Spinal Massage: Can It Help with Spleen Health, Dampness Removal, and Weight Loss?
What are the preparatory movements for spinal massage and how should we maintain the correct posture?
The central part of the human back is the route of the Du meridian, which has the function of regulating the body's yang energy and the overall yin energy. The sides of the spine are also the routes of the Foot Taiyang Bladder meridian, which contains the back shu points that receive the qi of the internal organs, such as the Heart shu point, Lung shu point, Liver shu point, Spleen shu point, Gallbladder shu point, Stomach shu point, Kidney shu point, Large Intestine shu point, Small Intestine shu point, and Bladder shu point. Stimulating these points can regulate the functions of the Du meridian and the twelve internal organs, promote blood circulation, improve spleen function, remove dampness, and help the body convert yang energy, eliminate water, and even aid weight loss in adults and children.
What is the method of spinal massage?
During spinal massage, the practitioner forms a semi-fist with the middle, ring, and little fingers, half bends the index finger, and extends the thumb. The thumb should face the radial side of the second joint of the index finger, with a certain distance between them. The "tiger's mouth" faces forward. Starting from the coccyx, the skin is pinched and the index fingernails are pressed against the skin, pushing and pinching along the spine until reaching the Dazhui point. This is considered one round, and it should be repeated 3-5 times. After one round, the thumbs should be used to massage the Kidney shu point 30 times. This is the routine method of spinal massage. To enhance the therapeutic effect, the corresponding back shu points can be pinched as well, depending on the specific condition of the patient.
What is the recommended position for spinal massage?
During the procedure, the patient should generally lie prone with the spine extended and the lumbar muscles relaxed to ensure proper operation and effectiveness. For larger children, they can lie prone on a bed with their lower back exposed for the procedure. Infants can be placed face-down on the parent's thigh, with their lower limbs secured to prevent knee movement and facilitate the procedure.
What are the precautions for spinal massage?
The degree of skin pinching: The skin should be pinched to an appropriate degree. If it is too tight, the patient will feel pain. If it is too loose, it will be difficult to pinch and will also affect the effectiveness of the treatment.
The speed of spinal massage: If the massage is performed too quickly, the skin may slip. If it is too slow, it may cause pain. Therefore, it is best to perform the massage at a moderate speed. It usually takes about 1.5 minutes to complete one round of routine massage.
Timing of spinal massage: Spinal massage is most suitable in the morning or on an empty stomach. If the patient has just eaten, they should wait for half an hour before the procedure. It is recommended to perform the massage once a day, with a treatment course consisting of 10 sessions. After 2-3 treatment courses, a few days of rest can be taken before continuing.
Preventing colds and exposure to cold: Since spinal massage is performed with the back completely exposed, it is more susceptible to catching a cold. Therefore, the room temperature should be appropriate.
