In Traditional Chinese Medicine, there are many "men's acupoints." Spending just a few minutes a day working with these points, and keeping up the practice consistently, can help tonify the kidneys and strengthen yang.

Rubbing the Ears

Massaging the outer ear (auricle) helps regulate kidney function. First, rub your palms together until warm, then use them to massage the outer ear. Next, use your thumb and index finger to knead the entire outer ear for 3 minutes. Finally, switch hands to gently pull the upper part of the opposite ear over the top of your head 12 to 18 times.

Rubbing the Lower Back

The lower back is known as the "residence of the kidneys" in TCM. Stimulating the Shenshu (Kidney Shu) and Mingmen (Gate of Life) acupoints strengthens the lower back and fortifies the kidneys. Rub your palms together until warm, then place them over the Shenshu points on both sides of your lower back (located 1.5 cun lateral to the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra). Next, using the Mingmen point (in the depression below the second lumbar vertebra’s spinous process, on the posterior midline) and the Shenshu points as your center, rub your lower back side to side, or up and down.

Rubbing the Dantian

This practice targets the lower Dantian, the point most closely tied to the body’s vital functions. Massaging this area strengthens the spleen, boosts qi, soothes the liver, and tonifies the kidneys. Rub your palms together until warm. Place your right palm over the Qichong point, located roughly 2 cun lateral to the midline, just above the upper edge of the right pubic tubercle. Use your left palm to make slow, circular motions around the navel, following the direction of large intestine peristalsis.

4 Inexpensive Tips to Nurture Healthy Kidneys

1. Take Care of Your Feet

Keeping your feet warm is a simple way to nourish the kidneys. The kidney meridian starts at the soles of the feet, which are particularly susceptible to cold, so extra care for foot warmth goes a long way. When sleeping, avoid pointing your feet directly at an air conditioner or fan, and don’t walk barefoot in damp areas for long stretches. The soles of the feet are also home to many acupoints, including Yongquan (Bubbling Spring). As a classic TCM text notes: "The kidney channel originates at Yongquan; Yongquan is at the center of the foot." Massaging this point on the sole of your foot before bed each night helps nourish the kidneys and preserve vital essence.

2. Keep Bowel Movements Smooth

When bowel movements are irregular, waste builds up and turbid qi rises, leading to irritability, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Over time, this can damage the kidneys, causing lower back soreness, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. So maintaining regular, smooth bowel movements is another way to nurture the kidneys. If you’re having trouble passing stool, press the backs of both hands firmly against the kidney area on either side of your lower back and massage. This stimulates kidney qi and can help speed up bowel movements. You can also massage this same area with the backs of your hands while walking to ease lower back soreness.

3. Drink Water to Nourish the Kidneys

Water is the foundation of all life. When your body is low on fluids, turbid toxins can build up, putting extra strain on the kidneys. So drinking water at regular intervals is a simple, effective way to nurture kidney health.

4. Don't Hold Your Urine

When urine stored in the bladder reaches a certain volume, it stimulates nerves and triggers the urge to urinate. When you feel this urge, head to the bathroom right away to empty your bladder fully. If you hold it in, retained urine can turn into turbid dampness that damages the kidneys. So responding to the urge to urinate when it arises is one of the simplest, most effective ways to nurture your kidneys.