As people reach a certain age, they are more prone to hypertension. Hypertension is a common condition among middle-aged and elderly individuals. To control blood pressure, it is important to pay attention to diet and emotions. Additionally, self-massage can be used to lower blood pressure. Let traditional Chinese medicine teach us how to perform self-massage to reduce blood pressure.
1. Massage the Feng Chi Acupoints
Use your thumbs to massage the Feng Chi acupoints on both sides. Rotate in a clockwise direction, completing one rotation as one beat. Repeat this for a total of 32 beats. This method has the effects of refreshing the mind, improving vision, and reducing blood pressure.
2. Rub the Tai Yang Acupoints
Rub the Tai Yang acupoints in a clockwise direction using your fingers. Each rotation counts as one beat, and you should do 32 beats each time. This method helps clear the mind, improve vision, relieve external wind, and alleviate headaches.
3. Massage the Qu Chi Acupoints
Locate the Qu Chi acupoint at the elbow joint. Start by massaging it with your right hand, then with your left hand. Complete one rotation as one beat, and do a total of 32 beats. This method has the benefit of clearing heat and reducing blood pressure.
4. Rub the Guan Wan Xiong Acupoint
Use your thumbs to rub the Nei Guan acupoint. Start with the left hand and then the right hand, rubbing in a clockwise direction. Complete one rotation as one beat, and do 32 beats in total. This method helps relax and open the chest, promoting a sense of well-being.
5. Stimulate the Zusanli Acupoints
Use your thumbs to massage the Zusanli acupoints on both legs, rotating in a clockwise direction. Complete one rotation as one beat, and do 32 beats in total. This method helps invigorate the spleen, nourish the stomach, and lower blood pressure.
6. Massage the Bai Hui Acupoint
The Bai Hui acupoint is located at the top of the head. Place your palm on the Bai Hui acupoint and rotate it in a clockwise direction. Complete one rotation as one beat, and do at least 32 beats each time. This method has the greatest benefit of calming the mind, reducing blood pressure, and refreshing the mind.
7. Rub the Sides of the Neck
Use the palm of your left hand to rub the right side of your neck, specifically the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Then, use the palm of your right hand to rub the left side of your neck. Each side counts as one beat, and do 32 beats in total. This method helps relieve spasms in the sternocleidomastoid muscle and lowers blood pressure.
8. Rub the Sides of the Head
Separate your fingers naturally and use the base of your palm to massage from the forehead to the back of the ear. Alternate between your hands, and each line counts as one beat. Do 32 beats in total. This method helps soothe the liver, regulate wind, promote blood circulation, lower blood pressure, and refresh the mind.
9. Relaxation Breathing
This exercise is a preparation for the other nine methods. Sit on a chair or sofa with a natural and upright posture. Look straight ahead with both eyes. Let your arms hang naturally, with your palms resting on your thighs. Your knees should be at a 90-degree angle, and your feet should be shoulder-width apart. Relax all the muscles in your body and breathe evenly.
10. Expand the Chest and Adjust Internal Qi
Relax your hands and let them hang naturally. Then, make a fist and raise your elbows to shoulder height, expanding your chest. Finally, relax and return to the starting position.
Above, we have introduced the methods of self-massage to reduce blood pressure. When performing massage, it is important to locate the acupoints accurately. If you are not familiar with the acupoints, you can look them up yourself. Randomly massaging without knowing the acupoints will not yield good results. It is recommended to spend about 10 minutes on the massage, and you may feel soreness and swelling in the massaged areas.
