The book "Fundamentals of Traditional Chinese Medicine" compares the auricle to a miniature human body shape. It is connected to various organs and tissues in the body. Each organ and tissue has corresponding stimulation points on the local skin of the auricle. Once an organ or tissue undergoes pathological changes, a specific area on the ear (known as an "acupoint" in Traditional Chinese Medicine) will undergo certain changes and reactions. Therefore, when stimulating a specific auricular acupoint, it can be used for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in the corresponding part of the body. Some experienced medical experts can assist in diagnosing diseases by observing changes in the color of the ear skin, the presence of concave or convex deformities, nodules or desquamation, and the perfusion of capillaries. Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that "the kidney governs essence and opens up to the ear." The ear is an external manifestation of the "kidney." A long and well-developed earlobe is a sign of strong and healthy kidney energy. Therefore, regular massage of both ears can help nourish the kidneys, strengthen the waist, and promote longevity.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that there are nearly 600 million people worldwide with mild hearing loss and 250 million people with moderate to severe hearing loss. In China, there are 20.57 million people with hearing disabilities, ranking first among all types of disabilities and accounting for 16.79% of the national population. Among them, there are 800,000 deaf children under the age of seven, and there are more than 30,000 new cases of deaf children every year. The number of elderly people with age-related hearing loss reaches 9.49 million, and with the increase in life expectancy and aging population, the number of elderly people with hearing loss continues to rise. Hearing impairment significantly affects the social interaction and quality of life of these individuals. However, 50% of hearing disabilities can be prevented and avoided through primary ear care.
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the ear is a reflex zone for various organs and viscera, and most of the body's diseases can be reflected in the ears. Regular ear massage can have the effect of health preservation. Let me teach you four ways to protect your ears and achieve good health preservation effects for the elderly.
Ear Care Tip 1: Ringing the Heavenly Drum
Many people have the experience that good ears lead to good kidneys and good sleep. We have all played drums, from small tambourines to large drums, but there is a drum that is closely related to the health of your ears, and that is the "Heavenly Drum." "Ringing the Heavenly Drum" is a traditional Chinese health preservation method. The method is simple: first cover your ears with the palms of both hands, then use your index, middle, and ring fingers to gently tap the occipital bone behind your head, creating a drumming sound. Therefore, the ancients called it the "Heavenly Drum." Repeat this action 64 times before going to bed every day, or 32 times in the morning and evening. It can prevent and treat dizziness, tinnitus, hearing loss, inner ear diseases, and improve sleep quality when done consistently before bedtime.
Ear Care Tip 2: Flicking the Wind Mansion
Flick, flick, flick away ailments like tinnitus. Cover your ears with both hands, and use the index, middle, and ring fingers of both hands to gently tap near the Wind Mansion acupoint 36 times. This acupoint is located one inch directly above the middle of the back hairline. Touch the back of the earlobe and you will feel a protruding bone called the "mastoid process." From the bottom of this bone along the posterior edge, touch the bone above it, and there is a shallow depression. Then, use your index finger to plug the ear hole, press the ear canal, and release it abruptly three times. Persistence in this method can enhance hearing, clear the mind, and prevent and treat ailments such as dizziness, tinnitus, ear blockage, and buzzing in the head.
Ear Care Tip 3: Rubbing the Earlobes
Many elderly people say that having large earlobes brings good fortune. In fact, regardless of the size of your earlobes, as long as you remember and rub them regularly, they can bring you good health news. How to rub the earlobes? Place both hands at the root of each ear, with the index and middle fingers placed in front and behind the ears. Then, starting from the earlobe, squeeze and push the ears upwards, paying attention to exerting a certain amount of force and keeping close contact with the auricle, until the ear tip. Do this 50 times every day. After regularly rubbing the earlobes, you will find that your ears are no longer as sensitive to cold as before. It also helps invigorate the mind, protect vision, and reduce facial fat.
