sole of the foot, in the depression at the front part of the foot. It is positioned at the anterior one-third of the line connecting the second and third toe seam pattern end with the heel.
Methods for massaging the Yongquan point:
① The first external treatment monograph of the Qing Dynasty, "Guangsheng Collection for Emergency Treatment," specifically discussed the method of rubbing the Yongquan point: Every night before sleeping, use one hand to hold the toes while using the other hand to forcefully rub the center of the sole. If you can persist, you can rub it a thousand times; if you lack patience, rubbing it hundreds of times is also acceptable until you feel the sole heat up. After both feet are heated, slightly 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 and promote the flow of blood and qi. Long-term persistence can achieve the effect of "health preservation and longevity."
② Use the fleshy part of the thumb to press vertically on the Yongquan point at the center of the sole. Press for a moment and then release, repeating this process. The pressure should be tolerable for yourself.
③ In terms of technique, besides pressing, you can also use the fleshy part of the thumb to push from the heel towards the toes. This method is called "pushing Yongquan." You can push 100-500 times daily, depending on your own condition.
④ Place the tip of the thumb, index finger, or middle finger on the Yongquan point at the center of the sole and rub back and forth. Rubbing each sole 100 times is appropriate. Regularly using this method can smooth the connection between heart and kidney, adjust the functions of internal organs, prevent colds, lower blood pressure, treat dizziness and insomnia, promote sleep, and make bowel and bladder movements smoother.