Self-Massage to Prevent Hearing Loss
For thousands of years, tuina massage has been a fundamental method in Chinese culture for health preservation, disease prevention, and longevity. It is characterized by “efficacy, convenience, and low cost,” requiring no special equipment or environment, and needing neither needles nor medicine to achieve healing and strengthening. Our ancestors left behind numerous valuable tuina techniques for ear health and hearing preservation. Below are selected ancient and modern ear massage methods for preventing deafness and enhancing hearing:
Drumming the Heavenly Gongs: Press palms tightly over the ears, use index and middle fingers to gently tap the back of the head. The sound inside the ears resembles drumbeats. Repeat 36 times.
Massaging the Eardrum: Gently insert index fingers into the ear canal, sealing the ear passage, then suddenly pull out; alternatively, press palms firmly against the earlobes and abruptly release. You’ll feel eardrum movement and a popping sensation. Repeat 20 times.
Sweeping the Earlobe: Place your palms in front of the ears, flat against the face, and push backward evenly, passing behind the ear, then push forward from behind the ear. Repeat 18 times, aiming for a warming sensation in both ears.
Rubbing the Ear Rim: Use index and thumb to rub along the edge of the earlobe up and down 36 times, until the ear becomes warm.
Massaging the Earlobe: Use the pads of both index and thumb to gently rub both earlobes. Begin with gentle kneading for half a minute until red and warm, then pinch the earlobe downward and release, allowing it to return to its original shape. Repeat 10 times.
Pressing Tinggong: Use the pads of both index fingers to press the Tinggong point (in the depression in front of the ear) while the mouth is open. Hold for 3 seconds, then release. Repeat 20 times.
These simple techniques are easy to perform. Middle-aged and elderly individuals can do them once in the morning and once in the evening daily. Consistent practice helps improve inner ear circulation, delay hearing aging, and prevent deafness and tinnitus.