Eight Self-Help Manual Techniques for Travelers' Health
1. Finger Pressure on Shaoshang Point to Treat Hiccups: When hiccups occur, self-pressing the Shaoshang Point can stop them. The Shaoshang Point is located on the lateral side of the thumb, one fen away from the nail. The patient can press this point firmly with the thumb and index finger until a sore sensation occurs, maintaining pressure for half a minute to one minute—hiccups will cease.
2. Finger Pressure on Neiguan Point to Stop Vomiting: For vomiting caused by minor illness, press the Neiguan Point with the middle finger to relieve nausea. The Neiguan Point lies two cun above the wrist crease, between the ulna and radius bones. Press until a heavy, distending sensation is felt—this indicates correct acupoint targeting. Relief typically occurs within about one minute.
3. Pinch Heel to Stop Nosebleed: When experiencing nosebleeds, immediately pinch the heel (the depression between the ankle joint and the calcaneus) with the thumb and index finger. Pinch the right heel if bleeding from the left nostril, and vice versa—the bleeding stops quickly.
4. Finger Pressure on Taiyang Points to Relieve Headaches: For general headaches, use both index fingers to press the bilateral Taiyang Points on the head. Press until a distending pain occurs, then rotate clockwise for about one minute—headache symptoms will ease.
5. Press and Rub Zusanli Point to Alleviate Gastric Pain: When experiencing stomach pain, use both thumbs to rub the Zusanli Point. The Zusanli Point is located three cun below the knee, one horizontal finger width lateral to the tibia. After feeling a sensation of soreness, numbness, and distension, gastric pain significantly reduces or disappears within three to five minutes.
6. Press the Base of the Middle Nail to Relieve Angina: When angina attacks and nitroglycerin tablets are unavailable, someone nearby can press the base of the patient’s middle fingernail with their thumb, causing a distinct pain sensation. By repeatedly pressing and releasing for three to five minutes, symptoms can be alleviated.
7. Pinch the Tiger's Mouth to Treat Fainting: Fainting presents as pale complexion, nausea, cold sweats, and even unconsciousness. In such cases, others can pinch the tiger’s mouth (the webbing between the thumb and index finger) with the thumb and index finger. After ten or so pinches, recovery usually occurs.
8. Press Tianzhu Point to Treat Constipation: For constipation, press the left Tianzhu Point with the left index finger during defecation until a pronounced soreness and distension occur. Hold the pressure for about one minute, which triggers bowel movement desire. Then hold breath to increase abdominal pressure and facilitate defecation.