Thousands of years ago, physicians in China mapped the body’s electrical system. They charted fourteen energy paths, or meridians, and documented how stimulating specific points along those paths released energy blocks, restored the normal flow of Chi, or healing energy, and improved health.n nFor better or worse, people respond to you based on how you look. If you look old and tired, people treat you differently than if you look young and energetic. This affects everything from your likelihood of getting a job or promotion to the quality of your relationships and even your self-confidence.n nIn the quest to look younger, there are many modern options available. For example, some people take the medical approach of surgery, injections, or topical creams. Of course, such approaches focus entirely on outward appearance, without taking into account how the inner health of the person contributes to his looks. nnTo Truly Look Your Best, You Must Also Feel Your Best on the Insidenn Simply stated, the health of your internal organs reflects in your face. In Oriental medicine, an entire branch of practice uses someone’s facial appearance as part of assessing his underlying health. For example, you can easily see the effect of internal organ health on the faces of longtime smokers—they tend to have a gray, ashen appearance.n nBecause there is such a strong relationship between inner health and outer beauty, looking and feeling younger have long been goals in Asian culture. In fact, many of the old texts from the Orient mention the quest for the “elixir of immortality.” They were constantly looking for ways to live long, healthy lives. And they found some very interesting approaches in their quest.n nVery specialized techniques evolved over thousands of years to achieve a longer, more youthful life. Various herbal preparations, individual self-care techniques, and specific acupuncture procedures developed and were tested extensively. The ancient emperors were particularly interested in learning ways to keep themselves going and constantly sought out experts who knew how to achieve this.n nThis body of knowledge eventually became what we now know as Anti-Aging Acupuncture. Through the use of specific herbal formulas, self-care techniques, and the stimulation of specific acupuncture points, people live longer, more energetic lives. In addition, those who adopt these techniques look and feel younger.nnHow You Can Benefitnn I’d like to share with you several self-care techniques that you can use to help yourself enjoy the benefits of this ancient knowledge. But before I do, you should know something about what improvements these techniques can bring.n nRelated to appearance, people experience the following:nn* improvement in fine lines and a diminishing of deeper wrinkles n* improved facial muscle tone and a firmer jawline n* moisturized, softer, and more even skin tone n* increased metabolism, resulting in reduced puffiness n* reduction or elimination of rosacea and acne.nn These are fairly impressive benefits. Because they are based on also supporting underlying health, additional improvements happen:nn* reduction in mild anxiety and/or depression n* reduction in hot flashes and the discomfort and embarrassment they can cause n* increased energy and stronger immunity, a crucial factor as we agen* better sleep, making every other part of life better n* improved digestion and elimination.nnNot bad for something that also helps you look your best.nnSpecific Steps to Takenn Obviously, you wouldn’t practice acupuncture on yourself (or anyone else) without specialized training. And since the specific antiaging herbal formula best for you depends on your underlying health situation, I won’t confuse the issue here by talking about the wide array of possible herbs you might use.n nI can, however, share with you some of the very specific self-care techniques that will improve your overall sense of well-being and energy. Like any exercises, these are best practiced regularly, ideally every day. You get the most benefit from regular practice over time.nn1. Stimulating the Leg Three Miles points. Just below your kneecap and slightly to the outside of your shin bone, you can find a point traditionally called “Leg Three Miles.” The story goes that in the old days, people took long walks through the mountains, and when they got tired, they’d rub this point for a few minutes. This gave them more energy, enough so that they could walk three more miles.nn These points exist on both legs and are easy to find. Simply slide your fingers lightly down your shin bone from your knee until you reach the bottom of the bump at the top front of the shin bone. The point is about one finger width toward the outside of your leg at this level. When you press on the area, you may notice a slight deep ache.n nIdeally, sit down to do this technique. Stimulate the point by tapping on it twenty-one times on each side. Use your thumb and first two fingers together, and tap with the tips.nn2. Stimulating the Sea of Blood points. Just above your kneecap and slightly to the inside is another longevity point. This one is called the “Sea of Blood.” This name refers to the effect of this point on invigorating blood flow. nn Locate the point about two finger widths above the inside top of the kneecap. There will be a slight indentation at this spot on your leg.n nAs with Leg Three Miles, sit down to do this technique. Stimulate the point by tapping it twenty-one times on each leg. Use your thumb and first two fingers together, and tap with the tips.nn3. Slow walk. In our everyday lives, we all tend to rush around too much. This creates tension and stress, both of which speed the aging process. This exercise is an excellent way to help you slow down and get regrouped.nn As the name implies, walk, but very slowly. Take time to feel the shift in weight as you put all your weight on one leg. Then lift your other leg and slowly place it in front of you and then back down on the ground. At this point, shift your weight toward the front leg until all weight is on it. Then lift the back leg and slowly bring it forward in front.n nWalk this way for at least three to five minutes, breathing deeply and allowing yourself to relax your shoulders, neck, and arms.nn4. Stirring the Sea of Energy. Locate the point called “Sea of Energy” by placing your palm just below your navel. The point is located about one third of the way down between your navel and your pubic bone.nnWith your right palm touching your abdomen, make twenty-one clockwise circles over this point. You can do this standing, seated, or lying down. Again, focus on breathing deeply, and relax your shoulders and neck.nn5. Brushing the face. Rub your hands together briskly for a few seconds. Then very gently brush your palms across your forehead with a very light touch. Start from the center of your forehead, and move toward the sides.nn Then rub your hands together again. This time, very gently brush your palms across your cheeks, starting below your eyes and moving outward toward your ears and jaw. Again, use a very light touch.n nFinally, rub your hands together one more time. Place your palms on your temples and hold for fifteen to twenty seconds.n nAs simple as these exercises sound, practicing them every day can bring you profound improvement in your health and sense of well-being. Try them for yourself!nn** This article is one of 101 great articles that were published in 101 Great Ways to Improve Your Health. To get complete details on “101 Great Ways to Improve Your Health”, visit
http://selfgrowth.com/healthbook3.html