The human body is an organic whole, where the five organs (heart, liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys) and six bowels (gallbladder, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, bladder, san jiao) are organically connected through the meridians. The organs are like the essential facilities in a city, while the meridians are the various networks connecting these facilities. The organs are fundamental, but the networks are also indispensable, making the human body a complete individual.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that through the internal and external connections of the meridians, changes in the organs can be reflected on the body surface, leading to specific symptoms and signs. Stimulating the corresponding acupuncture points on the body surface can treat diseases of the corresponding organs, as the saying goes, “what is inside must manifest outside” and “understanding the outside to know the inside, treating the outside to adjust the inside”.
1. Massaging the Heart Meridian’s Jiquan Point Nourishes the Heart and Calms the Mind
Massaging the acupuncture point Jiquan on the Heart Meridian has certain benefits for treating heart diseases. For example, Jiquan is a well-known point for treating heart disease, and regular stimulation of this point can calm the heart, soothe the mind, relieve depression, and stop fright.
The specific method is: Place the four fingers of your right hand on the outer side of the left pectoralis major, with your thumb pressing on the inner side of the pectoralis major. Then use your index and middle fingers to gently press on the Jiquan point under the armpit; while pinching the pectoralis major, use your index and middle fingers to knead this point, repeating the process 10 times, then switch hands and repeat.
2. Massaging the Liver Meridian’s Taichong Point Can Soothe the Liver and Relieve Depression
Massaging the Taichong point on the Liver Meridian can soothe the liver, relieve depression, regulate qi and blood, transform dampness, and promote the flow of meridians. It is effective for symptoms such as fullness in the hypochondrium, headaches, dizziness, hernia pain, difficulty urinating, and irregular menstruation. This method is especially suitable for those who tend to bottle up their anger.
The specific method is: Use your thumb to massage the Taichong point, pressing upwards. Massage both feet for 5 minutes each side. You can also transfer the pain from the Taichong point to the Xingjian point for better results.
3. Massaging the Spleen Meridian Can Strengthen the Spleen and Nourish the Blood
Regularly massaging the Spleen Meridian has the effect of strengthening the spleen and nourishing the blood. The Sanyinjiao point is where the spleen, kidney, and liver meridians intersect, and it is a magical remedy for gynecological diseases. Regularly massaging this area can prevent and treat irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, excessive leukorrhea, metrorrhagia, pelvic inflammatory disease, abdominal pain, diarrhea, indigestion, and neurasthenia. It is important to note that this point was historically used for abortion, so pregnant women should avoid massaging this area.
The specific method is:
(1) Press the tip of your thumb on the Sanyinjiao point, then gradually apply deep pressure and twist.
(2) Gently and slowly knead the Sanyinjiao point with the pad of your thumb.
4. Massaging the Lung Meridian’s Zhongfu Point Can Treat Lung Diseases
Massaging the Lung Meridian can improve symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing, dry throat, runny nose, and wheezing. For example, regularly massaging the Zhongfu point on the Lung Meridian can prevent and treat cough and asthma.
The specific method is: Use both thumbs to press on both sides of the Zhongfu point above the chest, pressing at least 5 times each time, holding each press for 3-5 seconds.
5. Massaging the Kidney Meridian’s Taixi Point Can Improve Kidney Function
The Taixi point is a key point on the Kidney Meridian, historically known as one of the “Nine Points to Return Yang”. Regularly massaging this point has a significant effect on improving kidney function.
The specific method is: Use the thumb of the opposite hand to knead the Taixi point, or you can use a massage stick or a smooth wooden stick to press it, ensuring the pressure is gentle enough to feel a slight soreness.
6. Massaging the Gallbladder Meridian Can Reduce Belly Fat
During the hour of the gallbladder (11 PM to 1 AM), the qi and blood flow into the gallbladder meridian. At this time, the yang energy of the body is just beginning to rise. If we eat food during this time, the energy we consume will be converted into fat. Taking advantage of this time when blood and qi flow into the gallbladder, it is easy to accumulate and store fat, leading to a protruding belly. To reduce your belly fat, you can frequently press the Fenglong point on the gallbladder meridian.
The specific method: Place your left (right) leg on the opposite knee, with the tip of your right (left) middle finger on the Fenglong point, and your thumb on the opposite side, applying pressure for a minute. Do this once in the morning and once in the evening.
7. Regularly Tapping the Stomach Meridian Can Aid Weight Loss
Eating too much can damage the spleen and stomach, leading to spleen and stomach deficiency, weak digestion, and fat accumulation, which is a mechanism for obesity. Tapping the stomach meridian daily can help eliminate excess fat, and the weight will not rebound.
The specific method: Start from the collarbone, follow the two breasts, over the abdomen, down to the front of both legs, and continue to the ankles. When tapping the stomach meridian, apply moderate force, ensuring to tap along the meridian from the outer side of the tibia to the line connecting the second toe. Start from the Zusanli point; any painful areas indicate acupuncture points that need more focus.
8. Massaging the Small Intestine Meridian Can Treat Shoulder and Arm Pain
Shoulder and arm pain is one of the symptoms associated with the Small Intestine Meridian. If we gently press and knead the outer side of the arm along the Small Intestine Meridian, we can alleviate this discomfort.
When massaging the Small Intestine Meridian, first locate its pathway, which runs from the outer side of the little finger up the outer side of the arm, over the shoulder joint, then towards the spine, and finally up along the neck to the cheekbone and ear. Massage along this pathway.
9. Massaging the Large Intestine Meridian’s Hegu Point Can Treat Toothache
The TCM saying goes, “Pressing the Hegu point can relieve facial pain.” Therefore, massaging the Hegu point on the Large Intestine Meridian can treat toothaches, gingivitis, glossitis, and parotitis. For example, pressing the Hegu point for 5 minutes during a toothache can alleviate the pain. If you have persistent gingivitis, regularly pressing the Hegu point can also provide some relief.
When pressing the Hegu point, use the thumb and index finger of the opposite hand to apply firm pressure until you feel a slight soreness, and do this twice a day.
10. Massaging the Bladder Meridian’s Tianzhu Point Can Prevent and Treat Occipital Pain
The Tianzhu point is located at a critical junction of blood vessels and nerves. Regularly massaging the Tianzhu point on the Bladder Meridian can effectively alleviate occipital pain.
The specific method: Place both thumbs on the Tianzhu point, with the other four fingers supporting the head; apply firm pressure upwards for 5 seconds, adjusting the pressure to a comfortable level.
11. Massaging the Sanjiao Meridian’s Yangchi Point Can Alleviate Cold Hands and Feet
Massaging the Yangchi point on the Sanjiao Meridian can treat cold hands and feet. Regularly massaging this point can promote blood circulation, balance hormone secretion, and warm the body, thus eliminating the symptoms of cold hands and feet.
When massaging, it is best to use both hands simultaneously. First, use the middle finger of one hand to press the Yangchi point on the other hand, then switch to the other hand. The massage should be prolonged and gentle.
12. Massaging the Pericardium Meridian’s Danzhong Point Can Regulate Qi in the Chest
The Danzhong point is located in the center of the chest and is one of the Eight Meeting Points. It is where qi converges and is a key point for regulating qi in the body. It has the effects of expanding the chest, regulating qi, stopping cough, relieving asthma, transforming phlegm, and dispelling stagnation. It is mainly used to treat chest obstruction, heart pain, cough, and asthma.The Danzhong point is the mu point of the Pericardium Meridian, which protects the heart. Therefore, stimulating the Danzhong point also has the effect of calming the mind and relieving anxiety, used for treating palpitations and irritability.
When massaging, you can lie on your back or sit upright, using the pad of your middle finger to knead the point, alternating between clockwise and counterclockwise motions. The pressure should be moderate, with even and gentle techniques, avoiding excessive force. Massage once in the morning and once in the evening for 3-5 minutes each time.
Advice from Experienced TCM Practitioners
There is a pericardium surrounding the heart, which has an important function of protecting the heart from external pathogens. If external pathogens invade, the pericardium will be the first line of defense. Once there is a problem with the heart, it will manifest in the pericardium. Therefore, it is essential to take care of the pericardium by regularly massaging the Pericardium Meridian. When massaging, first locate the points such as Zhongji, Laogong, Daling, Neiguan, Jianshi, Qimen, Quze, Tianquan, and Tianchi, and press each point for 2-3 minutes daily.For TCM practitioners, please do not self-medicate without professional guidance.
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