Twelve Simple Daily Health Practices
1. Scalp Combing: Use any comb or your fingers. Comb 50–100 times daily. Massages the scalp, stimulates the brain, and benefits vision and hearing.
2. Drumming the Ears: Press palms tightly against both ears for several seconds, then quickly release. This vibrates the eardrums and slows ear degeneration. You may also routinely massage ears using rubbing, pinching, or tapping techniques—immediately alleviating headaches, motion sickness, and other discomforts. Regular ear massage can also prevent colds in those with weak constitutions.
3. Eye Rubbing: Use soft parts of your hand to gently rub the eyes and surrounding areas. Promotes circulation around the eyes, improves vision, refreshes the mind, and has cosmetic benefits.
4. Nose Pinching: Frequently rub the Yingxiang acupoints beside the nostrils with index fingers, or gently pinch the nose. Enhances olfactory sensitivity and reduces risks of nasal allergies and respiratory infections.
5. Teeth Tapping: Lightly tap teeth together or chew air. Helps prevent gum recession and periodontal disease. Also stimulates cheek muscles, keeping cheeks full and preventing sagging.
6. Swallowing Saliva: Close your mouth and rinse with saliva several times, then swallow. Unoxidized saliva has a sweet, pleasant taste. It contains digestive enzymes and nutrients. Regular swallowing aids digestion.
7. Neck Rotation and Shoulder Shrugging: The neck and shoulders contain vertebrae and major blood vessels leading to the head. Rotating the neck and shrugging shoulders helps activate muscles, significantly reducing the risk of cerebrovascular disease in old age.
8. Dry Rubbing: Use palms or a dry towel to rub the face and exposed limbs. Stimulates surface circulation, leaving skin smooth and radiant.
9. Shoulder Patting: Swing your left hand naturally to pat your right shoulder, then switch to pat your left shoulder with your right hand. Alternately, pat your legs with your palms.
10. Waist Rotation: Extend your right hand downward toward your left foot tip while bending forward, then stand up. Repeat with the left hand toward the right foot tip. Alternate several times.
11. Fist Clenching: Clench both hands tightly, then relax. Repeat several times. Can be done standing or sitting.
12. Toe Tapping: Stand on the heel of your right foot and tap the toes of your left foot. Then switch—tap the right foot’s toes with the left heel. Alternate several times.