Traditional Chinese medicine holds that abundant qi and blood form the foundation of health, directly influencing physical well-being. To maintain vitality, we must nurture qi and blood. How can we achieve this?Traditional Chinese massage can also help replenish qi and blood. Below are five massage techniques for nourishing qi and blood.
1. Massage the armpits to nourish qi and blood
The armpits contain lymph nodes and numerous sweat glands, along with many capillaries and nerves.Regular massage of the armpits can therefore promote fitness and resist aging. Stimulating the armpits not only enhances blood circulation but also facilitates the exchange of oxygen and nutrients to various organs, thereby strengthening organ function. This "armpit exercise" is particularly effective against aging. Simply self-massage the armpits three times daily for about five minutes each session.
2. Nourish Qi and Blood by Massaging the Sun Temple and Silk Bamboo Hollow Points
Bring together the index, middle, and ring fingers of both hands. Place the two index fingers on either side of the Sun Temple points—located in the indentation about one cun (approximately 3 cm) behind the midpoint between the outer edge of the eyebrow and the outer corner of the eye. Position the two middle fingers on either side of the Silk Bamboo Hollow points,located in the indentation behind the eyebrows. Place the ring fingers on both sides of the Tongzibei points, situated directly below the Sizhukong points. Position the thumbs in the indentations behind each earlobe. Using the four fingers of each hand, apply pressure and rotate forward 50 times, then backward 50 times.
3. Nourish Qi and Blood by Massaging the Front Chest
The thymus gland in the front chest is one of the most crucial immune organs regulating the human immune system. Therefore, regularly massaging the front chest not only enhances self-immunity but also boosts disease resistance and infection-fighting capabilities, helping to delay aging. Daily rubbing the front chest with palms up and down, massaging the point at the pit of the stomach 100-200 times, can ward off illness, protect the body, eliminate disease, and prolong life.
4. Nourish Qi and Blood by Rubbing the Face with Both Palms
First, cup both palms vertically over your face and close your eyes. Next, place both index fingers along the tear duct grooves beside the bridge of the nose. Position the forceful surfaces of both palms on either side, then use both thumbs to rub downward along the jawline from the hairline on the forehead to the chin.Then, without lifting your hands, return upward to the hairline, rubbing 50 times with each finger making a back-and-forth motion.
5. Nourish Qi and Blood by Rubbing the Cervical Spine and Carotid Arteries
Place both palms crosswise on the neck, ensuring the left palm is at the back of the head and the right palm on the cervical spine. Simultaneously apply pressure to push and pull, rubbing the cervical spine and both carotid arteries.Next, place the right fingertips on the left carotid artery and the left fingertips on the right carotid artery. Pull the palms back together 50 times, with each back-and-forth motion counting as one rub.
Massage Precautions
1. Maintain a quiet, tidy, draft-free, and brightly lit room. Avoid noise stimulation and ensure fresh air circulation.
2.Avoid acupressure massage for individuals on long-term hormone therapy or experiencing extreme fatigue.
3. Keep hands and fingernails clean. Those with skin conditions should neither massage others nor receive massage to prevent cross-infection.
4. Before massaging each acupoint or reflex zone, locate the needle-prick-like reflex pain point to target the area effectively and achieve optimal therapeutic results.
5. Avoid massage immediately after meals, alcohol consumption, bathing, or strenuous exercise.
6. Avoid pressure points over bony prominences to prevent periosteal injury. Elderly individuals should be massaged gently.
7. Massage should be performed by a trained practitioner.
5. Avoid massage immediately after meals, alcohol consumption, bathing, or strenuous exercise.
6. During treatment, avoid areas over bony prominences to prevent periosteal injury. Elderly individuals have brittle bones and stiff joints, while children have thin skin and tender flesh—never apply excessive force during massage.