Lower back and leg pain is a common health issue that many people choose to treat with medication. However, traditional Chinese massage can be very effective in treating this condition. Traditional Chinese massage can regulate the body's qi and blood, promote blood and energy circulation, alleviate swelling and pain, relieve muscle spasms, improve local blood and lymph circulation, and enhance blood supply to the skin and muscles. When combined with appropriate medication, massage often produces better treatment results. Here are several simple self-massage techniques for lower back and leg pain:
Massage the Gate of Life acupoint: Stand or sit. Use one or two thumbs to press the Gate of Life acupoint. This acupoint is located in the depression below the second lumbar vertebrae. Apply pressure to the acupoint until you feel a slight soreness, then knead it for several dozen times.
Rub the Kidney Transporting acupoint: Assume the same position as above. Use the thumb of one hand to press the Kidney Transporting acupoint. This acupoint is located on the outer side of the Gate of Life acupoint, about two finger-widths away. Pressing on this acupoint should produce a sore and swollen sensation. Rub the acupoint for several dozen times until you have a sufficient soreness reaction. Then, use the other hand to press and rub the Kidney Transporting acupoint on the other side.
Rub the lower back: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Make fists with both hands and rub them up and down against your lower back. Start from the sacral region and rub upwards as high as possible. The rubbing motion should be relatively fast. Rub the area for several dozen times until your skin feels warm.
Rub the buttocks: Assume the same position as above. Use the base of your palm to press against one buttock and rub it in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction for several dozen times. Then, use the other hand to rub the other buttock. If one side is more painful, rub that side more.
Massage the lower back, buttocks, and legs: Stand in a left lunge position with your hands on your hips. Use your right palm, with the thumb in front, to push against the same side of your lower back. Then, apply downward pressure and push all the way down to the thigh and calf, bending your body to the right side. Switch to a right lunge position and use your left hand to push against the left side of your lower back, buttocks, and legs. Alternate between the two sides for 4 to 10 times.
Massage the lower back: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Place your hands on your hips with the thumbs in front. Start by using your right palm to push forward and to the left from the right side of your lower back. Then, use your left palm to push backward and to the right from the left side of your lower back. Repeat this motion for several dozen times and you can also push in the opposite direction.
Bend forward and pinch the legs: Stand or sit on a bed. Keep your legs straight and slowly bend forward, simultaneously using both hands to pinch the muscles in the front of your thighs and calves. Pinch as low as possible, preferably to the top of your foot. Repeat this motion 5 to 10 times. Keep your head up while bending forward.
Pound the lower back: Assume the same position as above. Make hollow fists with both hands and lightly pound both sides of your lower back from top to bottom, then from bottom to top, for a total of 20 to 30 times.
Expert advice: Since lower back and leg pain can have various causes, patients should first seek medical attention from a reputable hospital, get a clear diagnosis, and then choose appropriate massage techniques under the guidance of a professional doctor.
