According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, the causes of insomnia are mainly attributed to the internal injuries of the seven emotions such as anger, overthinking, and depression, as well as fatigue, overeating, constitution, environment, and chronic illness affecting the spirit. Massage therapy mainly aims to harmonize the yin and yang by unblocking the meridians, promoting the circulation of qi and blood, adjusting the functions of organs, and enhancing the body's resistance to diseases. So what are the massage techniques for treating insomnia?
Principles of Massage Therapy for Insomnia
The symptoms of insomnia include difficulty falling asleep, waking up easily during sleep, inability to fall back asleep after waking up, or being completely unable to sleep throughout the night. Insomnia can occur independently or in conjunction with other symptoms such as headaches, forgetfulness, dizziness, and palpitations.
Treatment principles: Calming the mind and soothing the spirit. For deficiency patterns, nourishing yin and blood are supplemented, while for excess patterns, clearing heat and harmonizing the stomach are supplemented.
Massage Techniques for Insomnia
Acupoints: Yintang, Shenting, Zanzhu, Jingming, Taiyang, Baihui, Sishencong, Fengchi, Anmian, Yingxiang, Shenmen, Sanyinjiao, Xinshu, Ganshu, Pishu, Weishu, Shenshu, Mingmen, Huatuo Jiaji points, etc.
Massage Techniques: Yizhichan Tui Fa (One Finger Zen Push Technique), An Fa (Pressing Technique), Na Fa (Grasping Technique), Rou Fa (Kneading Technique), Mo Fa (Rubbing Technique), Fu Fa (Pressing Technique), Ji Fa (Striking Technique), etc.
Basic Massage Techniques for Insomnia
1. The patient lies in a supine position. The masseur uses Yizhichan Tui Fa or Yuzhi Rou Fa to massage from Yintang to Shenting, back and forth 5-6 times, and then from Yintang along the sides of the nose to the temples, back and forth 2-3 times. During treatment, emphasis can be placed on pressing Yintang, Shenting, Zanzhu, Jingming, and Taiyang acupoints.
2. Gently rub the forehead 3-5 times.
3. The patient sits upright. The masseur uses Wuzhi Na Fa starting from the top of the head and switches to Sanyin Na Fa when reaching the lower part of the occiput. Then, apply pressure to Fengchi for 2-3 minutes, followed by pressing Fengchi for 1 minute.
4. Apply pressure to Baihui, Sishencong, Anmian, Sanyinjiao, Shenmen acupoints, and tap the forehead to the top of the head with fingertips, repeating 3-6 times.
5. The patient lies in a prone position. The masseur uses Fu Fa along both sides of the spine, focusing on the Huatuo Jiaji points, and also combines kneading and pressing of Xinshu, Ganshu, Pishu, Weishu, Shenshu, and Mingmen acupoints for 5 minutes.
Massage Techniques for Insomnia with Different Patterns
1. For those with excessive fire due to yin deficiency, massage the Qiaogong points on both sides 20-30 times; use palm rubbing to rub the Shenshu and Mingmen acupoints, followed by rubbing the Yongquan points on both sides, using heat penetration as a gauge.
2. For those with deficiency of both the heart and spleen, massage the Shenmen, Tianshu, and Zusanli acupoints for 1-2 minutes each; rub the Governing Vessel on the back, using heat penetration as a gauge.
3. For those with liver depression transforming into fire, massage the Ganshu, Danzhong, Taichong, and Zhangmen acupoints for 1-2 minutes each, and rub the sides of the ribs from top to bottom for 1-2 minutes.
4. For those with phlegm-heat disturbing the interior, massage the Shenmen, Neiguan, Fenglong, and Zusanli acupoints for 1-2 minutes each.
Tips
1. People who frequently suffer from insomnia should develop good lifestyle habits and engage in regular physical exercise.
2. Eliminate mental worries and avoid emotional excitement.
3. If possible, choose to receive massage therapy before bedtime for better effects.
