Our body is home to numerous acupoints, which are not randomly generated but are treasures waiting to be developed. Learning to utilize these acupoints can help us prevent and treat chronic diseases, keeping our bodies in a healthy state.
Acupoint massage has already begun to integrate into our daily lives. Today, I will summarize ten important acupoints for everyone to explore together:
Small Acupoints, Big Effects
1Fengchi (Wind Pool) Acupoint: The ‘Soft Spot’ for Cervical Spondylosis
Easy Location: On either side of the large tendon at the back of the head, parallel to the earlobe.
Main Functions: Headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, cervical strain pain, relaxation of neck muscles, and stiff neck.
Especially after entering autumn, the neck lacks protection from clothing. Massaging the Fengchi acupoint can help mobilize the cervical vertebrae and prevent stiffness due to cold or prolonged strain.
Method: Use both thumbs to massage the Fengchi acupoint for about 15 minutes.
2Hegu (Union Valley) Acupoint: Born to ‘Stop Pain’
Easy Location: Spread your thumb and index finger, and press the webbing between the thumb and index finger of the other hand. The point where you feel significant soreness is the Hegu acupoint.
Main Functions: Hegu acupoint is often referred to as the ‘universal acupoint’ because it can assist in treating pain from all kinds of ailments. For example, it is particularly effective for toothaches and abdominal pain caused by gastrointestinal issues.
Note: Pregnant women should avoid massaging this acupoint to prevent uterine contractions that could affect the fetus.
Method: Use your thumb to massage for about 15 minutes.
3Guanyuan (Gate of Origin) Acupoint: Responsible for ‘Longevity’
Easy Location: The Guanyuan acupoint is located three inches below the navel.
Main Functions:
① Strengthens the spleen and stomach, regulates gastrointestinal function;
② Warms yang and strengthens the kidneys, stabilizes the bladder;
③ Supports yang, strengthens the lower back and knees;
④ Treats dysmenorrhea and regulates female endocrine.
Method: Cross your hands and place them on the Guanyuan acupoint, applying slight pressure; then gently push up and down. Massaging the Guanyuan acupoint before bed can promote digestion and improve sleep quality. This practice is also known as ‘abdominal massage’ in health preservation.
4Zusanli (Leg Three Miles) Acupoint: The Doctor for ‘Stomach Health’
Easy Location: Place your palm on your knee, with your thumb pressing on the knee eye acupoint. The position of your middle finger hanging down is the Zusanli acupoint.
Main Functions: Anyone with a basic understanding of acupoints knows that Zusanli can be considered the ‘king of acupoints.’ The saying in the ‘Four General Acupoint Songs’ states: ‘Three miles in the abdomen.’ This means that any pain in the abdomen can be alleviated through the Zusanli acupoint.
Many renowned doctors often praise Zusanli.
Method: Make a fist with your hand, using the back of your index finger’s first joint as the pressure point, and massage the Zusanli acupoint for about 15 minutes.
5Sanyinjiao (Three Yin Intersection) Acupoint: The Powerful ‘Women’s Director’
Easy Location: The Sanyinjiao acupoint is located three inches above the tip of the inner ankle bone (the highest point of the inner ankle bone), at the intersection of the midline of the calf and the width of four fingers.
Main Functions: Many doctors like to refer to Sanyinjiao as ‘Gynecological Sanyinjiao.’ This means that treating gynecological diseases is closely related to this acupoint. It can regulate menstruation, reduce spots, eliminate wrinkles, and help replenish qi and blood.
Method: While sitting with your knees bent at a right angle, use your thumb to massage the Sanyinjiao acupoint in a clockwise direction for one minute, then counterclockwise for another minute, aiming for a sensation of soreness and swelling in the area. Once a day is sufficient.
6Weizhong (Middle of the Knee) Acupoint: Essential for Modern People
Easy Location: Bend your knee, locating the center of the knee pit. Note: It is not on the knee itself.
Main Functions: Many friends with lumbar disc herniation or knee discomfort have never used this acupoint, which is unfortunate. Weizhong acupoint is a key point on the bladder meridian, particularly effective for lower back and leg pain.
Method: Use your thumb to press the Weizhong acupoint, stimulating the deep layers of the muscles until you feel soreness, numbness, swelling, or pain.
7Yongquan (Gushing Spring) Acupoint: The First Source of Nourishment for the Body
Easy Location: Located in the depression at the front of the foot, one-third of the way along the line connecting the second and third toes to the heel. When you flex your foot, a noticeable depression appears, and the center of this depression is the Yongquan acupoint.
Main Functions: The name ‘Yongquan’ suggests that it helps promote overall blood circulation and reduce blood viscosity. There is an ancient saying: ‘The kidney produces Yongquan.’ Regularly massaging this acupoint can keep one energized and replenish kidney essence.
Method: Every night before bed or upon waking, use your thumb to rub the acupoint until you feel warmth.
8Neiting (Inner Courtyard) Acupoint: The Built-in Detox Pill
Easy Location: Located on the dorsum of the foot, at the intersection of the second and third toes.
Main Functions: With the general improvement in diet, the term ‘heat’ is often heard. By massaging the Neiting acupoint, we can effectively eliminate stomach heat and prevent issues like gum pain and sore throat caused by excess heat. It also helps improve bad breath and constipation.
Method: Press the Neiting acupoint with the tip of your index finger for about 3 minutes.
9Jiquan (Extreme Spring) Acupoint: The Quick-Acting Heart Saver
Easy Location: Located in the center of the armpit, where the pulse can be felt.
Main Functions: It has significant effects on palpitations, angina, coronary heart disease, and pericarditis. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes ‘nourishing the heart,’ and using the Jiquan acupoint is one of the important methods for heart nourishment.
Method: Use your thumb to press and massage this area, performing 20 presses as one set, and you can do multiple sets in a day.
10Dazhui (Great Vertebra) Acupoint: The Traffic Hub of the Human Body
Easy Location: Bend your head down to find the depression at the base of the neck, just below the seventh cervical vertebra.
Main Functions: It is well-known that ‘when the cervical vertebrae are blocked, all diseases arise.’ The blockage often occurs at the Dazhui acupoint. The cervical vertebrae connect the head and body, and major blood vessels and nerves pass through here. Any issues can lead to symptoms in various parts of the body.
Method: Use your thumb to press vertically, gradually increasing pressure, holding each press for 30-40 seconds.
The above is for reference only; please consult a physician for guidance.
Reviewed by: Pharmacist Lu
Edited by: Sanqi Xiaomei
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