Self-Massage for Common Cold
The common cold is a frequent respiratory illness caused by various viruses, commonly occurring during cold winter and spring seasons. Self-massage can alleviate symptoms and promote recovery from the cold.
Adopt a seated position. First, simultaneously press the bilateral Fengchi (GB20) points with the tips of both thumbs for 30 seconds. Then press Dazhui (GV14) with one middle finger tip for 30 seconds. Next, use the five fingers of one hand to lift and pinch the bilateral Jianjing (GB21) points 5–6 times—left hand pinches right Jianjing, right hand pinches left Jianjing. Then, using the radial side of both thumbs’ tips, start from Yintang (GV29), simultaneously push along both eyebrow arches toward the lateral sides, reaching the Taiyang (EX-HN5) points. At each Taiyang point, perform circular pressing and rubbing clockwise and counterclockwise for 30 rounds, repeating this sequence 5–6 times. If headache occurs, add pressing Baihui (GV20) and Fengchi (GB20). If sore throat or pharyngeal pain exists, add pressing Yamen (GV15), Fuguo (LI18), Tiantu (CV22), and Yujī (LU10). For runny nose, add pressing Yintang (GV29) and Yingxiang (LI20). For nasal congestion, add pressing Fengchi (GB20) and Yingxiang (LI20). For generalized muscle aches, combine rubbing and pinching of limbs. For fever, place the palm of one hand firmly against the center of the sole of the foot and perform forward-backward rubbing motion—left hand rubs right foot, right hand rubs left foot, each foot rubbed 120 times. This method helps reduce body temperature and relieve fever. Finally, alternately press the bilateral Hegu (LI4) points with the thumb tips' rosette surface for 30 seconds each to conclude the technique.