The seven-day National Day holiday has concluded. After a whirlwind week of travel, gatherings, and activities, many echo the common sentiment: "The holiday was more exhausting than work."Indeed, everyone wants to travel, relax, and enjoy themselves during the extended break. However, late nights, early mornings, hiking, swimming, and exhausting travel can leave the body feeling extremely fatigued. Especially in the days immediately following the holiday, "post-holiday blues" can be particularly severe. So, how can one effectively recover and maintain health after the holiday? Traditional Chinese Medicine suggests that regularly massaging the "Three Pool Points"—Quchi (LI11), Fengchi (GB20), and Yangchi (TE4)—can help nourish the body and prevent illness.
After the National Day holiday, to alleviate fatigue, people may massage the "Three Pool Points"—Fengchi, Quchi, and Yangchi—to relieve bodily exhaustion and prevent minor ailments.
For Upper-Body Fatigue: Press Quchi Point
With modern transportation relieving lower-body strain, upper limbs now bear the brunt of exertion. When experiencing upper-arm soreness, swelling, or pain—even difficulty lifting—try massaging Quchi. "Qu" implies hidden or subtle, while "Chi" signifies a pool or convergence point. This acupoint is prone to accumulating cold and damp pathogens.
Pressing the Qu Chi point (located in the depression at the lateral end of the transverse crease of the elbow, where pressure elicits a dull ache) alleviates upper limb discomfort and clears heat. Apply pressure for 1 minute per session. Note: This point may induce miscarriage and is contraindicated for pregnant women. Qu Chi also treats elbow pain, eye disorders, toothaches, hypertension, and anemia.
Relieve Nasal Congestion and Runny Nose with Fengchi Acupoint
During the National Day holiday, autumn dryness and seasonal pathogens can affect health. Combined with visiting relatives, disrupted routines, and overexertion, many experience nasal discomfort, involuntary runny nose, or congestion. Those with weakened immunity or heightened fatigue may even develop cold symptoms. Try massaging the Fengchi acupoint during this time.Traditional Chinese medicine holds that the Fengchi point is a location prone to wind pathogen accumulation, hence its name. Massaging this point can alleviate nasal congestion and related discomforts. Beyond treating nasal stuffiness and runny nose, this acupoint also addresses headaches, dizziness, stiff neck pain, red and painful eyes, colds, and stiff neck.
Massage the Fengchi points (located in the depression below the occipital bone at the base of the skull, between the sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius muscles). Place the pads of both thumbs on the Fengchi points on the same side, with the remaining four fingers supporting the sides of the head. Apply pressure gradually increasing in intensity for 1 minute.
Relieve Chills from Outdoor Exposure by Stimulating Yangchi Point
Many people adapt to warm air-conditioned rooms and heated spaces but struggle with indoor-outdoor temperature differences. If they lack regular exercise, they easily catch chills outdoors, feeling increasingly cold in hands and feet. Traditional Chinese Medicine suggests that massaging the Yangchi point can alleviate this symptom. The name Yangchi means "pool where yang energy arises," indicating its function to generate yang energy and connect the exterior and interior of the body.
The Yangchi point is located on the wrist, specifically on the transverse crease of the wrist back, between the middle and ring fingers (or at the ulnar edge depression of the extensor digitorum communis tendon on the wrist back).Stimulation should be prolonged and gentle. It's best to use both hands simultaneously: first press the Yangchi point on one hand with the middle finger of the other hand, then switch and press the Yangchi point on the first hand with the middle finger of the second hand.