Chinese Medical Massage: 12/27/08

Traditional Chinese Medical Acupressure for Relieving Hoarseness

Acupressure for Relieving Hoarseness
1. Thumb-knead the depressions below the occipital bone (Gb20), at the bottom of the skull, 30 times.
2. Knead and push along the sides of the back of the neck, 5 times.
3. Press and knead on the point just above the Adam's apple (Rn23), 30 times.
4. Knead on both sides of the Adam's apple, 30 times.
5. Knead on the sternal notch (Rn22), 30 times.
6. Knead the back bone, about shoulder level (Du14), 30 times.
7. Use the middle finger to knead the sides of the third thoracic vertebra (Bl13), 30 times.
8. Knead the mid-sternum (Rn17), 30 times.
9. Nip and knead the middle part of the palm web, between the thumb and index finger (Li4), 30 times on each hand.
10. Nip on the outer side of the thumb nail (Lu11), 10 times on each hand.
This massage promotes the flow of qi in the lungs and regulates the throat. When kneading or pressing on particular points, there should be enough force to bring about numbness or soreness, while rubbing or wiping should create a feeling of warmth.

Traditional Chinese Medical Massage Therapy for Enhancing Vision

Liver and Vision-enhancing Massage

1. Thumb-knead the depressions below the occipital bone (Gb20), at the bottom of the skull, 30 times.
2. Place the thumbs on the temples and use the middle knuckles of the index fingers to press the inner canthi of eyes, then scrape apart along the upper and lower orbits, 30 times.
3. Thumb-knead the inner sides of the eyebrows (Bl2), 30 times.
4. Pinch the nasal bridge closest to the inner canthi of eyes (Bl1), 30 times.
5. Thumb-knead the temples, 30 times.
6. First rub the hands together to get them warm, then put them over the closed eyes with the palms for 30 seconds; then slightly rub the eyeballs 10 times or more.
7. Nip and knead on the middle part of the palm web (Li4), between the thumb and index finger, 30 times.
8. Knead the sides of the ninth thoracic vertebra (Bl18), 30 times.
9. Knead the dorsum of the foot, in the depression between the big toe and the second toe (Lr3), 30 times on each foot.
This massage enhances liver function and helps improve vision. When kneading or pressing on particular points, there should be enough force to bring about numbness or soreness, while rubbing or wiping should create a feeling of warmth.

Traditional Chinese Medical Acupressure for Arresting Hiccups

Acupressure for Arresting Hiccups

1. Knead the center of the sternum (Rn17) 30 times.
2. Knead the center of the upper abdomen (Rn12), 30 times.
3. Knead just under below the free ends of the eleventh ribs (Lr13), 30 times.
4. Knead the notch above the sternum (Rn22), 30 times.
5. Cross the hands and use the palms to rub the upper and lower abdomen, 30 times each.
6. Scrub along the sternum forcefully, 30 times.
7. Knead the sides of lower thoracic vertebra (Bl20, Bl21), 30 times.
8. Knead 2-finger-breadths above the middle of the wrist (Pc6) on both hands, 30 times.
9. Nip and grasp the middle part of the palm web (Li4), between the thumb and index finger, 30 times on each hand.
10. Press and knead 1-finger-breadth below the anterior crest of the tibia (St36), 30 times on each leg.
11. Clap the crown, 15 times.
The massage can reverse the abnormal qi flow in the stomach and stop hiccups. When kneading or pressing on particular points, there should be enough force to bring about numbness or soreness, while rubbing or wiping should create a feeling of warmth.

Traditional Chinese Medical Acupressure for Clearing the Nasal Passages

Acupressure for Clearing the Nasal Passages

1. Knead between the eyebrows, 30 times.

2. Knead both sides of the nose (Li20), 30 times.
3. Rub along the nasal grooves, to and fro 30 times.
4. Thumb-knead the depressions below the occipital bone (Gb20), at the bottom of the skull, 30 times.
5. Use the middle finger to knead the sides of the third thoracic vertebra (Bl13), 30 times.
6. Make one hand into a half fist and clap the back of the shoulder on the opposite side, 10 times each.
7. Nip and grasp the middle part of the palm web (Li4), between the thumb and index finger, 30 times.
This massage can enhance the sense of smell and promote nasal clearance. When kneading or pressing on particular points, there should be enough force to bring about numbness or soreness, while rubbing or wiping should create a feeling of warmth.

Acupressure for Enhancing the Digestive Function

Acupressure for Enhancing the Digestive Function
1. Use the middle finger to knead the center of the upper abdomen (Rn12), 30 times. Then rub the area with the palm, first in a clockwise and then in a counterclockwise direction, 30 times.
2. Use the finger tips to push to and fro along the midline of the upper abdomen, 30 times.
3. Use the sides of the little finger to press on sides of the navel then rub up and down over the lower abdomen, 30 times.
4. Clench the fists, thump on both sides of the back, lateral to the lower thoracic vertebra (Bl20, 21), 30 times.
5. Knead 2-finger-breadths above the middle of the wrist (Pc6) on both hands, 30 times.
6. Knead 1-finger-breadth below the anterior crest of the tibia (St36), 30 times on each leg.
This massage enhances digestion and excretion, and helps to relieve distention, indigestion, belching, and constipation. When kneading or pressing on particular points, there should be enough force to bring about numbness or soreness, while rubbing or wiping should create a feeling of warmth.

Acupressure for Replenishing the Kidney and Improving vitality

Acupressure for Replenishing the Kidney and Improving vitality
1. Rub along the sides of the lumbar region, 30 times.
2. Use the knuckles to knead forcefully the sides of the upper lumbar vertebra (Bl23, Bl52), 40 times.
3. Clench the fists and thump on midline of loin region, 10 times.
4. Use the finger tips to strike on the midline of the pelvic front, 40 times.
5. Cross the hands and press below the navel, and rub 30 times.
6. Knead 1-finger-breadth below the anterior crest of the tibia (St36), 30 times on each leg.
7. Knead the area 3-finger-breadths above the inner malleolus of each ankle (Sp6), 30 times.
This massage tonifies the kidneys, helping to relieve back soreness, limb coldness, night sweating, insomnia and sexual dysfunction as well as weakness caused by aging. When kneading or pressing on particular points, there should be enough force to bring about numbness or soreness, while rubbing or wiping should create a feeling of warmth.

Acupressure for Invigorating the Mind and Strengthening Mental Response

Acupressure for Invigorating the Mind and Strengthening Mental Response
1. Press and knead the center of the crown (head), 50 times.
2. Wipe the forehead with the middle knuckles of the index fingers, 30 times.
3. Knead the temple 30 times, then wipe backward to the hairline 30 times;
4. Press and knead the back of the head with both thumbs, 30 times.
5. Make one hand into a half fist and clap the back of the shoulder on the opposite side, 10 times of each.
6. Knead both sides of the back near the scapula (Bl15), 30 times.
7. Knead on the lateral side of the wrist (Ht7) on both hands, 30 times.
8. Knead 2-finger-breadths above the middle of the wrist (Pc6) on both hands, 30 times.
9. Knead the area 3-finger-breadths above the inner malleolus of each ankle (Sp6), 30 times.
10. Finish by rubbing the center of the soles of the feet (Kl1), 30 times.
This massage enhances mental functions, strengthens memory and relieves incoherent thinking. When kneading or pressing on particular points, there should be enough force to bring about numbness or soreness, while rubbing or wiping should create a feeling of warmth.

Acupressure Techniques for Common Ailments

Acupressure Techniques for Common Ailments
Chinese massage promotes blood and qi flows, smoothes meridians and regulates organs, and thus benefits the overall physical condition. For musculoskeletal problems, it is best to obtain the services of a massage professional, as improper massage manipulation can easily lead to further damage. For general health maintenance, there are some acupressure techniques that you can do yourself. The techniques are simple and fairly easy to learn. Generally, you just need to select an appropriate massage plan that suits your health need, perform it in the morning and evening and make it last 20-30 minutes each time.
Chinese massage methods can be a simple and easy way to treat many ailments. In this section, we introduce some useful acupressure techniques for self-healing. Acupressure for easing mental stress and relaxation
1. Sit still with eyes looking forward and teeth clenched, use the palm to pat evenly over the crown of the head, 20 times,
2. Press the thumbs on the inner sides of the eyebrows (Bl2) and knead 30 times.
3. Wipe the forehead with the middle knuckles of the index fingers, 30 times.
4. Press and knead the corners of the forehead inside the hairline (St8), 30 times.
5. Press and knead along the back of the head within the hairline with the thumbs, 30 times.
6. Knead the lateral side of the wrist (Ht7) on both hands, 30 times.
7. Knead 3-finger-breadths above the inner malleolus of each ankle (Sp6), 30 times.
8. Finish by rubbing the center of the soles of the feet (Kl1), 30 times.
The massage is helpful for insomnia, mental fatigue, absent-mindedness, drowsiness and listlessness. When kneading or pressing on particular points, there should be enough force to bring about numbness or soreness, while rubbing or wiping should create a feeling of warmth.

Traditional Medical Scraping Therapy for Cancer Patients

Scraping Therapy for Cancer Patients
TCM holds that scraping with horn tools facilitates the elimination of evils from the body surface, while scraping with jade or stone tools can have tonifying effect.Scraping therapy (Gua Sha) is an old and popular folk therapy. By using blunt, smooth, round-edged tools and lubricated with vegetable oil or warm water, the operator scrapes on the patient's neck, shoulder or back. Manipulate repeatedly from top to bottom, from inward to outward, until the skin area turns purplish red color. Some of the commonly used tools are horn sticks, tender bamboo films, Chinese tablespoons and coins.From a TCM viewpoint, this therapy promotes qi (vital energy) and blood circulation, draws perspiration so as to relieve syndromes of the exterior, benefits the tendons, activates the meridians and also regulates the organs. In the end, various pathogens can be expelled through the body's surface.This techniques is so easily to use that the general public also like to use this technique for relieving symptoms associated with sunstroke, flu, motion sickness and food distention. Clinically, because of its ease of use and popularity, physicians usually employ it in along with other therapies for conditions such as common cold, fever, sunstroke, headache, gastric intestinal problems, neck stiffness, shoulder pain, lumbago, muscular contractions, and rheumatic arthritis.When employing scraping therapy in cancer treatment, patients can benefit from its general enhancement, circulation promoting and painkilling effects. Selection of areas of stimulation is similar to acupoints in acupuncture and should be in accordance with the diagnosis of specific conditions.In early and middle stages of cancer, scraping therapy can work with other routine treatments to help inhibit inflammatory reactions, activate blood flow, provide pain relief and calm down the spirit. Acupoints commonly used are: yu-ji, nei-ting, zhao-hai, zu-san-li, gong-sun, xing-jian, ge-shu, wei-shu, gan-shu, pi-shu, da-chang-shu, tian-shu and cheng-shan.For cancer patients who are recovering from conventional treatments, this method helps promote body functioning, replenishes the blood and qi, and increases resistance. Commonly applied acupoints are: feng-chi, shen-zhu, du-shu, guan-yuan, qi-hai, gan-shu, pi-shu, wei-shu, zu-san-li, shang-ju-xu, ming-men, shen-shu, yang-guan and yang-ling-quan.In cases of vomiting, commonly used acupoints are tian-tu, zhong-wan, nei-guan, da-dun, san-yin-jiao and tai-yuan.For feverish conditions, use feng-chi, feng-fu and da-zhui.Each time pick 3-4 areas; then gently scrape in the same direction until the skin area appears red and purple marks appear.This technique is not suitable for thin individuals with skin lesions, a tendency to bleed easily or those with severe conditions. Never scrape the tumor site directly.

Traditional Chinese Medical Massage Therapy for Female Infertility

TCM Massage Therapy for Female Infertility
Acu-pressure massage or Tuina, has been used for 2000 years and is widely used in Chinese medicine. The techniques are simple and fairly easy to manipulate. It can be used on its own, but usually in conjunction with other treatment forms.
TCM massage therapy promotes qi and blood flow, helps to remove obstructions in the meridians and relieves stagnation. Different forms of pressure are applied depending on whether the aim is to tonify, to reduce, or to achieve a relative neutral, calming effect.
Massage is given on particular regions, acupoints or along the meridians, so that qi movement can be stimulated to rebalance the internal environment.
Sample of a massage module:
Knead the palm root on the qi-hai and guan-yuan points 30 times respectively;
Rub with palm from the shen-que to dan-tian region forward and backward 30 times respectively;
Wipe with the hand side on the yao-yan point 30 times;
Wipe with the hand side along the sacral bone 30 times;
Press and knead with finger on the zu-san-li and san-yin-jiao points 30 times respectively. (See graphic on previous page.)
This module enhances kidney yang and fortifies the lower burner, which helps in menstrual irregularities and infertility.
Foot Massage
Foot massage, also called reflexology, is a method of massage that relieves nervous tension through the application of finger pressure to the feet.
Among the twelve regular meridians, the three yang meridians and three yin meridians along the legs all communicate in the feet directly. TCM notices that there is a mirror site in the sole of the foot for a particular part of the body; thus, it can restore imbalances and cure disorders by massaging the correct reflex points on the soles. This can be viewed as a variation of acu-pressure massage.
For female infertility, massage is usually performed on reflex points like the kidney, bladder and reproductive gland in the feet. See graphic for reference.
Sample of a massage module:

Bathe the feet with warm water for 30 minutes;
Massage the left foot first, press on the kidney point, push and press from the kidney to the bladder point; then press the ureter point, press the bladder point again;
Strike by finger on the reproductive glands, pituitary and spleen points;
Push the liver point;
Finally, press the kidney points, push and press the ureter and bladder point repeatedly.
Repeat the above for the right foot.
Common foot reflex regions for infertility.
1.Kidney
2.Bladder
3.Ureter
4.Reproductive gland
5.Pituitary gland
6.Spleen
7.Liver

Massage Therapy for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Massage Therapy

Chinese massage is a therapy with various manipulations applied to certain locations of the body. Due to the different influences from academic sources, regional cultures and practical experiences, it has developed many schools and branches; such as one-finger meditation massage, rolling massage, finger-pressing massage, digital acupressure massage, bone-setting massage, child massage, organs and meridians massage, chiropractic therapy and beauty massage. In terms of massage techniques and treatment styles, each school has its own unique character. For example, most of the manipulations in Northern China are rapid and vigorous while those in Southern China are slow and gentle.
When massage is used on specific body regions, the stress acts locally to promote blood circulation and remove stagnations, restore impaired soft tissues and correct bone and joint deformities. Moreover, through the transmission of fluids, qi (vital energy) and blood, the manipulations also affect the functional state of the internal organs and create an effect on the outward body.
Sample protocols:
Breast Tenderness
Use the middle finger to knead the acu-point tan-zhong for 2 minutes, massage with the palm over the chest region for 2 minutes, then use fingers to press and knead gan-shu, zhang-man, xue-hai and tai-chong for 2 minutes in each point.
Headache
Press on the eyebrows with palm edge, push to and fro repeatedly for 5 minutes, then use the thumb to press and knead slightly in the temple area for 4 minutes, push to and fro by one-finger meditation technique (see graphic) from the inner side of eyebrows to the temple area for 10 times.
Edema
Push and rub by one-finger meditation technique on the acu-points of zhong-tan, tin-shu, qi-hai and guan-yang for 10 minutes each. Then press and knead the acu-points pi-shu, shen-shu, wei-shu, da-chang-shu and zhang-qiang for 2 minutes each.

Traditional Chinese Medical Massage Therapy for Menopause

Massage Therapy for Menopause
Menopause is a transitional period that involves major hormonal and metabolic shifts inside the body. The symptoms accompanying menopause are varied and extensive. It is well recognized that the greater the stress, the greater the symptoms. If the symptoms are so apparent and severely disrupt normal living, women should consult with healthcare providers to map out an appropriate management.
Massage is perfect for relaxation and stress relief among the available options for menopausal women. TCM massage techniques aim to promote the circulation of blood and qi, smooth the Conception Vessel and Thoroughfare Vessel so as to resume the harmony of the internal system. Some massage protocols are given below:
Head region
Press on the depressions below the occipital bone, at the bottom of the skull (x10 times).
Press between the eyebrows and knead (x10).
Rub along the eyebrow bones, back and forth (x10).
Wipe the forehead away from the midline (x10).
Comb the scalp with all the fingers (2 minutes).
Back and hip region
Push up and down along the both sides of the spine, up and down (5 minutes).
Clench the fists and use the knuckles to knead the kidney region (2 minutes).
Rub the lumbar and hip regions with palm roots, up and down (2 minutes).
Rub the back of the thigh with the palms, up and down (2 minutes).
Abdominal region (done better in a lying position)
Press on the center of upper abdomen with one finger, push as deep as possible, until feeling soreness then release.
Repeat the above steps along the midline of the lower abdomen, on 2 to 4 point locations.
Leg region
Massage the calf muscle gently with both hands, up and down for 2 minutes on each leg.
Massage the acupoints on the legs, knead on each point for 30 seconds (see picture).
Knead the center of the soles of the feet (5 minutes each).
Massage the acupoints on the feet and knead on each point for 30 seconds (see picture).
Knead the center of the soles and pinch the back of ankles for 15 minutes.
Knead the base of the little toes (10 minutes).
Rubbing hands: rub hands together, palm to palm, back to back, finger to finger, then wrist to wrist, until each part becomes hot. In TCM theory, the three yin and three yang meridians of the arm all run through the hands, therefore, rubbing hands regularly can promote the flow of blood and qi in the related organs. It also helps promote sleeping.
Head massage: rub hands together to warm them and then sweep the hand from the forehead down to the chin, and then sweep back to the forehead for 1 minute. Massage the scalp and comb the hair with the fingers for 1 minute. Cover the ears with the palms, then flick the index fingers with the middle fingers so that they hit just behind the ear to create a booming sound (x10). Practice in the morning and evening. In TCM theory, the six yang meridians run through the head, so massage stimulates qi in these meridians and also helps calm the mind.

Traditional Chinese Medical Massage Therapy for Impotence

TCM Massage Therapy for Impotence Acu-pressure massage, also called Tuina, is obviously non-invasive in comparison with acupuncture. It promotes the qi (vital energy) and blood flow through the meridian system. Selection of acu-points is based on the syndrome differentiation similar to acupuncture therapy.
Below are some of the protocols that are applied in impotence:
Module one (see the graphic of acu-points for reference)
Lay the person flat on his back. First press the que-xue area with the lower palm gently, be sure to apply deep and thorough force, and continue for five minutes. It is appropriate to create a mild heat sensation below the navel.
Press and knead the qi-hai, guan-yuan & zhong-ji with palm edge, apply pressure to each acu-point for two minutes.
Then rub the guan-yuan and qi-hai areas with the whole palm for three minutes, it is appropriate to experience a mild heat sensation in the lower abdomen.
Module two
Lying face down, first press the shen-shu and ming-men acu-points gently, until the person feels slightly sore and distended in those areas; apply pressure in each acu-point for two minutes.
Push with the thumb over the ci-liao and zhong-liao acu-points for six minutes, then change to a stronger stimulation using a kneading technique on each acu-point lasting for one minute.
Press and knead the yao-yang-guan acu-point until a heat sensation is felt in the lower abdomen.
In cases of deficiency of both the spleen and heart:
Additionally, knead the xin-shu, pi-shu & san-jiao-shu acu-points for one minute, and then rub and scrub the left lateral back side that corresponds to the spleen and stomach region.
In case of kidneys damaged due to fear and fright: Additionally rub the forehead and press and scrub the tai-yang acu-point. Push with the thumb or press and scrub on the sides of the neck bone to and fro repeatedly for four minutes.