Massage, also known as Tuina, can be self-administered by patients with stomach problems using three different methods: finger, foot, and ear seed.
1. Finger Massage
This method involves using the thumb to apply pressure and rub on specific acupoints. The effective acupoints for treating stomach problems include Jiwei, Shangwan, Zhongwan, Tianshu, Qihai, Guanyuan, Hegu, Neiguan, Shousanli, and Zusanli. Each acupoint should be massaged for 5-10 minutes, with a tingling or sore sensation. This can be done 1-2 times a day. Alternatively, you can place one palm on the navel and the other on the back, and rotate the palm on the navel in a clockwise direction for 30 times, then in a counterclockwise direction for another 30 times. This can also be done 1-2 times a day.
2. Foot Massage
Start by massaging the Yongquan acupoint on the sole of the foot until a tingling or sore sensation is felt. Then, use the palm to rotate and rub the arch of the foot in a clockwise direction for 30 times, followed by a counterclockwise direction for another 30 times. Repeat this process for the left foot and then the right foot. This can be done 1-2 times a day.
3. Ear Seed
Apply adhesive tape with a seed (such as Vaccaria seed) to specific ear acupoints, including stomach, lung, sympathetic, shenmen, and subcortical. Additional acupoints to be stimulated include spleen, liver, kidney, mouth, large intestine, endocrine, and ear root. Press and massage each acupoint several times a day, for 1-2 minutes each time. Change the tape every 3 days, choosing 4-6 different acupoints each time.
