8 easy Chinese self-massage techniques to maintain your health

8 easy Chinese self-massage techniques to maintain your health

I believe the small things you do regularly can make a big difference to your health and well-being.

These eight simple massage techniques of traditional Chinese medicine stimulate acupuncture channels and points which are associated with your internal organs.

Not only does massage help to relieve external muscle tension, but it can also assist with your internal organ circulation, stress and emotional balance.

1. Rub your hands
Rub your hands with palms together, slowly and firmly for ten times. Then interlock your fingers together and squeeze together three times firmly.

This massage can help to improve circulation to the chest, face and fingers.

2. Rub your forehead
Bend your two index fingers so that they are a hook, with medium pressure rub from the middle of your forehead slowly outwards to the temples. You can also rub over your eyebrows. Repeat five times.

This massage can help to improve circulation to the forehead, reduce stress and refresh the mind.

3. Squeeze your ears
Squeeze your ear between your thumb and index finger, with medium pressure, from the top of the ear to the bottom of the ear lobe. Repeat five times. Please remove any ear rings and piercings before massaging your ears.

This massage can help to stimulate circulation of the ear, Liver and Kidney channels and lower back.

4. Rub your stomach
Place your entire right palm on the abdomen and cover with your left hand. Firmly and slowly rub clockwise five times then anti-clockwise for five times.

This massage can help to improve circulation to the abdomen to assist with digestion and bowel movements.

5. Rub the soles of your feet with four fingers
Use four fingers to firmly rub the soles of your feet from the heels to the toes. Repeat ten times.

This massage can help to soothe sore and tired feet and improve circulation of the legs and lower back.

6. Rub the sides of your ribs
Place both hands palm down over your ribs. Rub firmly and slowly in a circular motion. Repeat ten times.

This massage can improve circulation of the Liver channels and assist with bloating, bowel motions and  reduce stress.

7. Rub your lower back with your fists
Use your fists (and knuckles) to massage over your lower back area including the hips. Repeat ten times.

This massage can help with improving circulation to the lower back and legs.

8. Rub your scalp with your finger tips
Use all five finger tips to massage over your scalp. Massage all over the head, avoiding the facial area with medium pressure for 1 minute duration.

This massage assists with releasing tension and pressure in the head. It helps to clear and relax the mind.

Massage can assist your health in many ways, while you are massaging please pay attention to the following:

1. Breathe naturally.
2. Stand or sit in a comfortable position before starting.
3. Find a comfortable environment: avoid extremes of temperature or exposure to wind.
4. Don’t perform massage straight after eating or when very hungry.
5. Give yourself a 30 minute break and have a cup of warm water to drink after massaging.
6. Please don’t self-massage if you are sick or very exhausted, post-surgery or during pregnancy. Consult with your health practitioner which massage techniques are suitable.

If in doubt, please check with your traditional Chinese medicine practitioner prior to commencing any self-massage.

If you can perform just a few of these massage techniques each week, you will experience long-term benefits throughout your life.