Folk Prescriptions Library

Self-Massage for Health Preservation

🔑 Keywords: Other · Acupuncture and Tuina

1. Rubbing and Pressing the Zhongfu Point
Action: Place hands overlapping, inner labor palace facing each other. Men place left hand underneath, women right hand underneath. Align inner labor palace with Zhongfu point. Inhale, rub and press from right upward to left. Exhale, rub and press from left downward to right. One inhale-exhale cycle equals one round, repeated 8 to 64 times. Then reverse direction: inhale, rub and press from right downward to left; exhale, from left upward to right. Same number of repetitions. Finally, perform three pressure-release inhalation-exhalation actions.
For heart disease, add massage of Neiguan and Shenmen points.
For bronchial asthma, add massage of Taichong, Fenglong, TianTu, Neiguan, Dingchuan, Guanyuan, and Zusanli points.
Function: The chest is where original qi gathers. Zhongfu is the meeting point of qi. This method regulates qi and broadens the chest, benefiting the heart and chest. Dingchuan is an empirical point for asthma treatment. TianTu effectively relieves phlegm sounds. Combined with the qi meeting point Zhongfu and the Luo point Neiguan of the Pericardium meridian, it regulates qi, lowers counterflow, broadens the chest, and stops asthma. Taiyuan, the Yuan point of the Lung meridian, is essential for lung disorders. Fulong, the Luo point of the Stomach meridian, is an effective empirical point for resolving phlegm-dampness. Guanyuan and Zusanli tonify the spleen and kidneys, addressing root causes. Combined with Neiguan and Shenmen (the transport and Yuan points of the Heart meridian), they effectively prevent and treat coronary heart disease.
2. Rubbing and Pressing the Abdominal Region
Action: Hands overlapping as above. Palms press on Zhongwan point, fingers press on Jianli and Xiaowan points. Inhale, rub and press from right upward to left. Exhale, from left downward to right. One inhale-exhale cycle equals one round, repeated 8 to 64 times. Then repeat in reverse direction, same method and count. Finally, perform three pressure-release inhalation-exhalation actions.
Experience shows that placing one hand on the top of the head, inner labor palace aligned with Baihui point, and the other hand on the abdomen, rotating and rubbing “with” and “against” directions equally, is highly effective for gastric neurosis, cold stomach, etc.
For gastric issues, add massage of Zusanli. For liver qi invading the stomach, add massage of Taichong, Yinlingquan, and Qimen.
Function: The middle burner connects upper and lower burners. This method opens the middle burner’s qi, enabling smooth flow of qi throughout the body. Xiaowan is a key point for connecting upper and lower regions and opening the middle burner. Zhongwan is the front-mu point of the stomach, essential for treating stomach disorders. Combined with massage of this point on the Stomach meridian and the “lower He” point Zusanli, results are enhanced. For liver qi invading the stomach, adding massage of Taichong (Yuan point of Liver), Yanglingquan (Meeting point of Gallbladder), and Qimen (Front-mu point of Liver) synergistically soothes the liver and regulates qi.
3. Rubbing and Pressing the Guanyuan Point
Action: Hands overlapping as above. Palms and fingers press on Qihai and Guanyuan points. Inhale, rub and press from right upward to left. Exhale, from left downward to right. One inhale-exhale cycle equals one round, repeated 8 to 64 times. Then reverse direction, same method and count. Finally, perform three pressure-release inhalation-exhalation actions.
Function: Guanyuan is the front-mu point of the Small Intestine meridian, a convergence point of the Three Yin meridians and Ren meridian, and one of the body’s major strengthening points. Qihai is the sea of vital energy; pure qi rises from here, serving as the core of Dan Tian breathing. If qi fails to descend from the middle burner, even if lower burner qi flows freely, it cannot connect upward. After clearing Xiaowan and Zhongwan, take advantage of descending qi to massage Guanyuan, ensuring smooth qi movement. Qihai should not be massaged excessively to avoid qi depletion. Those with weak constitution benefit greatly from regular massage of Qihai, Guanyuan, and Zusanli.
4. Rubbing and Pressing the Liver Area
Action: Hands overlapping as above. Palms press on the liver region. Inhale, rub and press from right upward to left. Exhale, from left downward to right. One inhale-exhale cycle equals one round, repeated 8 to 64 times. Then reverse direction, same method and count. Finally, perform three pressure-release breath actions.
Experience shows that for hepatitis patients, regularly massaging Wangu (Xie), Zhiyang (Xie), Ganyu (Xie), Taichong (Xie), and Zusanli (Bu) five points, each pressed and rubbed 64 times per session, improves symptoms. For poor gastrointestinal digestion, add massage of Zhongwan. For fever in hands and feet, add massage of Neiguan (Bu) and Sanyinjiao (Bu). Perform in order from top to bottom.
Function: Qimen (front-mu point of Liver) and Zhangmen (front-mu point of Spleen) combined treat liver-spleen disorders. This method soothes the liver, resolves depression, and treats hepatitis, rib-side pain, indigestion, splenomegaly, hiccups, etc.
Massaging the Small Intestine meridian’s Wangu and Du meridian’s Zhiyang clears heat from the small intestine and helps reduce jaundice. Massaging Ganyu and Taichong (Yuan point of Liver meridian) soothes the liver and resolves depression. Massaging Zusanli (Lower He point of Stomach meridian) strengthens the spleen, removes dampness, promotes urination and defecation, increases appetite, and aids recovery.
5. Rubbing and Pressing the Shenshu Points
Action: Lightly clench fists. Use the prominent part of the thumb or index finger back to press on Shenshu points. Inhale, rub and press from inside down outward. Exhale, from outside up inward. One inhale-exhale cycle equals one round, repeated 8 to 64 times. Then reverse direction, same method and count. Finally, perform three pressure-release breath actions.
For sciatica or gastrointestinal cold deficiency, after Shenshu massage, add waist rubbing: inhale, palms move from Huayang along Bladder meridian upward to Shenshu; exhale, palms move downward. One up-down cycle counts as one. Repeat 8 to 32 times. Finally, palms face Shenshu, perform three pressure-release breath actions.
Function: This method tonifies the kidneys and collects qi, serving as auxiliary therapy for kidney-related urinary and reproductive system disorders. Regular practice without illness offers significant preventive benefits.
6. Rubbing Yongquan
Action: First, use left thumb, index, and middle fingers to lift the toes of the left foot upward. Use the ulnar side of the right palm to rub Yongquan forward and backward. Inhale, hand moves backward; exhale, hand moves forward. One inhale-exhale cycle equals one round, repeated 8 to 64 times. Then switch to right hand, rub Yongquan on the right foot, same method and count. This exercise is primarily done sitting.
Function: Yongquan is the well point of the Kidney meridian. Kidney water should rise. This method promotes kidney water ascent, facilitates heart-kidney interaction, balances fire and water, lowers blood pressure, nourishes the liver, improves eyesight, and treats headaches and dizziness.

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