Two “Longevity Points” in the Human Body
Everyone has two “longevity points”: one is the Yongquan point, the other is the Zusanli point.
The Yongquan point is a crucial acupoint on the kidney meridian. Regular massage of this point enhances essence and marrow, strengthens the kidneys, boosts yang energy, fortifies bones and muscles. The kidneys govern growth, development, and reproduction. Adequate kidney essence ensures normal development, sharp hearing and vision, clear mind, agile thinking, black hair, and robust sexual function. Conversely, if kidney deficiency leads to insufficient essence, symptoms include memory decline, weak waist and knees, difficulty walking, low libido, and premature aging. Yongquan lies on the sole of the foot, in the front third of the foot pad, where a depression appears when the toes are flexed. Sit cross-legged before bedtime, use both hands to massage or press the Yongquan points bilaterally until a sensation of soreness and fullness is reached. Perform 50 to 100 repetitions each time.
Zusanli lies 10 cm below the outer knee, directly beneath the patella. Place your palm on your knee with fingers pointing down; the middle finger’s tip marks this point. Zusanli is a key point on the stomach meridian. The stomach acts as the body’s “nutrient warehouse.” Only when food is timely digested, broken down, and absorbed can other organs receive sufficient nourishment, thus maintaining health and vitality. Therefore, the stomach’s digestive efficiency is extremely important. Zusanli can fulfill this role. Massaging Zusanli with finger joints not only strengthens the spleen and stomach, promotes digestion and absorption of food, enhances immune function, supports healthy constitution and repels pathogens, but also relieves fatigue, restores physical strength, and brings mental clarity and youthful vigor. (Chen Boyan)