First, let's start with the representative acupressure method.
★ Finger Pressure
The most common acupressure technique used at home is finger pressure. Finger pressure mainly uses the easily exerted thumb, or index and middle fingers. The key is to use the fingertip to apply pressure. This allows for increased pressure without causing fatigue from prolonged pressing.
When the body is weakened due to chronic illness or other factors, light pressure is generally applied. This is called "tonifying method" and it supplements energy, stimulating the organs to return to normal function. When there is nerve excitement or severe pain, heavy pressure is applied. This is called "dispersing method" and it suppresses excessive energy. Although both are referred to as "finger pressure," the technique varies depending on the disease and symptoms. The pressure is applied for 3-5 seconds, followed by a 2-3 second rest, and then another 3-5 seconds of pressure. Each area is repeated 3-5 times. It is important to use a unique breathing technique during finger pressure: exhale while applying pressure and inhale while resting.
★ Massage
Many people think that massage involves rubbing the body. However, true massage involves various techniques such as "patting," "rubbing," "kneading," and "pressing" using all five fingers. The "pressing" technique mentioned earlier is a form of finger pressure.
Generally, patting or forcefully pressing is the dispersing method and is used for severe pain such as neuralgia. Gentle rubbing and kneading are the tonifying method and are used for numbness in the hands and feet. The massage duration should be within 5-15 minutes.
★ Moxibustion
Moxibustion is the application of heat stimulation to the skin using mugwort. Basically, moxibustion is a tonifying method and has been used in the treatment of chronic diseases since ancient times.
When performing moxibustion at home, first place the mugwort in the palm of your hand and twist it into a thin shape. Then, pinch off the tip about 2-3 cm from the top and shape it into a pyramid-like moxibustion about half the size of a grain of rice.
Moisten the skin with a small amount of water and place the moxibustion on the acupoint. This makes it easier for the mugwort to stand up. Then, light an incense stick and ignite the mugwort. Replace it with new mugwort when you feel the heat. If there are no special conditions, use the above moxibustion for three to five treatments on one acupoint (burning one moxibustion is called one treatment). This method is called "knowledge of heat moxibustion" because the mugwort is removed after heating.
Since moxibustion leaves marks after heating, many people do not like it. In that case, "indirect moxibustion (warm moxibustion)" can be used. This method involves placing garlic, ginger, salt, monosodium glutamate, etc. on the skin and then burning the mugwort on top. Depending on the material used, it can be called garlic moxibustion, ginger moxibustion, salt moxibustion, and so on.
This type of heat stimulation is very mild and does not leave marks. There are products available on the market for indirect moxibustion, so you can use those.
The simplest moxibustion method is incense stick moxibustion. Prepare an incense stick, light it, and bring the tip of the incense stick close to the acupoint. When you feel the heat, move it away. Repeat this process 5-10 times for one acupoint.
