Can Massage Prevent and Treat Alzheimer's Disease in the Elderly?
Improving living standards and healthcare conditions have not been able to cure Alzheimer's disease in the elderly, so prevention is the only option.
Tinnitus is a common symptom among the elderly.
According to sports medicine experts, tinnitus is a common condition that most elderly people have to endure. In addition to medication, the following massage techniques can help improve blood circulation in the ears, stimulate the auditory nerve, and provide relief and alleviate symptoms.
1. Rubbing the front and back of the ears.
The specific method is to place both hands on the root of the ears, with the index and middle fingers placed in front and behind the ears respectively. Start rubbing from the earlobe and push the ears upwards, applying a certain amount of pressure and keeping close to the ear contour, until the tip of the ear. Repeat this rubbing motion 50 times a day. Since there are important acupoints such as the ear gate, the auditory palace, and the auditory conference in front and behind the ears, this rubbing motion can help clear the meridians and achieve the goal of clearing the ears.
2. Pressing and rubbing the Yi Feng acupoint.
The Yi Feng acupoint is located in the depression behind the earlobe. During the massage, place both hands on the head. Press the Yi Feng acupoint with the fingertips of the thumbs, while the other four fingers are placed above the ears to provide stability. Then apply pressure to the depression with the thumbs until a tingling sensation is felt. This can be done several times a day or for 3 minutes. It has a good effect in invigorating the mind, improving vision, and preventing headaches and dizziness.
3. Beating the Heavenly Drum.
Beating the Heavenly Drum is a characteristic massage technique in Chinese Tuina. The specific method is to rub the palms of both hands vigorously to generate heat, and then place the palms on both ears, aligning them with the ear canal. Use four fingers to tap the back of the head 20 times until a "thumping" sound is heard. Additionally, the thumb placed behind can press the Feng Chi acupoint several times. The Feng Chi acupoint is located in the depression below the occipital bone, level with the earlobe.
As people age, their sleep quality may deteriorate, but it can be improved using the following methods.
1. Head massage.
Massage the Yintang acupoint (the midpoint between the eyebrows), the brow ridge, and the temples alternately with the middle fingertips of the index fingers, moving from bottom to top.
2. Ear massage.
Use the thumbs of both hands to massage the ears from top to bottom, and then rub the earlobes until they turn slightly red.
3. Abdominal massage.
Before going to bed, lie on your back, rub your hands together to warm them up, and then massage the abdomen clockwise and counterclockwise. In addition to promoting sleep, this also has the effects of strengthening the spleen and aiding digestion.
4. Neck massage.
Use the index finger to massage the depression next to the mastoid process behind the ear, and knead the neck until a slight pressure is felt.
5. Foot massage.
After washing your feet at night, use your thumbs to massage the Yongquan acupoint on the soles of the feet (located at the depression between the front 1/3 and rear 2/3 of the foot), applying enough pressure to feel a slight soreness. This can help alleviate insomnia and have a tonifying effect on the kidneys and liver.
