Many people subconsciously rub their faces to relieve fatigue, which is the effect of traditional Chinese massage. But did you know? Rubbing certain areas regularly can also help prolong your life.
1. Stay alert: Rub your forehead
Rubbing your forehead when feeling tired not only makes your face feel good, but also brightens your eyes and makes you feel refreshed. It is a good way to stay alert.
Place your fingertips of both hands on your forehead, and rub in one direction from the center to the sides. Do this 30-50 times every day. This method can clear your mind, delay the appearance of forehead wrinkles, and work better in the morning after waking up.
For people with dry skin, do not rub too hard or too fast to avoid skin damage. If you rub your face too hard, it can also raise blood pressure, so do it in moderation.
2. Prevent colds: Rub your nostrils
To prevent colds, you should rub your nostrils. Start with your index fingers from the center of your eyebrows, and rub down along the bridge of your nose and then back up. Don't apply too much pressure, and it's best to rub until your nostrils slightly redden.
This method can improve blood circulation in the nose and stimulate acupoints, preventing colds and rhinitis. But remember to keep your hands clean, otherwise it may contaminate your nose and damage your skin.
3. Improve hearing: Rub your ears
Nowadays, many people have poor hearing, which is not necessarily related to age. If you want to improve your hearing, start with your ears. The ears have many acupoints that connect to various parts of the body, and when the body is ill, it often shows on the ears. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the kidneys open to the ears, so rubbing the ears regularly can strengthen the kidneys, nourish the body, and prolong life.
When rubbing the ears, focus on the outer rim of the ear (the cartilage part that curls inward), which can promote blood vessel dilation and improve peripheral circulation. Be careful not to apply too much force and harm yourself.
In addition, elderly people with severe heart disease, ear ulcers, and some tumor patients should avoid rubbing their ears.
4. Harmonize emotions: Rub your chest and sides
Many people who watch TV often touch the center of their chest when they are angry, which is actually rubbing their chest and sides. Place your palms lightly on your sternum and sides, and rotate and rub in circular motions. Do this 50 times for each area, and you can do it several times a day.
This method can strengthen heart and lung function, as well as soothe emotions and regulate mood.
5. Improve intestinal health: Rub your abdomen
Many people have digestive problems, but rubbing your abdomen can help improve many symptoms. Place your palms lightly on your stomach, and massage in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Massaging in a clockwise direction can promote bowel movements, while massaging counterclockwise can help stop diarrhea. Doing this before bed can also calm the mind and promote sleep.
6. Warm the kidneys: Rub your lumbar region
The kidneys have always been a focus of attention, and warming the kidneys involves rubbing the lumbar region. The lumbar region is located about four fingers above the highest point of the pelvic bone. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the lumbar region is where the "belt meridian" is located, which is where the kidneys are. The kidneys prefer warmth and dislike cold, so massaging the lumbar region can warm the kidneys and promote blood and qi circulation.
Rubbing the lumbar region with your palms can not only unblock the belt meridian and strengthen the lumbar spine, but also help preserve essence and nourish the kidneys, promoting longevity.
When massaging, rub your palms together until they feel warm, then press firmly on the lumbar region, pause for a moment, and then rub downward with force. Do this 50-100 times each time, and do it once in the morning and evening. After rubbing, lightly clench your fists and use your knuckles or the back of your fist to rotate and massage the lumbar region for about 5 minutes.
7. Boost immunity: Rub your hands and feet
Many people have weak immune systems, and improving immunity is closely related to your hands and feet. Rubbing your hands together or against each other until they turn red and feel hot can stimulate acupoints and strengthen the body.
Rubbing the soles of your feet with the palms of both hands until they feel hot can improve immune function and resistance, preventing colds and respiratory diseases.
Note: There are two methods of rubbing the feet: dry rubbing and wet rubbing.
For dry rubbing, hold your left foot with your left hand and rub up and down the sole with your right hand 100 times to make the sole feel warm. Then switch to your right hand and rub the sole of your right foot. Adjust the intensity of the rubbing to your comfort. For wet rubbing, soak your feet in warm water until they turn red, and then rub them in the same way as dry rubbing.
Additionally, people with diabetes should be cautious when rubbing their feet.
