In traditional Chinese medicine, tumors are viewed as pathogenic factors stagnating and solidifying into tangible masses, classified in ancient texts as "mass accumulations" (积聚). Their development stems from the interplay of internal deficiency of vital energy, qi stagnation, blood stasis, phlegm accumulation, dampness accumulation, and heat toxins, which over time coalesce into palpable masses.
TCM posits that this process is often linked to dysfunction in the liver, spleen, and kidneys among the five zang organs. The liver governs the free flow of qi, regulating its movement. "All diseases arise from qi"—when qi flows smoothly, pathogenic factors like qi, blood, phlegm, dampness, and toxins cannot coalesce. The spleen is the source of qi and blood production, the foundation of acquired constitution.The kidneys store essence, forming the foundation of innate constitution. Together, the spleen and kidneys constitute a vital component of the body's disease-resistance capacity (known as Zheng Qi). "When Zheng Qi resides within, pathogenic factors cannot invade." When the spleen and kidneys function normally, pathogenic factors like qi, blood, phlegm, dampness, and toxins cannot penetrate the body. Therefore, prioritizing the regulation of liver, spleen, and kidney functions in daily health maintenance holds significant importance for preventing the occurrence and progression of tumors.Here, we introduce several simple and effective exercise and massage techniques that regulate the liver, strengthen the spleen, and nourish the kidneys.
1. Tooth Tapping
This practice invigorates the mind, promotes saliva production, strengthens teeth, benefits the kidneys, and harmonizes the spleen and stomach. Method: Before rising in the morning, calm your mind for a moment. With lips lightly closed, gently tap your upper and lower incisors together 36 times, then tap your upper and lower molars together 36 times.
2. Head Massage
This technique promotes the smooth flow of the Conception and Governor Vessels, harmonizes yin and yang, dispels wind and alleviates pain, and strengthens the brain while protecting hair.Method: Curl fingers of both hands and stroke from forehead over crown to occipital region 40-50 times, as if combing hair. Use fingertips to press and knead from forehead to nape 3-5 times. Curl fingers and gently tap crown evenly with fingertips. Grasp hair with both hands and lift upward, shaking 3-5 times.Place both thumbs on the Yuzhen acupoint and perform lateral pressing and rubbing 20 to 30 times, then press and rub the Fengchi acupoint 3 to 5 times. Interlace all ten fingers, grasp the occipital bone, and perform alternating tightening and releasing movements with the palms facing each other 10 to 20 times.
3. Stirring the Sea
This technique promotes saliva production, strengthens teeth, benefits the kidneys, cleanses the mouth, and prevents indigestion.Method: Curl the front of the tongue upward to touch the outer edge of the upper gum. Then sequentially move toward the left upper molar gum, left lower molar gum, lower incisors, right upper molar gum, and right lower molar gum. Continue stirring the tongue around the gums in this manner for 5 repetitions.
4. Drumming and Rinsing
This technique aids digestion, strengthens the spleen and stomach, and enhances digestive tract immunity. Method: After stirring the sea to increase oral fluids, gently close your mouth and clench your teeth. Use your cheeks and tongue to perform a rinsing motion over 30 times. As saliva accumulates, swallow it in three slow gulps when the mouth is full.
5. Drumming the Heavenly Drum
(1) Fold the auricles forward and backward using the palms of both hands, then firmly press the ear openings. Alternate tapping the Fengchi acupoints (lower occipital region) with the index and middle fingers of both hands 20–30 times to replenish kidney yin and nourish vital essence;
(2) Cover ear openings with palms, then abruptly lift them away. Repeat this opening-closing motion 10 to 20 times to invigorate the brain, refresh the mind, and eliminate fatigue;
(3) Insert both index fingers into ear openings and rotate them three times, then abruptly withdraw them. Repeat this 3 to 5 times to clear liver heat, dispel stagnation, and resolve nodules;
(4) Simultaneously rub both auricles with palms 20–30 times, then bend index fingers to massage the helix with the second knuckles 20–30 times. This unblocks meridians, harmonizes organs, and prevents limb pain;
(5) Simultaneously press and knead the concha of both ears with the pads of both index fingers 10 to 20 times, then press and knead the concha cavity 10 to 20 times. Next, use both thumbs and index fingers to pull down both earlobes 20 to 30 times, then simultaneously lift the auricular rim upward 20 to 30 times. This clears meridians, harmonizes qi and blood, and strengthens the kidneys and brain.
6. Chest Tapping
Promotes smooth qi flow, calms the mind, soothes anxiety, clears the lungs, and relieves coughing and phlegm. Method: Form a loose palm with fingers spread. Tap the chest alternately with each hand 10 times.
7. Rubbing the Epigastrium and Abdomen
This technique strengthens the spleen and harmonizes the stomach. Method: First, use the four fingers of your right hand (excluding the thumb) to press and rub the epigastric region in a circular motion 20 to 30 times. Then, use your left hand to press and rub the same area 20 to 30 times.
8. Rubbing the Navel Area
This method warms yang, consolidates essence, and strengthens vitality. Method: Place the palm of your left hand over your navel. Press your right hand against the back of your left hand. Simultaneously rotate both hands clockwise in a circular motion 100 to 200 times.
9. Regulating Liver and Gallbladder
This method regulates liver and gallbladder functions, promotes qi flow, alleviates stagnation, and harmonizes the Chong and Ren meridians.Method: Press the left groin with the four fingers of the left hand together. Use the right hand to rub the abdomen clockwise 20 to 30 times.
10. Rubbing the Lower Abdomen
This technique helps regulate liver qi, invigorate the liver, tonify the kidneys, and enrich essence. Method: Place the hypothenar eminences of both hands on either side of the navel. Rub upward and downward toward the groin 30 to 40 times until warmth is felt.
11. Rubbing the Abdomen
This technique helps consolidate the foundation, tonify the spleen and stomach, and strengthen the body. Method: Place the right palm on the abdomen and rub clockwise 30 times.
11. Abdominal Massage
Strengthens the foundation, fortifies the spleen and stomach, and builds physical resilience. Method: Place the right palm on the abdomen and massage clockwise 30 times. Switch to the left palm and massage counterclockwise 30 times. Alternate this sequence 5 times.
12. Waist Exercises
(1) Rub hands together until warm, then firmly press on the Shenshu acupoints. Hold briefly before vigorously rubbing downward toward the tailbone. Alternate hands, rubbing up and down 50 to 100 times. This harmonizes qi and blood, unblocks meridians, and nourishes kidney essence;
(2) Place hands on hips with thumbs firmly pressing the waist points. Perform circular kneading (aiming for a sensation of soreness and fullness). This warms meridians, dispels cold, and harmonizes internal organs.
(3) Place the right palm over the Mingmen point and rub up and down 20 to 30 times. This nourishes the kidneys, cultivates vital energy, strengthens the body, and promotes longevity.
13. Anus Contraction
Nourishes yin, reduces fire, and strengthens the kidneys and waist. Method: Contract the anus. Tighten during inhalation and relax during exhalation. One cycle consists of one contraction and one relaxation. Perform 50 cycles consecutively.
14. Rubbing Yongquan Points
This technique channels fire back to its source, nourishes yin and fosters yang, calms the mind, and promotes blood circulation. Method: Rub the right Yongquan point with the left hand, then rub the left Yongquan point with the right hand, each for 100 times; or use the thumb to press and knead the Yongquan point 20 to 30 times.