Eighteen Methods of Qigong Massage for Fitness and Longevity
The Eighteen Methods of Qigong Massage belong to the Dao Yin school of medical qigong. Compiled by Yan Bozheng and published in 1987, this system primarily uses body regulation to harmonize Ying and Wei, unblock Qi and blood, ensure smooth meridians, restore organ function, achieve coordination among bodily systems, normalize physiological functions, and thus cure diseases and promote health and longevity.
This practice consists of:
Preparatory Exercise; Scalp Brushing; Drumming the Heavenly Gates; Finger Rotation and Ear Tapping; Eye Movement and Spirit Nourishment; Eye Scraping and Vision Enhancement; Nose Rubbing to Prevent Cold; Facial Washing for Radiance; Teeth Chewing to Strengthen Kidneys; Tongue Stirring and Saliva Swallowing; Shoulder Well Pushing Vertically; Horizontal Abdominal Rubbing; Front and Back Abdominal Rubbing; Waist Rubbing; Lumbar Knocking; Upper Limb Massage; Lower Limb Massage; Yongquan Point Massage; Full-Body Slapping; and Final Relaxation.
Specific techniques:
① Preparatory Exercise: Place both hands in front of the lower abdomen, arms slightly bent, palms up, fingertips facing each other. Gradually relax from head to toe, focusing mental attention on the lower Dantian. Breathe naturally, gradually achieving softness, gentleness, and evenness.
② Vertical Shoulder Well Massage: Cross palms to massage the Shoulder Well acupoint and surrounding area while allowing the waist to freely rotate with upper limb movement. Effective for treating shoulder and back pain, stiff neck, difficulty raising arms, and hyperthyroidism.
③ Lumbar Knocking Exercise: Clench fists, alternately knock the anterior and posterior lumbar regions (Mingmen) while freely rotating the waist. Strengthens the waist and kidneys, and offers certain benefits for digestive system disorders.
④ Full-Body Slapping Exercise: Use fists or palms to slap gently yet resiliently on the Dantian, abdomen, chest, waist, back, shoulders, head, upper limbs, and lower limbs. Effectively relaxes tendons and meridians, removes wind-dampness, strengthens bones and muscles.