Brain Health Exercises
Brain Health Exercises
The brain is the most vital organ in the human body. To maintain brain health, besides improving nutrition and balancing work and rest, active exercise is essential. Brain health exercises are an effective method of active stimulation.
If practiced consistently, they can treat chronic headaches and neurasthenia, and effectively delay the onset of cerebral and cardiovascular arteriosclerosis in middle-aged and elderly individuals.
Before starting, focus the mind. During practice, locate acupoints accurately, breathe evenly, follow the sequence of movements, and apply pressure slowly, gently, and rhythmically. When massaging acupoints or areas, aim for a sensation of mild soreness and distension—this enhances effectiveness.
Brain health exercises follow a 4-8 beat rhythm and consist of six sections. Specific procedures are:
Section One: Massaging Fengchi Points (Wind Pool)
Fengchi points are easy to locate: slightly lower your head, and feel the depression below the bone behind the ear. Once located, press the points with the fingertips of both middle fingers, alternating inward and outward movements according to the 4-8 beat rhythm—beat 1 and 3 inward, beat 2 and 4 outward.
Section Two: Massaging Zanzhu Points (Bamboo Accumulation)
Zanzhu points lie in the depression below the eyebrow. Press them with the tips of both thumbs. For this section, place elbows on the table, half-clench fists, extend thumbs, and follow the 4-8 beat rhythm.
Section Three: Massaging Taiyang Points (Sun)
Located at the depression about one inch behind the outer corner of the eye, along the line from the brow tip to the outer corner. Once found, press with the fingertip of both middle fingers according to the beat.
Section Four: Massaging Baihui Point (Hundred Convergences)
Baihui point lies at the intersection of the midline of the head and the line connecting the two earlobes. Press it with the fingertip of the right middle finger, then overlap the left middle finger on top of the right, following the beat.
Section Five: Ear Covering and Brain Tapping Method
Press both palms firmly over the ears, place the index fingers on top of the middle fingers, and tap the back of the head rhythmically according to the beat.
Section Six: Finger Bending and Head Pressure Method
Bend all five fingers, press them against the hairline. Apply downward pressure with fingertips, following the beat all the way to the crown of the head.