Many people experience increasingly irritable tempers due to accelerated lifestyles and heightened work pressures. Such irritability can lead to stagnation of liver qi. Acupoint massage can help stabilize emotional fluctuations while also nourishing and protecting the liver. How can acupoint massage alleviate irritability?
1. Head Massage
Three key points on the head—Wind Pool (GB20), Sun (BL1), and Horn Sun (GB21)—offer benefits when regularly pressed. They clarify vision, refresh the mind, alleviate anxiety, and prevent fatigue. These points can treat dizziness and headaches. Some individuals experience hiccups after stimulating Horn Sun, indicating effective therapeutic response.
2. Chest and Shoulder Massage
Two key points in this area are the Jianjing (GB21) and Tanzhong (CV14) points. Regular massage here calms the mind. Apply moderate pressure with your thumb, massaging for five seconds followed by a three-second rest.When feeling irritable, stroke downward 100 times to regulate qi flow and alleviate hiccups. Tapping the Jianjing point with a fist relieves neck fatigue, enhances cerebral blood supply, and treats headaches. Massaging this point also eases breast tenderness while preventing breast hyperplasia and mastitis.
3. Massaging the Lower Limbs
Two key points on the lower limbs are Tai Chong (LR3) and Zu San Li (ST36). Regularly massaging Tai Chong alleviates irritability and depression, proving particularly effective for headaches, breast tenderness, hypertension, and irregular menstruation. Combining this with Zu San Li massage promotes liver health, relieving diarrhea, constipation, and stomach ailments.
Which foods can alleviate irritability?
1. Cassia seeds and lotus root
Drinking cassia seed tea daily helps clear liver heat and improve vision, reducing excessive liver fire. It's especially beneficial for those who overuse their eyes. Eating lotus root in summer strengthens the spleen, harmonizes the stomach, promotes qi circulation, nourishes the heart, and calms the mind.
2. Radish and Hawthorn
Eating green radish in summer promotes smooth qi flow, strengthens the stomach, and clears heat and phlegm—ideal for women with cold stomachs. Hawthorn, often consumed, aids digestion, promotes blood circulation, and supports weight loss. It works whether eaten raw or cooked, but women with high stomach acid should avoid excessive intake.
3. Rose Petals and Fennel
Rose petals calm the mind, soothe the spirit, and regulate liver qi. Drinking a cup of rose tea daily can reduce liver fire. Fennel, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, promotes smooth qi flow while also strengthening the stomach and relieving pain.