Minor aches and pains are inevitable in daily life. Some minor discomforts need not cause undue concern, as they typically subside within minutes. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) recognizes numerous acupoints on the body that can alleviate pain; proper massage of these points can reduce discomfort. Which bodily pains can be eased through acupoint massage? 1.Toothache: Massage Xiaguan (ST6) and Hegu (LI4) acupoints
Hegu is located at the highest point of the web between the thumb and index finger on either hand. Xiaguan is situated in the depression below the cheekbone, in front of the ear. When experiencing toothache, use your knuckles to massage these points for about 10 minutes. Both are acupoints on the Yangming meridian, and massage can alleviate tooth pain.
2. Chest pain: Massage Shenque (CV8)
The Shenque point is located at the navel. Individuals with abdominal pain can rub their palms together until warm, then place the base of their palms over Shenque for 10 minutes to achieve analgesic effects.From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, the Shenque point lies between the middle and lower jiao. Local massage warms and unblocks blood vessels while harmonizing the middle and lower jiao, aiding in the smooth flow of gastrointestinal qi to achieve pain relief.
3. Headache Relief: Massage the Taiyang and Yintang Points
The Yintang point is located on the forehead, between the eyebrows.The Taiyang point is beside the outer edge of the eyebrow. When experiencing a headache, use your fingers to massage upward from the Yintang point along the hairline to the Taiyang point. This promotes smoother flow in local meridians and normalizes qi and blood circulation. Additionally, massaging these two points helps harmonize qi and blood while unblocking meridians, thereby relieving pain.
4. For stomach pain, massage the Zusanli point.
Irregular eating habits, overeating, or excessive mental stress can cause stomach pain. Individuals experiencing such discomfort can massage the Zusanli point. This point is the convergence point on the Stomach Meridian. Regular massage helps regulate stomach qi, harmonize meridians, and relieve pain. The Zusanli point is located on the outer side of the lower leg, just below and slightly lateral to the knee cap.
5. Massaging Neiguan for Chest Pain
Individuals with heart conditions may experience sudden angina. Besides taking nitroglycerin tablets, massaging the Neiguan point can promote blood circulation, unblock meridians, and relieve pain. Located three finger-widths above the wrist crease, massage this point for about 5 minutes.
6. Massage Futu and Xiyan Points for Leg Pain
After age 30, joints gradually degenerate, making middle-aged and elderly individuals prone to lower back and leg pain. Regularly massaging the Futu, Xiyan, and Jiexi points can relieve pain. Combine this with hip joint movements and rotations to promote blood circulation and alleviate discomfort.