Three Important Acupoints for Elderly Health
1. Hegu Acupoint
1. Locating the Acupoint
To locate the Hegu acupoint, place the first joint of the thumb of the other hand horizontally against the edge of the tiger's mouth. Bend the thumb and press down. The point where the fingertip is pointing is the Hegu acupoint.
2. Massage Function
According to the theory of meridians and practical evidence, massaging the Hegu acupoint can alleviate or eliminate diseases of the tissues and organs along the large intestine meridian to which it belongs, ensuring good health. Since the large intestine meridian goes from the hand to the head, massaging the Hegu acupoint can provide relief and treatment for diseases such as headaches, fever, dry mouth, nosebleeds, neck swelling, throat diseases, and other diseases of the sensory organs.
3. Massage Technique
During the massage, both hands can take turns massaging the acupoint. Use the thumb to press vertically on the Hegu acupoint, alternating between tight and loose presses, with a frequency of about once every 2 seconds, or about 30 times per minute. It is important to apply sufficient pressure so that there is a feeling of soreness, numbness, and swelling below the acupoint, indicating the "arrival of qi." This is necessary to achieve the preventive and therapeutic effects.
Health acupoints, elderly health, elderly health acupoints
2. Neiguan Acupoint
1. Locating the Acupoint
To locate the Neiguan acupoint, find the point two inches above the wrist crease, between the tendon of the flexor carpi ulnaris and the tendon of the palmaris longus.
2. Massage Function
The Neiguan acupoint belongs to the pericardium meridian. The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon states, "The palm controls the heart, and the Neiguan point is connected to heart pain." Therefore, traditional meridian theory has long linked heart disease with the Neiguan acupoint. Countless examples over thousands of years have proven that needling and massaging the Neiguan acupoint can treat and prevent heart disease. In addition, since the pericardium meridian starts in the chest, needling and massaging the Neiguan acupoint can have a certain effect on respiratory diseases such as asthma, emphysema, and cardiopulmonary diseases.
3. Massage Technique
Similar to massaging the Hegu acupoint, we suggest using the thumb to press vertically on the Neiguan acupoint. The direction of the nail should be vertical and parallel to the tendons. The nail should be short. Apply rhythmic pressure and incorporate some kneading motions. The massage should have a certain amount of force, producing a feeling of soreness, numbness, and swelling. It is best if these sensations spread to the middle finger and up to the elbow, as this indicates a better effect.
Health acupoints, elderly health, elderly health acupoints
3. Zusanli Acupoint
1. Locating the Acupoint
To locate the Zusanli acupoint, measure four fingers down from the outside of the knee joint and find the point where it intersects with the outer edge of the tibia.
2. Massage Function
The Zusanli acupoint belongs to the stomach meridian of the Foot Yangming. The stomach meridian and the spleen meridian are interconnected. Massaging the Zusanli acupoint can have remarkable effects on digestive system diseases caused by spleen and stomach imbalances. Traditional Chinese medicine regards the spleen and stomach as the foundation of postnatal life. The growth and maintenance of health after birth are closely related to the digestive and nutritional functions of the spleen and stomach. The stomach meridian is a meridian with abundant qi and blood. Stimulating this meridian will invigorate the qi and blood, affecting the functions of the organs and achieving the effect of health preservation and longevity. Therefore, the Zusanli acupoint has always been considered an important acupoint for medical treatment and health preservation.
3. Massage Technique
To massage the right Zusanli acupoint, place the left thumb on the acupoint while the other four fingers grasp the shinbone. Press the thumb vertically downward with a rhythmic frequency, similar to the previous two acupoints. However, the force should be stronger. Since the muscles below the Zusanli acupoint are more abundant, sometimes massage alone may not achieve the desired effect. In such cases, additional tools or the assistance of others can be used to achieve the desired "arrival of qi" effect.
These three acupoints are important for strengthening the body. Middle-aged and elderly individuals can regularly massage these acupoints to promote smooth circulation of qi and blood throughout the body, preventing and treating diseases. It is important to pay attention to the strength and technique during the massage. Excessive or insufficient force will not have a significant effect on health preservation. It is recommended to consult relevant experts or doctors to find a scientifically sound acupoint massage method.
