Twelve Simple and Effective Health Preservation Techniques
1. Scalp Combing: Use any comb or fingers to comb the scalp dozens to hundreds of times daily. This massages the scalp, clears the mind, and benefits vision and hearing.
2. Drumming the Ears: Press palms tightly over both ears for several seconds, then quickly release. This vibrates the eardrums, slowing ear aging. Alternatively, massage ears regularly using rubbing, pinching, or tapping techniques—improves headaches, motion sickness, and other discomforts. Regular ear massage also prevents colds in those with weak constitutions.
3. Eye Rubbing: Use soft parts of hands to rub eyes and surrounding areas, promoting blood circulation around the eyes. This enhances vision, clears the mind, and has cosmetic benefits.
4. Nasal Pinching: Frequently rub the Yingxiang acupoints beside the nostrils with index fingers, or pinch the nose. This improves olfactory sensitivity and reduces risk of nasal allergies or respiratory infections.
5. Teeth Knocking: Lightly tap teeth together or perform empty chewing. Prevents gum recession and periodontal disease. Also stimulates cheek muscles, keeping cheeks full and preventing sagging.
6. Swallowing Saliva: Close mouth, rinse with saliva several times, then swallow. Unoxidized saliva has no odor and tastes sweet. It contains digestive enzymes and nutrients—regular swallowing aids digestion.
7. Neck Rotation and Shoulder Shrugging: The neck and shoulders contain vertebrae and vital blood vessels leading to the head. Rotating the neck and shrugging shoulders helps keep muscles flexible, significantly reducing the risk of cerebrovascular diseases in old age.
8. Dry Rubbing: Use palms or dry towels to rub the face several times. Same method applies to exposed limbs—enhances skin circulation and keeps skin smooth.
9. Shoulder Slapping: Swing left hand upward to slap right shoulder, then alternate with right hand slapping left shoulder. Can also alternately slap legs with palms.
10. Waist Rotation: Extend right hand forward while bending waist toward left foot tip, then rise and repeat with left hand toward right foot tip—alternate several times.
11. Fist Clenching: Firmly clench both hands then relax—repeat several times. Can be done standing or seated.
12. Toe Stepping: Place right heel on left toe tip, then left heel on right toe tip—alternate several times.