A body hygiene habit that can contribute to general well-being according to traditional practices.

Millions of older people shower every day convinced that they are taking care of their bodies. They use soap, rinse, comply with the routine… and even so, dizziness, falls, weakness in the legs, memory problems and sleep disorders continue to appear.

The reason is usually not age, but how body hygiene is carried out.

Specialists in the health of the elderly agree on something key: there are three areas of the body that most people do not clean properly, and these areas fulfill vital functions related to circulation, balance, the brain and rest.

Those who reach advanced ages with good mobility and autonomy usually have a habit in common: they spend a few minutes a day stimulating these areas during or after the shower.

Why these areas are so important

The body functions as a constant circulation system. Blood flows easily from the heart to the legs, but it needs help to return. Over the years, certain points on the body become “choke points” where circulation slows, muscles weaken, and balance is lost.

Active hygiene, with heat, gentle pressure and movement, stimulates blood vessels, muscles and the nervous system, helping to maintain physical independence for longer.

Zone 1: calves and feet – the “second heart”

The calves serve an essential function: they help pump blood back to the heart every time we walk. That is why they are known as the “second heart”.

Over time, many people only let the water run over their legs without rubbing them. This promotes the accumulation of waste in the skin and reduces the activation of capillaries.

How to clean them properly

• Run warm water over your calves for 30 seconds.
• With soap in your hands, rub from the ankle to the knee, with firm but comfortable pressure.
• Make about 15 passes on each leg.
• Pay special attention to the inner part of the calf.
• Also rub the soles of your feet and between your toes.

Total time: 3 minutes.

This daily stimulus promotes circulation, reduces night cramps, improves muscle strength and decreases the risk of falls.

Zone 2: back of the neck – the pathway to the brain

The brain receives a large part of the body’s blood flow, and that flow passes through the neck. When neck muscles are tight, they can compress important arteries, affecting memory, balance, and concentration.

How to clean it properly

• Pour warm water (pleasant, not painful) over the back of your neck for 1 minute.
• Massage with your fingers from the base of the skull towards the shoulders, in circular motions.
• Gently press on the lateral muscles of the neck.
• Tilt your head back slightly and let the warm water fall over the front of your neck for 30 seconds.

Total time: 2 to 3 minutes.

This habit can help reduce dizziness, improve mental clarity, and promote balance.

Zone 3: Solar plexus – the stress center

The solar plexus, located in the upper abdomen, below the ribs, concentrates a large nerve network related to stress, emotions and rest.

Tension built up in this area can interfere with sleep, digestion, and mood.

How to stimulate it

• Place your warm hands over the center of your abdomen.
• Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your abdomen to expand.
• As you exhale through your mouth, press gently and make slow clockwise circles.
• Hold light pressure on the tightest points for a few seconds as you breathe.
• Finish with five deep breaths.

Total time: 2 minutes.

This practice helps relax the nervous system, promotes deep sleep and reduces anxiety.

Quick summary

• Calves and feet: better circulation and strength.
• Neck: better oxygenation of the brain and balance.
• Solar plexus: less stress and better rest.

Total daily time: about 7 minutes.

Tips and recommendations

• Do these practices every day, consistently.
• The pressure should be firm but never painful.
• If you have circulation problems, vertigo, neck pain or chronic diseases, consult a health professional beforehand.
• Complement this habit with gentle walks, good hydration, and regular sleep.
• Avoid excessively cold showers if you suffer from dizziness.

Small daily habits can make a big difference over the years. Dedicating a few conscious minutes to taking care of the body is not only hygiene: it is a way to preserve mobility, mental clarity and quality of life. Consistency, rather than intensity, is the real key to long-term well-being.

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