15:00 to 17:00 is the Shen period and is when qi and blood flow to the bladder channel, which has abundant qi and blood, and flows from the head to the foot. During this period, exercise is suggested to unblock channels and collaterals, move qi, and activate blood circulation so as to improve work and study efficiency.
Since Jingming (BL 1) and Cuanzhu (BL 2), the first two points on this channel, are located near the inner canthus, where the bladder channel originates, they have proven to be effective points for eye care and vision improvement. Massage at these acupoints around the eyes during Shen period is a good way to regulate local qi and blood and improve eyestrain. In addition, since the bladder governs urination, it is suggested that one drink more water to promote urination and metabolism at this time.
The You period (17:00 to 19:00) is characterized by exuberant yin qi and relatively weak yang qi, and a slower metabolism compared with the rest of the day. Therefore, dinner should be eaten but with reduced food intake. Many people like to exercise in the evening, but it's better to do it before 19:00, and relaxing exercises such as walking and yoga are suggested. Massage manipulations at some key points of the kidney channel such as Yongquan (KI 1) on the sole of foot, and Taixi (KI 3) near the medial malleolus are used to supplement kidney essence.
The foot taiyang bladder channel
Since it governs the Wei Qi (defensive qi) of the body, the bladder channel is important for resisting the invasion of external pathogens and maintaining health. The bladder (or Páng Guāng) mainly functions to store and discharge urine that is produced from body fluid through the qi transformation of the kidney. After kidney qi transforms fluid, it is transported down to the bladder. The normal functions of the bladder are dependent on the evaporation and qi transformation of the kidney.
If the bladder is dysfunctional, this will manifest as frequent and urgent urination, urodynia; or dysuria, dribbling urine; or enuresis, incontinence of urine, etc.
The foot shaoyin kidney channel
It is a yin channel and is paired bladder yang channel, which receives qi and blood from the bladder channel. In Chinese medicine, the kidney (or shèn) is the foundation of the congenital constitution, governing yin and yang of the whole body. It stores essence, a substance that promotes growth, development and reproduction, and also participates in the generation of blood and enhances disease resistance of the body.
The congenital essence stored in the kidney and the acquired essence which is transformed and produced by the spleen and stomach are the material basis for growth, development, and various other functional activities of the human body. The kidney also governs water, playing an important role in regulating the distribution and excretion of body fluids. Among the seven emotions, fear is related to the kidney. It is a negative emotion, which easily leads to qi stagnation and even enuresis. The kidney is in charge of the growth and development of the human body. The development of bone and marrow, which is essential to the body growth, is also related to the kidney. Only when the essential qi of the kidney is sufficient can the bone and marrow be fully nourished.
Many people attach great importance to supplementing the kidney. Since the bladder and kidney channels are paired, this can be facilitated by patting or massaging acupoints of the two channels during Shen and You periods.
Location: At the middle of the transverse crease on the back of the knee. According to the international standard, it is located at the middle of the popliteal crease, in a depression midway between the tendons of the biceps femoris and semitendinosus.
Treating lumbar and back disorders
Many diseases and syndromes can be treated with BL 40. For those with lumbar and back soreness and pain caused by long-term sitting in their daily life, especially with bad posture, pressing BL 40 on both sides with thumbs can unblock qi and blood in the waist and back, and enhance the vitality of the bladder channel. In addition, pressing-kneading BL 40 instead of needling can be performed, alternating relaxation and pressure until patients feel a slight aching pain. Generally, pressure is applied 30 times in a row with increasing force until patients have the sensation of numbness and swelling radiating to the planta pedis. One can also tap BL 40 rhythmically with the fists. Through these techniques, lumbar and back soreness and pain can be significantly relieved. If one can press-knead BL 40 during Shen period, the effect will be more significant.
Kunlun (BL 60) is one of the acupoints on the bladder channel, and is located on the posterior lateral malleolus, in the depression between the tip of the lateral malleolus and the Achilles tendon. When locating this acupoint, first find the lateral malleolus with the thumb or index finger, and then the Achilles tendon behind it. There is a depression between them that one can feel. The point is located where the sensation of soreness and distension occurs when applying force to the depression.
Pressing, flicking and plucking (Bo Fa), and pushing methods can be applied when massaging. A prone position is appropriate. After finding the depression between the lateral malleolus and the Achilles tendon with the thumb, gently press it inward, in the direction slightly towards the root of the lateral malleolus. At this time, the patient should have an obvious sensation of soreness and distension. Kneading method can also be used appropriately in the clockwise direction on both points simultaneously.
Proper combinations of acupoints can improve the effects of massage. For example, when treating heel pain and injury to muscles and tendons on the lower limbs, back or waist, Taixi (KI 3) is often added.
Location: On the sore of the foot, in the depression seen when the foot is in plantar flexion, approximately one-third the distance from the base of the second toe to the back of the heel.
It is a key point for disease treatment and prevention, and health preservation. Long-term pressing-kneading of KI 1 can supplement kidney essence, prolong life, activate blood circulation and dredge collaterals, and induce heat to descend. It is effective for preventing and treating various chronic diseases for the middle-aged and elderly.
Pressing-kneading KI 1 can reduce blood pressure. This point can reduce high blood pressure that is caused by insufficient kidney yin and ascendant hyperactivity of liver yang.
Method: Use the tip of the thumb to press-knead KI 1 clockwise for 1~2 minutes, 2~3 times a day. It can be manipulated during You period. The interphalangeal joint of the thumb is sometimes used instead in order to lessen pressure on the other fingers. For middle-aged and elderly people, tools such as a massage stick can also be used to press KI 1, 50 times at a time, 2~3 times a day so as to reduce blood pressure.
In addition, scrubbing method at KI 1 before bed can help sleep, especially for middle-aged people who have difficulty falling asleep.
Methods: Sit on the chair or bed. First put the right foot on the left leg, and hold the toe with the right hand. Then scrub KI 1 on the right foot with the left palm until a sensation of heat is generated in the sole. After that, put the left foot on the right leg, and repeat the steps.
