Acupuncture and massage carry no side effects yet deliver remarkable results, making them increasingly popular therapeutic choices. Regularly massaging these five common acupoints can rival the efficacy of certain medications for health maintenance. Acupoint techniques include tonifying (gentle massage) and dispersing (firm pressure), often applied using the knuckles.Next, we introduce how massaging the right acupoints surpasses taking tonic herbs: Zusanli (ST36), located four finger-widths below the outer knee eye, is named for its ability to treat conditions in the upper, middle, and lower abdomen. As one of the Nine Needle Points for Restoring Yang, it is a key point for stomach disorders and overall physical fortification.Massaging Zusanli strengthens the middle qi. Using tonifying techniques nourishes the spleen and stomach, replenishes qi, and benefits the middle jiao—similar to the effects of herbs like codonopsis, atractylodes, Chinese yam, and red dates. Using dispersing techniques aids digestion, relieves food stagnation, harmonizes the stomach, and promotes bowel movement—similar to the effects of hawthorn and rhubarb.
Sanyinjiao (SP6), located four finger-widths above the medial malleolus, is a Shu point of the Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian. Its name derives from its position at the convergence of the Liver, Spleen, and Kidney Yin meridians. The Liver stores blood, the Spleen governs blood, and the Kidney stores essence—all interdependent in the cycle of essence and blood. Thus, it is a crucial point for treating blood-related disorders.When used with tonifying methods, it strengthens the spleen, nourishes blood, and consolidates blood, similar to the effects of herbs like Angelica sinensis, donkey-hide gelatin, placenta, and coix seed. When used with purging methods, it promotes blood circulation and removes blood stasis, similar to the effects of herbs like Angelica sinensis root tip, peach kernel, and safflower.
Shenmen (PC6), located in the depression slightly above the ulnar end of the wrist crease, is the source point of the Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian. It is likened to the gateway through which vital energy enters and exits. When treated with tonification, it calms the mind, soothes the spirit, and supplements heart qi, similar to the effects of Ziziphus jujuba seed and Biota orientalis seed.When used with dispersing methods, it clears the heart and opens the orifices, similar to the effects of Chinese medicines like Zixuedan, Acorus tatarinowii rhizome, and amber.
Guanyuan, located four finger-widths below the navel, is a point on the Ren Meridian. Situated at the junction where yin and yang primordial qi converge within the body, it is named for its ability to greatly supplement primordial yang.The Illustrated Supplement to the Classic of Medicine states: "This point is where men store essence and women accumulate blood..." It treats "all deficiencies and hundredfold damage." When tonified, it supplements kidney yang, similar to the effects of herbs like deer antler, cinnamon bark, morinda root, curculigo rhizome, and epimedium. This point is primarily used for deficiency-syndrome diseases, with purgation methods rarely employed.
Qihai, located two finger-widths below the navel, is a point on the Conception Vessel. As the sea of all qi, it profoundly replenishes primordial qi. When tonified, it greatly fortifies primordial qi, akin to the effects of herbs like ginseng and astragalus. When drained, it regulates and promotes qi flow, similar to the effects of herbs like cyperus, litchi seed, agarwood, and curcuma.
Taixi (Zusanli), the original point of the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian, is where kidney essence resides. It functions to "nourish kidney yin, tonify kidney qi, and strengthen kidney yang." Ginseng excels at replenishing human essence, benefiting all five viscera and six bowels.In fact, excessive emotions can disrupt the proper functioning of the spirit, soul, essence, intention, and will within the five organs, leading to insomnia. Other factors like external pathogenic influences, dietary imbalances, and environmental changes can also interfere with sleep.
It's important to note that while these acupoints are frequently used in clinical practice, people often utilize only one or two of their many functions for health maintenance. For treating specific ailments, consulting a specialist is necessary.
That concludes our introduction to how massaging the right acupoints surpasses taking tonic herbs. We hope you've gained some insight after reading this. Finally, we sincerely wish you good health and a joyful life.