Many people today face various physical issues due to unhealthy lifestyle habits. Common culprits include staying up late and consuming unhealthy foods. But what specific health problems do people frequently encounter nowadays? Let's explore this together.
We often talk about massage, but what are its true benefits? What constitutes an effective massage technique? And what massage methods can help eliminate persistent health issues?All these questions will be answered in the article below. Here, we've compiled eight common issues faced by modern people, teaching you how to target the right acupoints to bid farewell to pain.
1. Headaches: The Baihui acupoint can relieve most headaches.
The scorching heat outdoors can cause dizziness. Upon entering an air-conditioned room with low temperatures, the previously dilated blood vessels and muscles instantly contract, making headaches even more unbearable.
Massage Method: Press the Baihui point on the crown of your head (where the lines from both ears meet at the top) to promote smooth qi and blood flow throughout the body. The Shenmen point on the wrist (located in the depression above the wrist crease, near the little finger side when the palm is facing up and the fist is clenched) has a calming and relaxing effect.The well-known Taiyang point (in the hollow between the outer end of the eyebrow and the outer corner of the eye) can alleviate headaches on the sides of the head.
For headaches concentrated in the forehead, try massaging the Hegu point (place the transverse crease of the first knuckle of your thumb against the web of the other hand; press down with the tip of your thumb to locate it).For pain at the back of the head, press the "Wind Pool" points (located on both sides of the back of the neck, at the hairline and the outer edge of the spine, where the neck muscles originate) with both hands cupped around the head to relieve symptoms.
II. Eye Fatigue: Massage around the eye socket until a sensation of soreness and fullness is felt.
Prolonged staring at computers, TVs, books, or documents can cause eye strain and discomfort. Relieve this by pressing acupoints around the eyes.
Massage Method: Follow the orbital bone from the inner upper corners of both eyes outward. Gently press the Zanzhu acupoint (inner edge of the eyebrow), Jingming acupoint (inner corner of the eye), Chengqi acupoint (tear duct area below the eye), and Taiyang acupoints (sides of the forehead) until a sensation of soreness and fullness is felt. This improves blood circulation around the eyes and stimulates the surrounding muscles to relieve discomfort.
Important Note: Avoid acupressure if you have high eye pressure, glaucoma, hypertension, or red, swollen, hot, or painful eyes.
III. Allergic Rhinitis & Cough: Yingxiang for Rhinitis, Shaoshang for Cough
Individuals with allergies may experience more pronounced symptoms in air-conditioned rooms during summer.Low temperatures irritate nasal passages and airways, especially when air filters harbor dust mites, triggering respiratory issues like persistent runny nose, sneezing, and coughing.
Massage Method: Relieve allergic rhinitis symptoms by stimulating Yingxiang and Yintang points.The Yingxiang point is located at the outer edge of the nostril, at the nasolabial fold. The Yintang point is situated between the eyebrows. Both points disperse heat from the nasal area; press until warmth is felt to alleviate discomfort. For sore throat or cough, try the Tiantu and Shaoshang points. The Tiantu point is at the slight depression in the middle of the upper edge of the sternum, a key point for breath flow, helping to relieve wheezing, dissolve phlegm, and regulate qi.Shaoshang (LU-11), belonging to the lung meridian, is found at the inner edge of the thumbnail base. This highly effective point for throat symptoms alleviates sore throat pain. Additionally, for daily wellness, press Fengchi (GB-20). Located in the depression where the neck meets the back of the head, roughly above the hairline, Fengchi belongs to the gallbladder meridian and aids in clearing heat. IV. Shoulder and Neck Stiffness:Massage the entire shoulder, neck, and upper back area. Shoulder and neck stiffness and soreness plague nearly every office worker. Massage technique: To relieve neck discomfort, place both hands behind your head and press the Fengfu and Fengchi acupoints. The Fengfu point is located approximately one finger-width above the hairline at the center of the back of the head. The Fengchi points are situated on both sides of the back of the neck, at the junction of the hairline and the lateral spine tendons, where the neck muscles originate.Experts recommend a simple technique: starting from the Fengchi points, slowly massage along the hairline toward the ears. Numerous acupoints along this path help relax the neck.
To ease shoulder stiffness, try the Tianzong point. Located on the upper back, roughly at the center of the shoulder blade, it is found by standing upright with your left hand placed on the outer half of your right shoulder. Keep your fingers naturally vertical; the point where your middle finger tip rests is Tianzong.
If you cannot reach certain back acupoints yourself, ask a family member or friend for assistance. For example, to stimulate the commonly used Jianjing point, one person sits while another stands behind them, placing both forearms on the back and massaging the Jianjing points (where the vertical line from the ear meets the shoulder) on both sides. Family members can also perform broad-area massages on the upper back; touching points like the Zhongshu and Waishu acupoints can relieve muscle tension.
V. Digestive Dysfunction: Clockwise Massage Around the Navel
Many modern individuals experience digestive issues to varying degrees. While not serious illnesses, the symptoms can be quite bothersome when they occur.
Massage Method: Bloating can make sitting or lying down uncomfortable. Pressing the Neiguan and Tianshu acupoints helps relieve bloating. The Neiguan point is located three finger-widths above the transverse crease of the wrist. Apply firm pressure with your thumb; discomfort will gradually subside. The Tianshu point is situated two cun (approximately three finger-widths) to either side of the navel, promoting gastrointestinal motility.
For constipation, apply pressure with fingertips to the Zhongwan point (4 cun directly above the navel), Kongzui point (4 cun below the elbow crease), Tianshu point, and Hegu point to stimulate intestinal contractions.Alternatively, rub your abdomen clockwise along the ascending colon (right abdomen, bottom to top), transverse colon (above the navel, right to left), and descending colon (left abdomen, top to bottom). This will stimulate acupoints that promote gastrointestinal motility and aid bowel movements.
For stomach pain, avoid rushing to take medication. Instead, massage or apply heat to Zusanli (3 cun below the knee joint), press Zhongwan, or stimulate Tianshu to alleviate discomfort.For routine gastrointestinal maintenance, massage the Spleen Meridian and Zusanli point to strengthen digestive function. The Spleen Meridian runs from the outer edge of the big toe to the center of the calf. Apply gentle upward pressure or heat for 5–10 minutes.
VI. Menstrual Discomfort: Sanyinjiao Relieves Pain and Dispels Cold
Many women suffer from irregular periods, heavy flow, and menstrual cramps, with some needing painkillers for relief.
Massage Method: During menstrual cramps, try stimulating the Hegu (LI4) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) points. Hegu is located between the big toe and second toe on both feet, helping to unblock the Liver Meridian and relieve stagnant liver qi.
Sanyinjiao, situated four finger-widths above the outer ankle on the medial aspect of the shin bone, is the intersection point of the Spleen, Liver, and Kidney meridians. For those experiencing solely abdominal pain during menstruation—likely due to excessive cold stagnating in the lower abdomen—stimulating Sanyinjiao can dispel blood stasis, generate fresh blood, relieve pain, and dispel cold.For other menstrual discomforts, try massaging points like Taixi (nourishes kidney yin, located midway between the inner ankle bone and the large tendon above the heel) and Zusanli (tonifies qi). These can help stabilize irregular cycles.
VII. Cold Hands and Feet: Yongquan Point Promotes Blood Circulation
Individuals with a cold constitution and poor circulation who frequently experience cold extremities may develop respiratory and gastrointestinal issues from prolonged exposure to air-conditioned environments. Particularly in the elderly, cold lower limbs are a primary factor contributing to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease onset.
Massage Method: Pressing Yongquan (nourishes yin and tonifies the kidneys; located in the indentation at the front-center of the sole, about one-third along the line extending from the space between the second and third toes to the heel), Guanyuan (3 cun below the navel), and Zusanli can all promote blood circulation and reduce discomfort.
Yongquan is also known as the "longevity point," being the starting point of the kidney meridian. The Huangdi Neijing states: "The kidney manifests at Yongquan, which is the center of the sole." This means the energy of the kidney meridian, like spring water, originates from the feet. Regularly massaging Yongquan can prevent and treat various issues such as asthma, insomnia with vivid dreams, dizziness, and headaches.
VIII. Insomnia: Hegu and Shenmen Points for Calming the Mind
One-quarter of Taiwan's population struggles with poor sleep. Stimulating these acupoints aids smooth qi and blood flow, promoting restful sleep.
Massage Method:First try the Shenmen point. To locate it, turn your palm upward, clench your fist, and find the depression on the wrist crease near the little finger edge. Press this point with your thumb to calm the mind. The Hegu point promotes qi flow and relieves pain, while the Neiguan point calms the mind, regulates qi, and alleviates pain, easing symptoms like palpitations, chest tightness, and insomnia.
TIPS: How many times should you press each point?
While there's no universal standard, the general consensus is: for wellness purposes, press each point for 15–20 seconds, rest for 5 seconds, and repeat for 10–1 minutes. For pain relief, press continuously until the discomfort eases. Apply pressure until you feel the effect, but avoid causing significant pain.
The above covers common physical issues we frequently encounter—headaches, eye strain, menstrual discomfort, etc. We've also introduced massage techniques to help alleviate bodily pain. We encourage you to explore these further.