Most people enjoy tickling their friends' armpits when they are playing around. This small action actually has a great health benefit because there is an acupoint called Jiquan in the middle of the armpit, and stimulating this acupoint while tickling has important health benefits. Let's take a look at what massaging Jiquan can do.
The Origin of the Name Jiquan Acupoint
The word "Ji" means extreme, and "Quan" means spring. The heart, as the ruler of the body, is located at the highest position. Jiquan acupoint is the highest acupoint and can be compared to a ruler ascending to the extreme. The heart governs the blood vessels, and the Heart Meridian of the Hand Shaoyin starts from Jiquan acupoint. It is like the Qi of the Heart Meridian rushing out like water from a spring, hence the name.
The Benefits of Massaging Jiquan Acupoint
The heart governs the blood, and the lungs govern the Qi. Therefore, Jiquan acupoint can adjust the imbalance of Qi and blood in the body. If Qi is stagnant, blood will be stagnant; if Qi flows smoothly, blood will flow smoothly. Tapping and massaging Jiquan acupoint can invigorate the tendons, promote blood circulation, strengthen the body, and resist aging. It especially helps to circulate Qi and blood, expand the chest, regulate Qi, and nourish the heart and lungs, which is beneficial for protecting the health of the cardiovascular system.
In addition, the armpit not only has veins but also a large amount of lymphatic tissue, which is responsible for functions such as blood transportation. Therefore, regularly massaging this acupoint can improve blood supply, stimulate the lymphatic system, and improve heart and lung function.
The Main Diseases Treated by Massaging Jiquan Acupoint
1. When a person encounters sudden events or fatigue, they may experience discomfort such as rapid heartbeat and chest tightness. This is commonly known as heart palpitations. Massaging Jiquan acupoint can expand the chest and regulate Qi, providing great relief.
2. Stimulating Jiquan acupoint can expand the chest, calm the mind, regulate the meridians, and promote blood circulation. It can treat circulatory system diseases such as coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, post-stroke sequelae, as well as nervous system diseases such as intercostal neuralgia, hysteria, and breast diseases, shoulder periarthritis, etc.
The Massage Techniques for Jiquan Acupoint
1. Pressing Method: Use the left hand to press the right armpit and the right hand to press the left armpit. Use the thumb to select the Jiquan acupoint and repeatedly rub and press until a sour, numb, and warm sensation is felt. Generally, it takes 3-5 minutes.
2. Tapping Method: Raise one arm to expose the Jiquan acupoint in the armpit. Then, use the index and middle fingers to locate the acupoint and find a tendon-like structure nearby. Fix the middle finger and gently tap the tendon-like structure with the fingertip of the index finger, alternating between tapping forward and backward. There will be a tingling sensation in the hand during tapping. Repeat this process about 10 times while taking deep breaths.
Precautions for Massaging Jiquan Acupoint
The best massage method for Jiquan acupoint is tapping, but the force should be gentle, not necessarily stronger. The movements should be continuous and avoid using violence. It is best to place a layer of fabric between the index finger, middle finger, and the acupoint. This can reduce the patient's itching sensation and increase friction between the index finger and the skin at the acupoint, making the operation easier.
