Many wellness centers have proliferated on city streets, but we've observed that many operate with substandard practices. Take facial massage for wrinkle reduction, for instance—there are numerous shortcomings in its execution. How can facial massage effectively diminish wrinkles? Below, we present professional insights from TCM experts.
Steps for Wrinkle-Reducing Facial Massage:
1. Form both hands into cones and gradually move upward. When reaching below the eyes, shift toward the cheeks.
2. Use the index and middle fingers of both hands to glide upward along each side. Upon reaching the forehead, gently press with all fingers.
3. Using the index and ring fingers of both hands, move from the center of the upper and lower lips toward the corners of the mouth. At the cheekbones, gently press with all fingers.
4. Use the middle fingers of both hands to gently massage up and down along both sides of the nostrils.
5. Using the index and ring fingers of both hands, move from the inner canthus (inner corner) of each eye toward the outer canthus. When reaching the temporal area (around the temples), gently stroke with all fingers.
6. Gently press the forehead with the base of one palm, gradually moving the fingertips upward toward the hairline. Repeat with the other hand. Perform 3-4 times.
7. Rinse the face thoroughly with warm water, then rinse again with cold water to effectively shrink pores.
7. Rinse your face with warm water, then rinse again with cold water to effectively shrink pores.
Method to Reduce Eye Wrinkles:
1. First, press both Jingming acupoints with your index fingers, applying firm pressure once per second for 5–10 repetitions.
2. Press vertically on the Chengqi acupoints below the eye sockets with your index fingers, applying pressure once per second for 5-10 repetitions.
3. Press the Tongzi acupoints on both sides with your index fingers, applying pressure once per press for 5-10 repetitions.
Herbal Remedies for Wrinkle Reduction and Anti-Aging
Polygonum Multiflorum (He Shou Wu)
The Song Dynasty text Kai Bao Ben Cao states: "Long-term use strengthens tendons and bones, nourishes essence and marrow, and prolongs life without aging."Modern research indicates He Shou Wu promotes nerve cell growth, offering adjunctive treatment for neurasthenia and other neurological disorders. It regulates serum cholesterol, lowers blood sugar,
enhances liver cells' cholesterol conversion and metabolic capacity, and exhibits potent antioxidant properties.
Astragalus
Traditional Chinese medicine holds that "the spleen is the foundation of acquired constitution." Li Gao, a leading figure in the spleen-stomach school, described Astragalus as "nourishing vital energy and supplementing the triple energizer." During the Qing Dynasty, Huang Gongxiu hailed Astragalus as "the foremost among qi-tonifying herbs."Modern research reveals that Astragalus not only dilates coronary arteries, improves myocardial blood supply, and enhances immune function, but also delays cellular aging processes. Ginseng The Divine Farmer's Classic of Materia Medica states that ginseng "nourishes the five viscera, calms the spirit, stabilizes the soul, alleviates palpitations, dispels pathogenic factors, sharpens vision, and enhances intelligence. Prolonged use lightens the body and extends longevity."Modern research reveals its additional benefits: antioxidant properties, anti-aging effects, fatigue resistance, liver protection, cardiovascular regulation, and stimulation of hematopoietic function. A study by Huo Yushu et al. at the Jilin Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, using ginsenosides from ginseng fruit, demonstrated anti-aging effects in individuals over 50, confirming ginsenosides' "rejuvenating" efficacy.