Massage therapy is a simple, effective, and affordable treatment method that can effectively promote the circulation of meridians, activate the flow of Qi and blood, and regulate the functions of various organs in the body. It has the preventive and therapeutic effects on diseases. Now let's explain the massage techniques for lowering blood pressure.
Principle of Massage for Lowering Blood Pressure
Massage therapy can promote blood circulation, adjust the contraction and relaxation of microvessels, and assist in improving the self-perceived symptoms of headache and dizziness in patients with hypertension. In addition, massage can relieve tension in the brain and contribute to lowering blood pressure.
Head Massage for Lowering Blood Pressure
1. Press Baihui: Baihui is located at the intersection of the midline of the head and the line connecting the tips of the ears. It is the highest point and is connected to the brain. It is used to treat headache, dizziness, shock, and hypertension.
Method: Press Baihui 50 times with moderate pressure.
2. Press Yintang: Yintang is located on the forehead, at the intersection point of the line connecting the eyebrows and the midline. It is used to treat headache, dizziness, insomnia, conjunctivitis, hypertension, facial paralysis, and rhinitis.
Method: Use the radial side of both thumbs to press Yintang to the hairline alternately for 30-50 times.
3. Press Zanzhu: Zanzhu is located in the depression between the eyebrows, at the site of the frontal sinus. It is used to treat headache, pain in the supraorbital ridge, eyelid twitching, and hypertension.
Method: Use the pads of both thumbs to massage Zanzhu along the eyebrow arch to the temples for 30-50 times.
Massage on Chest and Abdominal Acupoints for Lowering Blood Pressure
1. Gently rub Tanzhong: Tanzhong is located on the midline of the front of the body, at the fourth intercostal space. Use the pads of the middle fingers to gently rub Tanzhong 30-50 times.
2. Press Zhongwan: Zhongwan is located 4 inches above the navel. Use the base of the palm to press Zhongwan 20-40 times.
3. Press Qihai: Qihai is located 1.5 inches below the navel. Use the fingertips of the thumb or middle finger to press Qihai 30-50 times.
4. Press Guanyuan: Guanyuan is located 3 inches below the navel. Press Guanyuan 30-50 times.
5. Press Xinyu: Xinyu is located below the 5th thoracic vertebra spinous process, 1.5 inches on each side. Use the index finger or middle finger to press Xinyu on the back 30-50 times.
Massage on Upper Limb Acupoints for Lowering Blood Pressure
1. Press Quchi: Bend the elbow to a right angle, and locate the midpoint on the outer side of the elbow crease and the upper outer condyle of the humerus. Use the thumb to press Quchi 30-50 times.
2. Press Waiguan: Waiguan is located 2 inches above the transverse wrist crease, between the radius and ulna bones. Use the thumb to press Waiguan 30-50 times.
3. Press Guanchong: Guanchong is located on the ulnar side of the fingertip of the ring finger, 0.1 inch from the corner of the nail. Pinch and press Shaochong 10-20 times.
Massage on Lower Limb Acupoints for Lowering Blood Pressure
1. Press Zusanli: Zusanli is located 3 inches below the knee joint, on the anterior tibial crest, one horizontal finger width from the outer side. Use the pad of the thumb to press Zusanli 30-50 times.
2. Press Fenglong: Fenglong is located 8 inches above the outer ankle, at the outer edge of the tibia. Press Fenglong 30-50 times.
3. Press Xingjian: Xingjian is located between the 1st and 2nd toe webs, 0.5 inches behind. Press Xingjian 30-50 times.
4. Press Taixi: Taixi is located at the depression between the highest point of the medial ankle and the Achilles tendon. Press Taixi 30-50 times.
Precautions for Massage for Lowering Blood Pressure
1. Understand the indications: Massage therapy is suitable for patients with mild and stable hypertension in the first and second stages. It is not suitable for patients with severe hypertension, especially those with hypertensive crisis.
2. Choose a quiet and well-ventilated environment for massage therapy. Maintain a calm and relaxed state and adopt a comfortable posture. In cold seasons, pay attention to indoor temperature to prevent colds.
3. Use appropriate techniques: When performing massage, choose different techniques according to different needs. The techniques should be gentle and soft, with moderate pressure. Avoid using excessive force or brute force, and rely on local soreness or warmth as a measure. Especially when using rubbing, pinching, and pressing techniques on sensitive acupoints, be gentle and only perform on one side at a time to avoid stimulating an increase in blood pressure. It is best to perform massage under the guidance of a doctor.
4. When using massage therapy to lower blood pressure, it must be persisted in. Have confidence and patience. Generally, it takes more than one month to achieve significant therapeutic effects. Treatment should be adhered to. For those with high blood pressure, massage twice a day is recommended. For those with relatively stable blood pressure, massage once a day is sufficient.
