There are several key areas in the human body that, when regularly massaged, can have miraculous effects on health. Moderate massage of these areas can stimulate acupoints, unblock meridians, regulate qi and blood, and relieve fatigue, all for the purpose of maintaining health and well-being.
1. Massage the eye sockets to calm the mind and relieve headaches
The eye sockets contain numerous acupoints, such as Qingming, Zanzhu, Sibai, Chengqi, and Sizhukong. Massaging these points can reduce eye pressure, relieve eye fatigue, improve eye function, and significantly improve symptoms such as redness, blurred vision, and unclear vision caused by myopia, presbyopia, and excessive eye strain.
Massaging these acupoints can also calm the mind, improve headaches, and delay the aging of the skin around the eyes, preventing the appearance of wrinkles.
Close your eyes lightly and use your index and middle fingers to slowly rotate the eyelids in a clockwise and counterclockwise motion for 5-10 times. Alternatively, gently press and massage the corresponding acupoints for about 1 minute for better calming and pain-relieving effects.
2. Massage the neck hollow to relieve throat discomfort
The neck hollow is located below the Adam's apple, in the depression above the sternum. This is where the Tian Tu acupoint is located, which is a point on the Ren Meridian. It is located four inches below the throat, in the middle of the hollow above the sternum, and has the effect of widening the diaphragm, regulating the stomach, and descending qi.
Stimulating the neck hollow can improve symptoms such as throat discomfort, coughing, wheezing, and nausea.
Press and massage the neck hollow with your thumb or index finger, applying slow and even pressure downward and inward. At the same time, perform swallowing movements for about a minute until you feel a local soreness, heaviness, and stuffiness.
3. Rub the armpits to broaden the chest and calm the mind
The top of the armpit, where the artery pulsates, is the location of the Jiquan acupoint. Acupuncture or massage of this acupoint has the effect of broadening the chest and calming the mind. It is beneficial for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and nervous system diseases, such as coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, and intercostal neuralgia.
Place four fingers together under the armpit and massage clockwise and counterclockwise, exchanging directions every 10 rounds, for a total of 100-200 massages.
Alternatively, apply pressure by using your left hand to press the right armpit and your right hand to press the left armpit. Use your thumb to press the Jiquan acupoint, repeatedly rubbing and pressing until a sense of soreness, numbness, and heat is felt, usually taking 3-5 minutes.
4. Tap the elbow hollow to clear heat and unblock meridians
The elbow hollow is located in front of the elbow joint and serves as the pathway for the Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian, the Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian, and the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian. It contains acupoints such as Qu Chi, Qu Ze, and Chi Ze.
When there is an excessive amount of metabolic waste in the blood, the viscosity of the blood increases, and the qi and blood in the meridians are prone to stagnation at the elbow joint, causing blockage in the meridians and an excessive buildup of heart fire and lung heat. This can lead to symptoms such as sore throat, cough with yellow phlegm, restlessness, and insomnia.
Massaging the acupoints in the elbow hollow can unblock the meridians, clear heat, eliminate dampness, and soothe the throat. Place four fingers together and tap lightly on both sides of the elbow hollow, alternating sides for a few times. Pay attention to the rhythm while tapping.
Alternatively, gently massage the local acupoints until a slight warmth and soreness are felt.
5. Rub and press the waist hollow to regulate qi and blood
The waist hollow is located on both sides of the spine in the lower back, and the acupoints Du Bi and Shenshu are distributed on both sides. Du Bi is an extraordinary acupoint outside the meridians, and Shenshu is an acupoint on the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian. They are the points where the qi of the organs is infused. Massaging the waist hollow has long been praised in traditional Chinese health massage for its ability to regulate the meridians, harmonize the organs, and promote overall well-being.
Massage the waist hollow by rubbing and pressing along the spine from top to bottom.
6. Rub and press the popliteal fossa to relieve lower back pain
The popliteal fossa is the depression behind the knees on both sides. It is the area where the Liver Meridian, Kidney Meridian, and Bladder Meridian of the Twelve Regular Meridians pass through. The acupoint Weizhong is located in the middle of the popliteal fossa.
In traditional Chinese medicine, there is a saying that goes "seek the Weizhong acupoint for treating lower back pain and poor flexion and extension of the lower limbs." Weizhong is the key acupoint, and there are also acupoints such as Weiyang, Yingu, and Fuqi on both sides, all of which are effective for treating lower back pain.
Rub your palms together to generate heat and rub and press the popliteal fossa on both sides. Apply intermittent pressure on the acupoints. It is recommended to feel a local warmth, soreness, and fullness. This not only relieves lower back and lower limb joint pain and stiffness, but also strengthens the body's defense mechanisms and enhances immune function.
