Tumors, according to traditional Chinese medicine, are believed to be caused by the stagnation of pathogenic factors, resulting in the formation of tangible masses. In ancient Chinese medical texts, tumors are classified as "accumulations" and so on. The occurrence and development of tumors can be attributed to the mutual entanglement of deficiencies in vital energy, Qi stagnation, blood stasis, phlegm accumulation, dampness accumulation, and toxic heat. Over time, these factors accumulate and form tangible tumors. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that this process is closely related to the dysfunction of the liver, spleen, and kidneys, which are the three vital organs in the body. The liver is responsible for smoothing the flow of Qi and blood, and "all diseases arise from Qi". When the flow of Qi is unobstructed, pathogenic factors such as Qi, blood, phlegm, dampness, and toxins cannot gather. The spleen is the source of Qi and blood production, and it is the foundation of acquired constitution. The kidneys store essence and are the foundation of innate constitution. The spleen and kidneys together form an important part of the body's ability to resist disease (i.e., vital energy). When the functions of the spleen and kidneys are normal, pathogenic factors such as Qi, blood, phlegm, dampness, and toxins cannot invade the body. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the regulation of the liver, spleen, and kidney functions in daily health maintenance, which is of great significance in preventing the occurrence and development of tumors. Here, we introduce several simple and easy-to-perform exercise massage methods that can regulate the liver, invigorate the spleen, and benefit the kidneys.
1. Tooth Knocking
This exercise has the effects of refreshing the mind, promoting saliva production, strengthening teeth and kidneys, and invigorating the spleen and stomach.
Specific method: Before getting out of bed in the morning, calm your mind for a moment, gently close your mouth, and knock the upper and lower teeth together 36 times, then knock the molars on both sides 36 times.
2. Head Massage
This exercise can regulate the Ren and Du meridians, harmonize yin and yang, dispel wind and relieve pain, and nourish the brain and protect the hair.
Specific method: Bend the five fingers of both hands and use them to massage from the forehead to the occipital region 40 to 50 times, like combing the hair; use one fingertip to massage from the forehead to the back of the neck 3 to 5 times; bend the fingers of both hands and gently tap the top of the head; grasp the hair with both hands and shake it upward 3 to 5 times; place both thumbs on the Jade Pillow acupoint and massage horizontally 20 to 30 times, then massage the Fengchi acupoint 3 to 5 times; cross the ten fingers of both hands and hold the occipital bone, with the palms facing each other, and alternately tighten and loosen 10 to 20 times.
3. Stirring the Sea
This exercise can promote saliva production, strengthen teeth and kidneys, clean the oral cavity, and prevent digestive disorders.
Specific method: Tilt the front part of the tongue against the outer edge of the upper gum, and then turn it clockwise along the gum line to the upper left molar gum, lower left molar gum, lower incisors, upper right molar gum, and lower right molar gum. Repeat this tongue stirring motion along the gum line for a total of 5 times.
4. Drum Rinsing
This exercise can aid digestion, invigorate the spleen and stomach, and improve the immune function of the digestive system.
Specific method: After stirring the sea to increase saliva production, gently close the mouth and bite the teeth, and use the cheeks and tongue to rinse the mouth about 30 times. As the saliva in the mouth increases, divide it into three portions and slowly swallow it.
5. Drumming the Sky
(1) Fold the palms of both hands in front of and behind the ears, then press firmly on the ear holes, and tap the Fengchi acupoint at the lower part of the occipital bone with the index and middle fingers of both hands alternately for 20 to 30 times to replenish kidney yin and nourish the original essence;
(2) Cover the ear holes with the palms of the hands and suddenly lift them away, repeating this opening and closing motion 10 to 20 times to invigorate the brain, relieve fatigue;
(3) Insert the index fingers of both hands into the ear holes and rotate them 3 times, then suddenly pull them out, repeating this motion 3 to 5 times to clear liver fire, resolve depression, and disperse stagnation;
(4) Rub the earlobes with the palms of both hands 20 to 30 times, bend the index fingers of both hands and rub the auricles with the second joint of the fingers 20 to 30 times to dredge the meridians, harmonize the organs, and prevent limb pain;
(5) Rub the tragus of both ears with the index finger surface of both hands 10 to 20 times, then rub the tragus cavity 10 to 20 times, pull and stretch both earlobes downward with the thumbs and index fingers of both hands 20 to 30 times, and then pull and stretch the ear rims upward at the same time 20 to 30 times to dredge the meridians, harmonize Qi and blood, and nourish the kidneys and brain.
6. Chest Patting
This exercise can promote the smooth flow of Qi, calm the mind, ventilate the lungs, invigorate Qi, stop coughing, and transform phlegm.
Specific method: Make a hollow palm with one hand, spread the five fingers, and pat the chest. Alternate between the left and right hands, patting each side 10 times.
7. Rubbing the Epigastric Region
This exercise can invigorate the spleen and stomach.
Specific method: Close the four fingers of the right hand except for the thumb, and rotate and massage the epigastric region in a circular motion for 20 to 30 times. Then, use the left hand to massage for 20 to 30 times.
8. Rubbing the Umbilical Wheel
This exercise can warm yang, consolidate leakage, and benefit essence and strengthen the original.
Specific method: Place the palm of the left hand against the navel, and use the back of the right hand to rub the left hand, rotating and kneading in a clockwise direction for 100 to 200 times.
9. Regulating the Liver and Gallbladder
This exercise can regulate the liver and gallbladder, promote Qi circulation, and harmonize the Chong and Ren meridians.
Specific method: Close the four fingers of the left hand, press on the left inguinal region, and massage the abdomen in a clockwise direction for 20 to 30 times using the right hand.
10. Rubbing the Lower Abdomen
This exercise can regulate the liver, promote Qi circulation, nourish the kidneys, and strengthen essence.
Specific method: Place the fingertips of both hands tightly against the sides of the navel and rub up and down in the direction of the inguinal region 30 to 40 times until a warm sensation is felt.
11. Abdominal Massage
This exercise can strengthen the foundation, nourish the spleen and stomach, and enhance physical fitness.
Specific method: Place the palm of the right hand against the abdomen and massage in a clockwise direction 30 times, then place the palm of the left hand against the abdomen and massage in a counterclockwise direction 30 times. Repeat this alternating motion 5 times.
12. Waist Exercise
(1) Rub the area around the kidney with both hands, starting from the acupoint Shenshu and rubbing down to the coccyx. Rub back and forth 50 to 100 times to regulate Qi and blood, promote meridian circulation, and nourish the kidneys and strengthen essence;
(2) Place both thumbs against the waist acupoints and rotate and massage (until a slightly sore feeling is achieved) to warm the meridians, dispel cold, and harmonize the organs;
(3) Place the palm of the right hand against the Gate of Life acupoint and rub up and down 20 to 30 times to nourish the kidneys and strengthen the original, and enhance physical fitness and longevity.
13. Anal Contraction
This exercise can nourish yin, reduce fire, and strengthen the waist.
Specific method: Contract the anus, tighten it when inhaling, and relax it when exhaling. One contraction and relaxation is counted as one cycle, and repeat this cycle 50 times.
14. Rubbing Yongquan Acupoint
This exercise can nourish fire, tonify yin and yang, calm the mind, and promote blood circulation and meridian flow.
Specific method: Rub the right Yongquan acupoint with the left hand, then rub the left Yongquan acupoint with the right hand, 100 times each; or knead the Yongquan acupoint 20 to 30 times with the thumb.
Note: These massage methods can be selected one or two according to each person's specific situation. In addition, some patients have limited mobility and limited social contact, often leading to excessive worries, irritability, and other emotional and psychological problems. These physical and mental problems, when accumulated over a long period of time, can also affect organ functions and eventually lead to the development of diseases (including tumors). Therefore, in addition to the aforementioned massage exercises for health maintenance, combining them with Qigong exercises (static exercises) to exercise one's own thoughts and breathing can help adjust the body and mind, promote meridian flow, smooth Qi and blood circulation, and coordinate organ functions, thus achieving a state of self-improvement in essence, Qi, and spirit.
