The Nineteen Techniques of Massage refer to nineteen different methods of massage for health and wellness. These techniques are known for their simplicity and effectiveness, and are commonly used by practitioners of holistic health. The specific techniques are as follows:
(1) Rubbing hands. Place the palms together and rub them vigorously, gradually increasing the pressure and speed. Repeat this motion about 40 times, until the palms feel warm.
(2) Tapping teeth. Close the mouth and lightly tap the upper and lower teeth together, repeating this motion 40 times.
(3) Massaging ears. Use the palms to press against the earlobes and release abruptly, repeating this motion 15 times. Then, use the thumb and index finger to massage the outer ear, moving from top to bottom, until the ears feel warm.
(4) Vibrating ears. Use the index, middle, ring, and little fingers of both hands to press against the back of the head, with the palms firmly against the ear canals. Then, rapidly vibrate the palms, repeating this motion about 40 times.
(5) Massaging the face. Rub the hands together to warm them up, then use one hand to massage the face in the following order: left side, forehead, right side. Repeat this motion 8 times. Then, reverse the order and massage the face in the following order: right side, forehead, left side. Repeat this motion 8 times.
(6) Smoothing the eyes. Rub the hands together to warm them up, then place the palms over the eyes and press gently. Repeat this motion 3 times, followed by using the index, middle, and ring fingers to slowly press and massage the eyeballs.
(7) Pressing the eyebrows. Use the knuckles of both thumbs to press firmly on the eyebrows, starting from the inner corners and moving outward, pressing on various acupoints such as "Zanzhu", "Yuyao", "Yuwu", and "Sizhukong". Repeat this motion about 10 times.
(8) Pushing the head. Use the base of the palms to push and massage the head, moving from the front hairline to the back hairline. Repeat this motion about 30 times.
(9) Wiping the forehead. Use the fingertips of both middle fingers to wipe and massage the forehead, moving from the center to the sides. Repeat this motion 8 times.
(10) Rubbing the temples. Use the fingertips of both middle fingers to massage the temples in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction. Repeat this motion 8 times in each direction.
(11) Pinching the "Dazhui", "Fengfu", and "Baihui" acupoints. Use the fingertips of both middle fingers to pinch and massage these acupoints, repeating this motion about 30 times for each acupoint.
(12) Rubbing the sides. Use the base of the palms to rub and massage the sides of the body, paying attention to increase the frequency of the massage. Repeat this motion about 30 times.
(13) Rubbing the waist. Make fists with both hands and press the knuckles against the sides of the waist. Use rubbing motions to massage the waist, with a faster speed and greater pressure. Repeat this motion about 30 times.
(14) Patting the chest. Spread the fingers apart and use patting motions to massage the chest. Pay attention to synchronize the breathing with the rhythm of the patting. Inhale while patting. Repeat this motion 8 times.
(15) Massaging the abdomen. Use the palms to massage the abdomen in a clockwise direction for 20 times, and then in a counterclockwise direction for 20 times.
(16) Pounding the back. Stand with the legs apart and the hands loosely clenched. Twist the waist and use the fists to pound the back and lower abdomen. Start from the lower back and move upwards, then repeat the motion from bottom to top. Twist the waist in a clockwise direction and repeat this motion about 30 times. Then, twist the waist in a counterclockwise direction and repeat this motion about 30 times.
(17) Rubbing the thighs. Sit with crossed legs and use the palms to rub and massage the thighs. Repeat this motion about 30 times.
(18) Pinching the calves. Sit with crossed legs and use the fingers to pinch and massage the calf muscles, moving from top to bottom and from left to right.
(19) Rubbing the Yongquan acupoint. Use the left thumb to rub the Yongquan acupoint on the right foot, repeating this motion about 50 times. Then, use the right thumb to rub the Yongquan acupoint on the left foot, repeating this motion about 50 times.
