Soothing acupressure massage tips for the body and the mind

The late Dr. Ma Kuang-ya, a top TCM liv er specialist who lived to the age of 92, always greeted everyone with a smile. No matter how many patients he had, he never complained, and never got angry. One of his secrets for maintaining emotional equanimity was an acupressure massage right after getting up each morning.

Former presidential adviser Chen Li-fu, who lived to the age of 103, gave himself a full body massage each day while bathing. Not only did he enjoy robust health, but he also rarely ever became angry.

Professor Shen Yi-chung, director of the Department of Traditional Chinese Medical Treatment at the Taipei Municipal Institute of Traditional Medicine, explains that massaging acupressure points and patting channels can free blood flow and calm both the body and the mind. It also happens to be the method he uses for soothing the mind and restoring bodily harmony.

Dr. Shen recommends applying pressure to the following acupressure points whenever you're feeling melancholy, agitated, or over-excited. If these points feel a little sore, painful, swollen, or tingly when manipulated, you should be able to take the edge off your mood.

Bai Hui Point: located at the vertex above the ears at the crown of the skull, it can alleviate headaches and nausea caused by stress and aid relaxation.

Yin Tang Point: If you're feeling down and a little blue, try applying pressure to the yin tang point between the brows on the forehead to take you out of the doldrums and brighten your mood.

Nei Guan Point: The nei guan point that runs two inches up the arm from the crease of the wrist can not only alleviate gas, but soothe heart palpitations, ease insomnia, and nervous tension. When feeling stressed, press this point with your opposite thumb to unravel that “bundle of nerves” feeling.

Tai Chong Point: Located on the liver pathway, the tai chong point can be found at the junction of the bones of the big toe and second toe. Dr. Shen says that locating and manipulating lower body pressure points can direct the blood and qi downwards and restore calm. “When your system has an excess of 'fiery energy,' applying pressure to this point is very effective,” he relates.

For best results, use abdominal breathing while manipulating acupressure points, using soft, slow, even and long inhalation and exhalation to best settle the mind and achieve relaxation.

All-day massage tips without memorizing pressure points

If you'd rather not fuss with memorizing acupressure points, traditional Chinese medicine has an approach known as “missing the points, not the channels.” As the phrase implies, it means that even if you do not massage the precise points, as long as you target the general vicinity you will derive some benefit, as the points lie along the same channel. Dr. Shen likens channels to a highway, where the acupressure points are toll stations. “As long as you remember how to follow the road, you don't need to memorize the names of all the tolls,” he says.

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