Lumbar osteophytosis, also known as "lumbar hypertrophic spondylitis" or "hypertrophic spondylitis," is a common condition among middle-aged and elderly patients, with its prevalence increasing with age.Traditional Chinese Medicine theory attributes lumbar osteophytes to kidney qi deficiency after middle age, compounded by external pathogenic factors or post-traumatic qi and blood stagnation leading to impaired blood circulation. Therefore, massage techniques can be employed to achieve therapeutic goals such as tonifying the kidneys, strengthening the waist, unblocking meridians, and promoting blood circulation. Here, we introduce five massage methods for your reference.
1. Sit upright with a family member seated behind you. Place both thumbs on the Zhangmen acupoints below the lower ribs, with the remaining four fingers positioned on the Jingmen acupoints at the lower back. Lift and knead the lumbar muscles for 3 minutes, aiming for a sensation of soreness, fullness, and mild discomfort in the area.
2. Lie supine. The caregiver stands beside the affected limb, supporting the ankle under their armpit. Rotate the hip joint clockwise and counterclockwise 8 times, then firmly traction the lower limb.
3. Lie prone. Use thumbs to press the Mingmen, Shenshu, Qihai Shu, Dàcháng Shu,Zhibian, Huantiao, Chengfu, Yimen, and Fengshi points for 1 minute each, until a sensation of soreness and fullness is felt.
4. In the prone position, use the kneading technique to knead from both sides of the back all the way down to the calves, repeating 5 times.
5. In the prone position, have a family member stand beside the patient. Place the palms of both hands together at the midline of the spine corresponding to the Shenshu point, then push outward toward the Shenshu point. Repeat this action.
6. In the prone position, have a family member stand beside the patient. Place the palms of bo
5. In prone position, have a family member stand beside the patient. Place the heel of both palms opposite the Shenshu points on the midline of the spine. Push outward from the center to the Shenshu points, repeating for 3 minutes. Then use finger massage from top to bottom from Shenshu to Shangguangshu points, repeating for 3 minutes until the skin is slightly reddened and sweaty.