Chronic nephritis is a chronic urinary system disease characterized by hematuria, proteinuria, hypertension, and edema. In the field of traditional Chinese medicine, it falls into the categories of "edema," "kidney wind," "deficiency fatigue," and "dizziness." Traditional Chinese medicine believes that it is caused by the deficiency of kidney essence and the blockage of internal evil toxins in the meridians of the kidneys, resulting in kidney damage and dysfunction. So, where should chronic nephritis be massaged in traditional Chinese massage therapy?
Special acupoints for massage in chronic nephritis
Shenshu acupoint
This acupoint belongs to the bladder meridian and has the function of nourishing the kidneys, assisting yang energy, and promoting the circulation of qi and water. Regular massage of this acupoint can help relieve fatigue, strengthen and protect the kidneys.
Location of the acupoint: 1.5 inches beside the midline of the lower back, below the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra.
Massage technique: The patient lies prone, and the masseur uses the thumb pads of both hands to knead the acupoints on both sides, gradually increasing the pressure, for 5 minutes each time.
Shuifen acupoint
This acupoint is an important point on the Ren meridian, which means that the cold descending fluid of the Ren meridian is diverted here.
Location of the acupoint: 1 inch above the umbilicus, on the midline of the upper abdomen.
Massage technique: Close the index finger and middle finger together and rub in a clockwise direction for 3 minutes, gradually increasing the pressure until a warm sensation is felt.
Full-body massage technique for chronic nephritis
1. Stimulate the perineum acupoint with a slightly pointed massage hammer for 2-3 minutes, which has a certain therapeutic effect on relieving chronic nephritis.
2. Knead the Shenshu acupoint for 3-5 minutes.
Hand, foot, and ear massage technique for chronic nephritis
1. Use both thumbs to knead the upper and lower lymph reflex areas 50 times each.
2. Press and rub the chest lymph reflex area 30 times.
3. Use a single index finger to scrape and press the reflex area of the prostate 30 times.
4. Use a single index finger to press the reflex areas of the spleen, kidneys, bladder, etc., 50 times each.
5. Use a single index finger to press and rub the reflex areas of the stomach, celiac plexus, ureters, brain, small intestine, lungs, etc., 50 times each.
6. Pinch and knead the inguinal reflex area 50 times.
Massage technique for different types of chronic nephritis
Wind-cold invading the lungs type
Acupoints: Dazhui and Waiguan.
Location: Dazhui is located below the protrusion of the cervical vertebrae when the head is lowered; Waiguan is located at the midpoint of the ulnar bone and the radial bone on the outer side of the elbow crease.
Massage technique: Rub the Dazhui acupoint with both palms until the local area feels warm or a warm sensation spreads along the spine towards the head or waist. For Waiguan, use the thumb to press or knead the acupoint until a local feeling of soreness and distension is felt. Alternate massage on both arms.
Wind-heat invading the lungs type
Acupoints: Fengchi and Quchi.
Location: Fengchi is located in the depressions on both sides of the neck posterior to the large tendons; Quchi is located at the midpoint of the outer end of the elbow crease, on the outside of the ulnar bone.
Massage technique: Massage the depression where Fengchi is located without moving for half a minute to a minute, then slowly knead until a strong sore and distending sensation is felt in the local area. For Quchi, use the right thumb to massage the left Quchi, then switch hands and massage, doing 100 times on each side until a strong sore and distending sensation is felt in the local area.
