Massage offers numerous benefits—it's simple to learn, convenient to perform, and provides relaxation while promoting health. While we often focus on areas like the feet, waist, and neck, there's another region we should prioritize: the abdomen.
Abdominal Massage for Longevity
In fact, abdominal massage has existed throughout Chinese history.The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine states: "Abdominal massage is a key to health preservation." The renowned physician Sun Simiao also wrote: "Regular abdominal rubbing can eliminate a hundred diseases." These medical classics and TCM masters have long advocated this health-preserving method. But how should one massage their abdomen to achieve these benefits? Health preservation isn't achieved by simply pressing; it requires specific techniques and know-how.Below, let's hear what traditional Chinese medicine experts have to say.
Massage techniques include kneading and pressing. It is recommended to use the thenar eminence of the palm to massage the Qubin acupoint while simultaneously using fingers to massage the Jiansheng acupoint. Massage must be gentle, with moderate pressure focused on comfort. Avoid excessive force, as this may damage muscle tissue.
This routine requires only one session daily, ideally in the evening, lasting no longer than 30 minutes. Wellness experts also emphasize that combining it with heat therapy beforehand enhances effectiveness.
Options include applying a warm towel, showering the shoulders, or taking a soaking bath.Avoid prolonged sessions—20 minutes is sufficient. Complement the massage with gentle shoulder and arm exercises such as chest expansions, arm raises or lifts, light head tilts and turns, or shoulder shakes (requiring assistance from a family member). Perform these movements lightly, repeating them three to five times. After massage, rest appropriately, avoid exposure to cold, and prevent further injury.
TCM wellness experts emphasize that external therapies like massage carry contraindications. Caution is required for individuals with severe organ dysfunction (heart, lungs, kidneys), skin diseases, infectious conditions, mental disorders, tumors, fractures, injuries, or burns. Properly applied TCM massage techniques can yield remarkable results.