TCM believes that the main causes of hypertension are emotional imbalance, dietary irregularities, and internal injuries leading to dysfunction of the liver and kidneys. Therefore, treatment should focus on tonifying the liver and kidneys, while balancing yin and yang. So, in TCM therapy, where is the best place to massage to lower high blood pressure quickly?
Benefits of Massage for High Blood Pressure
TCM believes that high blood pressure is related to the nervous system and liver meridian. Therefore, regularly massaging and stimulating the acupoints on the kidney meridian and liver meridian can help relax tendons, promote blood circulation, dilate capillaries, enhance vascular elasticity, improve blood circulation and cerebral cortex function, and promote metabolism, thus reducing blood pressure.
For various symptoms of hypertension, such as headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, palpitations, and numbness in the limbs, targeted massage can be directly applied to alleviate these symptoms.
Self-Massage Techniques to Lower High Blood Pressure
1. Thumb Pressure Method: Use the flexed knuckle of the thumb as the pressure point and gradually press down on a certain part or acupoint on the body's surface.
2. Thumb Pressing Method: Open the "tiger's mouth," keep the wrist joint extended, and press the thumb firmly against the pressure point while pushing forward.
3. Side Palm Tapping Method: Stand the palm of your hand sideways, with the thumb facing up and the little finger facing down. Slightly separate the fingers and close them when the palm comes down, and slightly separate them again when raising the hand. Start slowly and gradually increase the speed, alternating between both hands.
4. Rubbing Method: Attach the palm or fingertips to the surface of the acupoint with the fingers, and use the wrist joint to rotate the forearm in a clockwise or counterclockwise circular and rhythmic rubbing motion.
Massage Acupoints to Lower High Blood Pressure
Rubbing Yinlingquan
Location: On the lower inner side of the knee, in the depression below the inner prominence of the tibia.
Massage Technique: Rub Yinlingquan clockwise for about 2 minutes, then rub counterclockwise for about 2 minutes, until there is a local sense of soreness and swelling.
Health Benefits: Treats hypertension-related symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, irritability, abdominal distension, and diarrhea.
Rubbing Quchi
Location: Bend the elbow joint, on the outer side of the elbow crease.
Massage Technique: Use the thumb to rub Quchi acupoint clockwise for 2 minutes, then rub counterclockwise for 2 minutes. Alternate between left and right hands, until there is a local sense of soreness and swelling.
Health Benefits: Treats hypertension-related symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, redness of the face, and sore throat.
Rubbing Sanyinjiao
Location: On the inner side of the lower leg, 4 finger widths directly above the inner ankle bone on the posterior border of the tibia.
Massage Technique: Use the tip of the thumb to apply pressure. Rub Sanyinjiao clockwise for about 2 minutes, then rub counterclockwise for about 2 minutes, until there is a local sense of soreness and swelling.
Health Benefits: Treats hypertension-related symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, irritability, irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, impotence, nocturnal emissions, and insomnia.
Kneading Fengchi
Location: Below the occiput on both sides of the posterior border of the trapezius muscle, in the depression at the outer side of the large tendon.
Massage Technique: Use the thumb and index finger to knead Fengchi acupoint for about half a minute, until there is a local sense of soreness and swelling.
Health Benefits: Treats hypertension-related symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, redness of the face, ringing in the ears, colds, fever, sore neck, and swollen and painful eyes.
Rubbing Baihui
Location: The intersection point of a line connecting both ear apices and the midline of the anterior and posterior aspects of the head.
Massage Technique: Use the thumb to press Baihui acupoint for about half a minute. First, rub clockwise for 1 minute, then rub counterclockwise for 1 minute, until there is a sense of soreness and swelling spreading around the head.
Health Benefits: Treats hypertension-related symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, palpitations, forgetfulness, tinnitus, stroke, and insomnia.
Foot Massage Techniques to Lower Blood Pressure
1. Rubbing Method: Extend your hand, with the four fingers except the thumb raised, and use the base of the thumb to rub back and forth from the lower end of the foot to the tip of the foot, providing sufficient massage to the corresponding reflex zones, especially the fingertip of the big toe.
2. Pressing Method: Bend the thumb and index finger or the index and middle finger into a clamp shape, clamp the reflex zones on the top and sole of the foot, and gradually apply pressure. Finally, press the fingernail firmly against the skin at an angle of about 45°, moving in one direction.
Precautions for Blood Pressure Massage
1. Choose a comfortable position during the massage to avoid uneven force on the body.
2. The intensity of the massage should start light and gradually increase. The duration of the massage should start short and gradually lengthen. The level of stimulation can be increased as the treatment progresses.
3. During the massage, it is appropriate to have local reactions such as soreness, numbness, swelling, and pain.
4. Avoid massaging after excessive fatigue and avoid mental stimulation during the massage.
