Traditional Chinese Massage for Chest Distress: Acupoints and Prevention

January 20, 2024

 

  Western Medicine

 

  Chest distress is a subjective feeling of difficulty breathing or insufficient air. Mild cases may not cause much concern, but severe cases can be discomforting, feeling as if there is a heavy weight on the chest and even leading to difficulty breathing. It may be a functional manifestation of organ function or one of the earliest symptoms of a disease in the body.

 

  Traditional Chinese Medicine

 

  Chest distress refers to a symptom of feeling blocked and uncomfortable in the chest. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the heart governs blood vessels, and all diseases related to blood vessels are related to the heart. In daily life, we often hear people say "chest tightness and shortness of breath", especially in summer, it becomes more severe, and many people think of going to the hospital for examination. All the indicators are normal, but they experience chest tightness and shortness of breath every day.

 

  In daily life, many people experience chest distress. Can traditional Chinese massage treat chest distress? Let me take you to find out today.

 

  Neiguan Acupoint


 

  With the palm facing up, when making a fist or lifting the palm, you can see two tendons in the middle of the palm. The Neiguan acupoint is located between these two tendons, two inches above the wrist crease.

 

  The force applied to the Neiguan acupoint during massage should be appropriate, not too strong, and a tingling sensation is preferred. Use the thumb of the left hand to press the Neiguan acupoint on the right hand, and use the thumb of the right hand to press the Neiguan acupoint on the left hand, alternating between the two. You can massage while walking or during breaks at work, and it only takes 2-3 minutes. Also, pay attention to not having long nails, as they may press on the acupoints. If time permits and the location is suitable, it is best to also massage the Zusanli acupoint on the foot, and massage the front chest and back, which can help promote meridian circulation and prevent illness.

 

  Shenmen Acupoint


 

  On the inner side of the wrist, above the pinky finger side of the wrist crease. The Shenmen acupoint is specialized in treating heart diseases. When experiencing premature heartbeats or atrial fibrillation, massage the Shenmen acupoint to relieve symptoms. This acupoint can nourish the heart meridian and nourish the heart. When the heart is at ease, everything is at ease. With sufficient heart energy, various heart-related diseases and mental illnesses caused by them can be improved. Massage the Shenmen acupoint on both sides for 3 minutes each time, 3 times a day.

 

  Renzhong Acupoint
 


 

  Located on the chest, on the midline, between the 4th ribs, and the midpoint of the line connecting the two nipples. The Renzhong acupoint is not only the gathering place of the pericardium meridian, but also the meeting point of the conception vessel, foot Taiyin meridian, foot Shaoyin meridian, hand Taiyang meridian, and hand Shaoyang meridian. It can regulate qi, activate blood circulation, widen the chest, soothe coughs, and relieve wheezing. Modern medical research has confirmed that stimulating this acupoint can relax smooth muscles, dilate coronary blood vessels, and regulate the digestive system.

 

  Prevention

 

  1. Prevent colds and promptly treat respiratory diseases, such as recurrent colds. Regular injections of immunoglobulin or gamma globulin and appropriate Chinese medicine for lung health can improve the body's disease resistance.

 

  2. On windy and sunny days, go outside to sunbathe, take walks, and engage in moderate physical activities to enhance lung function. It is best to do 30 minutes of breathing exercises and deep breathing exercises every day, which can promote bronchial ventilation and enhance alveolar elasticity and blood supply.

 

  3. Pay attention to hygiene, have a balanced diet, quit smoking, avoid staying in dusty areas, and avoid contact with smoke and toxic gases that can irritate the trachea and bronchi.

 


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