Foot Climbing to Strengthen Kidneys
This exercise originates from the "Yao Bei Gong" (Back and Waist Exercise) and "Sweeping Yongquan" in *Neigong Tushuo*. By grasping the toes and lifting the soles to stimulate the Yongquan point, it strengthens the waist, consolidates essence, and nourishes the kidneys. Since the waist is the residence of the kidneys, strengthening the waist naturally nourishes the kidneys. Adequate kidney energy ensures a strong waist—this is what *Dao Shu* refers to as “using both hands to grasp the feet to treat waist problems.”
① Procedure: Lie supine. Bring both hands from the knees upward along the front of the thigh to the top of the head. Cross hands in a crisscross pattern, palms up, stretch upward, extend both legs straight, then let hands slide down vertically, reaching forward, bending the upper body forward, and grasping the Yongquan points on the soles. Release, return to supine position. Repeat this motion 10 times. Beginners may adjust based on their ability and need not strictly follow the number.
② Effects: Strengthens the body, nourishes spleen and kidneys. Grasping the Yongquan point stimulates a point on the Kidney Meridian. According to *Zhenjiu Jia Yi Jing*, it treats conditions including waist pain, constipation, distention in the lower abdomen, difficulty urinating, male hernia, testicular pain, pain radiating to the perineum, inability to urinate, fullness in the rib cage, abdominal distension, and impotence. Therefore, the Yongquan point strengthens the waist and knees, consolidates kidney essence, nourishes kidney qi, promotes urination, calms the spirit, and opens orifices. The act of grasping the feet causes continuous tension and relaxation of the waist muscles, enhancing blood and qi circulation in the lumbar region.
It is clinically used to prevent and treat conditions such as nocturnal emission, erectile dysfunction, reduced libido, and low sexual function.