Lower back and back pain are common occurrences in daily life. Overwork and prolonged sitting can both lead to these discomforts, significantly impacting daily activities. So how can we alleviate and eliminate lower back and back pain? Traditional Chinese Medicine suggests that acupressure can help relax muscles, unblock meridians, and relieve pain.
Massage the Mingmen Point
Located in the depression below the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra, opposite the navel. Make a fist with either hand and place the knuckles on the point. Press and rub clockwise 9 times, then counterclockwise 9 times, repeating this sequence 36 times total. Consistent massage here warms kidney yang and benefits the waist and spine.
Massage the Kidney Shu Points
The Kidney Shu points are located 1.5 cun lateral to the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra, level with the Mingmen point. Make fists with both hands and place the knuckles on the Kidney Shu points on both sides. Press and knead clockwise, then counterclockwise. Daily massage of these points nourishes yin, strengthens yang, and fortifies the kidneys and waist.
Massage the Yaoyangguan Point
The Yaoyangguan point is located in the depression below the spinous process of the fourth lumbar vertebra, approximately level with the iliac crest. Make a fist with either hand and place the knuckles on the Yaoyangguan point, massaging repeatedly. This point is where yang qi passes along the Governor Vessel. Daily massage helps unblock yang qi, strengthen the waist and knees, and benefit the lower jiao.
Massage the Waiguan Point
The Waiguan point is located in the depression approximately 3.5 cun lateral to the spinous process of the fourth lumbar vertebra, level with the Yangguan point. Make fists with both hands and use the knuckles to press and massage this point. This helps activate blood circulation, unblock meridians, strengthen the waist, and benefit the kidneys.
Pounding the Yang Guan Point on the Waist
Form a fist with your thumb wrapped by the other four fingers, keeping the wrist relaxed. Use the back of the fist to tap the Yang Guan point on the waist 36 times. Daily tapping invigorates yang energy and strengthens the waist and knees.
Grasping the Weizhong Point
The Weizhong point is located at the center of the popliteal crease behind the knee joint. Rub your hands together until warm, then simultaneously grasp and knead (using the pads of your thumbs and the pads of your other four fingers to apply pressure) the Weizhong points on both lower limbs for about one minute. This can relax tendons, activate meridians, relieve spasms, and alleviate pain.
So, what should one pay attention to when massaging?
First, massage is strictly prohibited on an empty stomach, immediately after a heavy meal, or when intoxicated. After eating or drinking heavily, blood flow accelerates and gastric motility increases. Massage at these times may cause adverse reactions such as vomiting or chest tightness.Massaging on an empty stomach is also inadvisable. Numerous acupoints on the body's surface connect to the stomach via meridians. When stimulation from surface massage triggers reflexive gastric contractions, it can cause the empty stomach to grind, potentially damaging the gastric mucosa and triggering gastric disorders.
Second, avoid massaging areas with boils, abscesses, or tumors.These areas often contain capillaries connected to diseased tissues. Surface massage dilates capillaries, increasing local blood flow and potentially spreading the lesion, worsening the condition. Particularly within the facial danger triangle, even a minor boil or abscess, when squeezed during massage, can allow bacteria or pus plugs to enter the brain via veins communicating with the sinus, causing corresponding brain tissue lesions and posing a life-threatening risk.Third, massage is strictly prohibited in the early stages of fractures or joint dislocations. After skeletal or joint damage, muscle tension can easily cause displacement of bone ends or joint heads. Premature massage may exacerbate this displacement and cause misalignment. Similarly, massage is inadvisable during the acute phase of complete tendon or ligament rupture.
Additionally, massage is contraindicated during the infectious period of skin diseases or contagious illnesses to prevent disease transmission. Patients with lymphangitis or hemophilia may experience worsened symptoms or subcutaneous hemorrhage if massaged.Massage is contraindicated after strenuous exercise. Individuals with hypertension or anemia should avoid massage on the carotid artery area. External stimulation of acupoints like Hegu (LI4) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) is inadvisable for pregnant women. Massage on the head is prohibited for newborns and infants whose fontanelles remain open. These precautions are crucial for readers, particularly massage practitioners.