In life, massage is commonly used to treat various diseases. Now let's learn about the efficacy and application of the Shenmai acupoint, as well as how to massage the Shenmai acupoint to treat ankle joint pain.
【Causes of Ankle Joint Pain】
The cause of ankle joint pain is the external force that damages the muscles, tendons, and bones, leading to obstruction of meridians and stagnation of Qi and blood.
【Source of Ankle Joint Pain】
1. Posterior tibial tendon sheath below the medial malleolus.
2. Peroneal tendon sheath inflammation below the lateral malleolus.
3. Fat pad damage in the tarsal sinus.
4. Damage to the attachment site of the anterior aspect of the ankle joint.
5. Posterior (heel) fat pad.
【Location of Shenmai Acupoint】
1. Standard location: Shenmai acupoint is located on the lateral side of the foot, directly below the lateral malleolus.
2. Acupoint selection: Sit up straight with the feet on the ground or lie prone, and select the acupoint below the lateral malleolus. Quick acupoint selection: Sit up straight with the feet on the ground, and if there is a depression below the lateral malleolus when the ankle is hanging down, the acupoint can be pressed when there is a sore and swollen sensation.
3. Anatomy of the acupoint: Below the Shenmai acupoint are the skin, subcutaneous tissue, supporting band of the peroneus longus and brevis, peroneal artery network, and the distribution of the peroneal nerve.
【Efficacy and Application of Shenmai Acupoint】
1. Efficacy of Shenmai Acupoint
The Shenmai acupoint has the effects of clearing heat, calming the mind, dispelling wind and cold, and relaxing tendons and promoting circulation. It is mainly used to treat spasm of the foot and ankle, and cold and painful waist and knees.
The Bladder Meridian of the Foot-Taiyang starts at the inner canthus of the eye, runs through the head and neck. According to the principle of "treat the upper by treating the lower", the Shenmai acupoint can also treat diseases of the head and face.
The Bladder Meridian of the Foot-Taiyang passes through the waist and lower limbs, and ends at the small toe. According to the principle of "where the meridian passes through, it treats the corresponding area", the Shenmai acupoint can also treat diseases of the meridians.
The Bladder Meridian of the Foot-Taiyang enters the kidneys and connects with the heart. The heart governs the spirit, and the Shenmai acupoint is a meeting point of eight meridians that connects with the Yangqiao meridian. Therefore, it can also treat disorders of consciousness.
2. Application of Shenmai Acupoint
The Shenmai acupoint can alleviate symptoms such as dizziness, red and swollen eyes, sore lower back, and ankle joint pain. It also has an auxiliary effect on diarrhea and indigestion. It can improve endurance and cold intolerance. It has a significant effect on treating pain in the waist on both sides of the pelvis.
The Shenmai acupoint is a point of Yang within Yang. By using this acupoint, it can dispel cold pathogens in the body and allow Yang Qi to flow to the top of the head. It not only balances the body but also promotes light and agile movements.
When combined with the use of Xiao Qinglong Decoction, it can achieve a synergistic effect of resolving external and internal imbalances. It can quickly expel the cold pathogens from the body and restore the body's own Yang Qi. It can be said to be a wonderful acupoint for dispelling cold and promoting Yang.
【Massage Techniques for Shenmai Acupoint】
Treatment method: For deficiency-cold, first disperse and then tonify or tonify after moxibustion; for excess-heat, disperse with acupuncture and release Qi.
1. Massage technique: Use the thumb to massage the Shenmai acupoint 100-200 times, persisting every day. This can alleviate and treat red, swollen, and painful eyes, as well as insomnia.
3. Scraping technique: Use scraping with an angle to stroke the Shenmai acupoint from top to bottom for 3-5 minutes, once every other day. This can treat paralysis of the lower limbs.
【Diseases Treated by Shenmai Acupoint】
The Shenmai acupoint is mainly used to treat diseases of the head, waist, legs, and consciousness, such as unilateral headache, red and swollen eyes, dizziness, red and swollen knees, heel pain, foot paralysis that cannot be recovered, cholera cramps, epilepsy, and syncope.
In modern times, the Shenmai acupoint is also commonly used to treat spasms of the gastrocnemius muscle, mental disorders, and inflammation of the ankle joint and surrounding soft tissues.
1. Diseases of the nervous system: Headache, inner ear dizziness, insomnia, epilepsy, schizophrenia, sequelae of cerebrovascular disease.
2. Diseases of the musculoskeletal system: Lumbar muscle strain, lower limb paralysis, arthritis, ankle sprain.
