You can massage yourself for health!
Massage has great health benefits. By learning self-massage techniques, you can easily massage yourself at home. Let's take a look at six parts of the body for health maintenance and self-massage methods.
Self-massage methods Self-massage for health Self-massage for wellness
Traditional Chinese medicine massage has gained recognition, and people are flocking to traditional Chinese medicine massage wellness centers. This is especially true for office workers who sit for long periods of time and need massage for wellness. In fact, we can learn self-massage techniques so that we can massage ourselves at home. Below, we will introduce self-massage methods to everyone.
The most comprehensive Chinese medicine benefits: the ears and the spine
Rubbing the ears benefits the whole body
The ears are like a fetus inverted in the womb. The ear lobes represent the head and eyes, the outer edge represents the trunk and limbs, and the inner side represents the internal organs.
According to Chinese medicine experts, massaging different parts of the ears can have a health effect on the corresponding body or internal organs. Chinese medicine says that "the kidneys connect to the ears." Therefore, taking care of the ears is especially beneficial for the kidneys. Massage the ears with gentle force, usually using pinching, rubbing, and pulling. It's best to do it for 5 minutes and not exceed 10 minutes.
Rubbing the ears upwards can regulate and promote the physiological functions of various systems in the body, which is beneficial for enhancing physical fitness. Gentle rubbing and friction on both ears can open the meridians and have a health effect on the kidneys and all other internal organs. You can also massage the ear lobes by placing the index finger on the inner layer of the ear lobe and the thumb on the outer layer of the ear lobe, then gently knead until it feels warm. This has certain benefits for the health of the waist. Pulling the ear lobes downwards can first rub them until they feel warm, then pull them downwards 15-20 times until they feel slightly warm. Using the index finger and thumb to pull the ear lobe from the inside to the outside, the pulling force should not cause pain and can treat diseases such as headaches, dizziness, neurosis, and tinnitus.
Pushing the spine enhances immunity
The spine and its sides are one of the two largest meridians in the human body, the location where the Du meridian runs through, and important meridians such as the liver meridian and kidney meridian pass through. When external evils such as wind and cold invade, the Yang meridians are most susceptible to influence. On the other hand, if you protect your back from the cold, your body will be less prone to colds and illnesses, and it can also help treat fatigue.
Chinese medicine experts suggest that you can ask your family to help you massage your spine and sides from top to bottom or from bottom to top. You can knead and push forward or pat forward at the same time, and continue for 5 minutes each time to unblock the meridians. You can also use a hot water bag for hot compress or massage the back with essential oil, rubbing until the skin feels warm and slightly red. This is beneficial for resisting colds, assisting the vital energy, and enhancing immunity. When taking a bath, you can consciously soak your back in hot water, which can also promote blood circulation in the back and help unblock the meridians.
The easiest to operate: the lower abdomen and the soles of the feet
Rubbing the lower abdomen helps strengthen the spleen and stomach
The navel is a place where vital energy is concentrated and an important acupoint called "Shenque" in Chinese medicine. There are also several other acupoints around it, such as Zhongwan, Guanyuan, and Qihai. Gentle rubbing and pressing can help regulate the qi and blood of the body and improve the functions of the internal organs.
Chinese medicine has always advocated the health maintenance method of "frequent rubbing of the abdomen". The key is to rub and press the area around the lower abdomen after waking up and before going to bed. By persisting in this practice, you can increase gastrointestinal motility and enhance the functions of the spleen and stomach. You can also massage the abdomen after meals by placing the palm of your hand on the navel and using a counterclockwise and clockwise alternating method to gently rub the navel and its surroundings to promote digestion.
Applying appropriate heat to the lower abdomen can also have health benefits. During application, use a hot water bag or a warm towel slightly higher than body temperature, gently apply it to the navel, and remove it after a few minutes. Stick to applying it 1-2 times a day. If you are outdoors, you can use your warm hand to apply heat near the navel.
Pinching the soles of the feet promotes blood circulation
The feet are known as the "second heart" of the human body. There are thousands of nerve endings and numerous acupoints related to the health of various organs in the body, making it an important area.
Chinese medicine experts believe that soaking your feet in hot water every two to three days for half an hour is a very simple and easy way to maintain health. It can warm the meridians and promote blood circulation. If you can add some Chinese herbs that help promote the circulation of qi and blood to the foot bath water, the effect will be even better. For example, put a small amount of angelica, safflower, sanqi, chuanqiong, and danshen in a gauze bag, soak it in hot water in advance, and soak for about half an hour. Then you can add a little white wine or vinegar. This is especially recommended for people with insomnia.
Chinese medicine experts suggest that while watching TV, you can use the fleshy part between the thumb and wrist of one hand to rub and press the Yongquan acupoint on the opposite foot. This not only has health benefits but also exercises the hands and feet.
In addition, using a foot massager, bending and stretching your toes, regular walking, and walking on pebbles all promote blood circulation in the feet.
Often overlooked: the armpits and the chest
Pressing the armpits calms the mind and broadens the chest
The armpits are usually a neglected area, but that doesn't mean it should be ignored. According to Chinese medicine, there is an important acupoint called Jiquan in the armpit, and acupuncture or massage of Jiquan has the effect of broadening the chest and calming the mind. Western medicine has also found that the armpits are not only rich in blood vessels but also have a large amount of lymphatic tissue. Therefore, regularly pressing the armpits can improve blood supply, stimulate lymphatic circulation, and enhance immunity.
