I. Headache: The Baihui acupoint relieves headaches
Outdoor heat and humidity can cause dizziness. Upon entering an air-conditioned room, the previously dilated blood vessels and muscles instantly contract, intensifying the headache.
Massage Method: Pressing the Baihui acupoint (located at the crown where the lines from both ears meet) can promote smooth circulation of qi and blood throughout the body. The Shenmen acupoint 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 relieve 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, cup both hands around the head and 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) to relieve symptoms.
II. 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: For menstrual cramps, try stimulating the Xingjian and Sanyinjiao acupoints. The Xingjian point is located between the big toe and second toe on each foot. It helps unblock the Liver Meridian, aiding in relieving stagnant liver qi.Located four finger-widths above the outer ankle bone on the inner side of the shin bone, Sanyinjiao is the intersection point of the Spleen, Liver, and Kidney meridians. For those experiencing solely abdominal pain during menstruation, this likely indicates excessive cold energy凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结凝结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) to regulate irregular cycles. III. Insomnia: Hegu and Shenmen for Calming the Mind One-quarter of Taiwanese suffer from poor sleep. Acupressure promotes smooth qi and blood flow, aiding sleep onset.
Massage Method: Begin with Shenmen. Locate it by turning your palm upward, clenching your fist, and finding the depression on the wrist crease near the little finger edge. Press firmly with your thumb to calm the mind.Hegu (LI4) promotes qi flow and relieves pain, while Neiguan (PC6) calms the mind, regulates qi, alleviates pain, and eases symptoms like palpitations, chest tightness, and insomnia. Eye Fatigue: Massage around the eye socket along the orbital bone until a sensation of soreness and fullness is felt. Prolonged staring at computers, TVs, books, or documents can cause eye strain and discomfort. Pressing acupoints around the eyes can provide relief.
Massage Method: Follow the orbital bone from the inner upper corners of both eyes outward. Gently press the Zanzhu point (inner edge of eyebrows), Jingming point (inner corner of eyes), Chengqi point (tear duct area below eyes), and Taiyang points (sides of 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 intraocular pressure, glaucoma, hypertension, or red, swollen, hot, or painful eyes.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 located 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) belongs to the lung meridian and is located at the inner edge of the thumbnail base. It is an acupoint for treating throat pain and cough. 6. Shoulder and Neck Stiffness: Massage the Shoulder, Neck, and Upper Back Area Shoulder and neck stiffness and soreness plague nearly every office worker.
Massage Method: To relieve neck discomfort, place both hands behind your head and press the Fengfu and Fengchi acupoints. The Fengfu acupoint is located approximately one finger-width above the hairline at the center of the back of the head. The Fengchi acupoint is situated on both sides of the back of the neck, at the junction of the hairline and the lateral cervical muscles, where the neck muscles originate.A simple expert-recommended method involves slowly massaging from the Fengchi points along the hairline toward the ears. Numerous acupoints along this path help relax the neck. To ease shoulder stiffness, try the Tianzong point on the upper back, roughly at the center of the shoulder blade. To locate it, stand 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, the commonly used Jianjing point: one person sits while another stands behind, 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.
VII. 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 (PC6) and Tianshu (ST25) points 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 located 2 cun (about 3 finger widths) to either side of the navel. Stimulating this point promotes intestinal peristalsis. For constipation, apply pressure with your fingertips to the Zhongwan point (4 cun directly above the navel), Kongzui point (4 cun below the elbow crease), Tianshu point, and Hegu point. These techniques all aid in intestinal contraction.Alternatively, rub 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 abdominal 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 side of the big toe to the center of the calf. Apply gentle upward pressure or heat for 5–10 minutes.
8. Cold Hands and Feet: Yongquan Point Boosts Circulation
Those with a cold constitution, poor circulation, and chronically cold extremities may experience respiratory and digestive issues when exposed to prolonged air-conditioned environments. Particularly for the elderly, cold lower limbs are a primary risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.
Massage Method: Pressing Yongquan (nourishes yin and tonifies the kidneys; located at the indentation in the front half 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 primary 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.