Health points on the palms of the hands. Photo, massage acupuncture points

Techniques of targeted massage effects on the palms, fingers or hands help in a drug-free way to stop headaches and toothaches, and improve digestive activity. Special "points of health" have long been used in Chinese medicine.

How hand acupressure points work

Physiologically active centers responsible for the work of organs and functional systems are located on the energy meridians passing through the whole body. In evidence-based medicine, the term "reflexology" is used to refer to methods of therapeutic influence on "points of health".

Its varieties include acupressure. The principle of work of physiologically active parts of the palms is based on the mechanism of irritation of mechanoreceptors using special massage techniques and techniques.

The technique provides for the use of various types of manual manipulations, depending on the goals, anatomical structure and physiological characteristics of the acupuncture zone.

"Health points" on the palms of the hands are activated by a massage effect on mechanoreceptors - special endings of sensitive nerve tissues that respond to stimulation.

In European clinical practice, acupressure is considered one of the options for physiotherapy. Manual stimulation can improve the condition of patients with:

• cardiological pathologies;
• immune-dependent dermatological diseases - atopic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis;
• gastroenterological disorders;
• endocrine disorders.

Acupressure is effective for hematological syndromes and many other serious diseases.

Among the obvious therapeutic effects of manual therapy, there are:

• Analgesia. Massage of "health points" on the palms relieves painful paroxysms of neurological origin.
• Improving the proportion of some neurohumoral compounds by influencing the complex mechanisms of physiological regulation. The synthesis of such substances normalizes a number of physiological parameters of the body and the biochemical composition of liquid media.
• Release of endorphins. They have an analgesic effect in myalgia and arthralgia, stabilize the psycho-emotional background.
• Intensification of the release of enkephalins. A special group of neuropeptide substances binds to opioid receptors and has a morphine-like effect.
• Strengthening the synthesis of serotonin in the nucleus of the distal suture and the posterior process of the spinal cord.
• An increase in the concentration of corticotropin and cortisone in the serum fraction of the blood.
• Improving mediator metabolism by synthesizing basic components. Manual stimulation of some "health points" on the palms affects the formation of dopamine, the work of the acetylcholine system.

Massage of acupressure centers with mechanoreceptors located on them improves the ratio of triglyceride and phosphatide compounds in the serum part of the hematological fluid, leads to a decrease in the level cholesterol.

Some biological active points on the palms are responsible for the stabilization of the uric acid content, carbohydrate balance, and endocrine-vegetative activity.

Not enough scientific data have been collected on the physiological significance of energy meridians and points lying on them. However, it has been clinically proven to improve the tissue microcirculation of blood in the internal organs with a massage effect on the biologically active areas of the palms.

Acupressure relieves arterial and venous hypo- or hypertension by normalizing blood pressure and expanding the vascular lumen. Mechanical impact on some "health points" leads to an antispastic effect.

Smooth muscle fibers are mainly affected. The therapeutic effect is noticeable in the spasmodic state of the alimentary canal, and in women - with convulsions of the uterus or appendages.

The data of the electrocardiogram, electroencephalogram, and other hardware studies indicate the beneficial effect of acupressure technique on the functions of the heart and cerebral organ.

"Health points" on the palms of the hands strengthen the immune system, strengthen the body's resistance to infectious agents of viral and bacterial nature. The manual effect on mechanoreceptors has moderate sedative and antidepressant effects.

The clinical benefits of acupressure depend on the purpose and physiological role of the health point. Acupuncture center P6 (Chinese name - kun-zui) relieves bouts of motion sickness, suppresses nausea and vomiting symptoms.

Located on the radial surface of the thumb at a slight distance from the nail cuticle, the P11 point (shao-shan) is responsible for thermoregulation of the body. Manual pressure on it is effective for colds, sunstroke, inflammation in the lungs.

Pressure points

On the palms there are 8 main biologically active centers and several auxiliary points that duplicate each other's functions. Their location is shown in the table.

Name	Localization	Functions
P10 (yui-tszi)	Behind the lower phalanx of the thumb, near the glycolytic muscle	Normalization of the tone of the smooth muscle walls of the respiratory canals; strengthening the heart mechanism; stimulation of the cerebellum; increased flexibility of the upper segment of the spinal column.
P9 (tai-yuan)	On the radial surface of the proximal fold, in the heartbeat zone.	Strengthening the myocardium; expansion of the lung cavities; toning of blood vessels; an increase in the aortic lumen; improving the functioning of the kidneys and the large intestine.
P8 (ching qu)	In the lower part of the palm, above the wrist fold, between the styloid process and the radial artery.	Respiratory activity normalization; elimination of bronchial spasm; suppression of febrile conditions; oppression of pathogenic skin microflora.
P7 (Le-tsue)	Slightly above the wrist fold, in the socket between the tendon fibers of the thumb.	Improving the psycho-emotional background; relief of cough syndrome; improving memory; stabilization of perspiration and deurination.

A targeted effect on biologically active pressure points relieves pain syndromes of various origins, suppresses inflammatory processes, and strengthens the cardiovascular mechanism.

Acupuncture massage has numerous clinical effects, which depend on the physiological role of the projection-reflex center located in the palm of your hand. Below are the main pressure points and the therapeutic results achieved by acupressure.

Heart pressure point

The biologically active center is located between the little finger and the edging fold of the wrist. Light massage pressure on the point responsible for the work of the heart reduces the manifestations of tachycardia, eliminates anxiety, anxiety.

This effect improves sleep function, relieves depression, and normalizes blood circulation. The manual procedure effectively eliminates nasal congestion, signs of sinusitis and colds.

Small intestine meridian

The energy line is located at the edge of the outer surface of the palm. The acupressure zone is located slightly below the little finger. Massaging pressure on this point reduces pain in the cervical spine.

Manual therapy relieves ear paroxysms provoked by the inflammatory process. Pressure on the point is effective for periodic cephalgia, increased intracranial pressure, narrowing of the lumen of cerebral vessels.

Pulmonary meridian

In the palm of the hand, the energy line extends from the terminal phalanx of the thumb along the back of the surface to the wrist fold. According to Chinese medicine, the lung meridian is distinguished by the centrifugal movement of energy.

There are 11 biologically active points on this line, but there is only one in the palm of your hand. The acupressure effect relieves cough, shortness of breath, pain of various origins and localization.

Contraindications to manual action on pressure points

The massage procedure has a minimal amount of clinical limitations. Most of them are conditional. It is not recommended to perform acupressure for diagnosed oncological processes of any localization.

It is better not to subject "points of health" to mechanical pressure in case of violation of lymphatic outflow, blood circulation, diseases of the hemostasis system. It is forbidden to stimulate biologically active centers on the palms of the hands for patients with open tuberculosis.

Contraindications to acupressure include acute inflammation, respiratory infections, heart or kidney failure.

It is better not to perform the procedure in a state of strong emotional arousal. During pregnancy, pressure points can be influenced only after prior consultation with a gynecologist.

Manual therapy is prohibited for patients in a state of physical exhaustion, with exacerbation of gastritis or gastric ulcer.

It is better to refrain from stimulating pressure points on the palms:

• with intestinal perforation;
• during the menstrual cycle;
• at elevated body temperature;
• with active skin inflammation in the area of ​​the intended impact.

The procedure is contraindicated in patients with urogenital infections, internal bleeding, purulent-septic foci.

Dots on the fingers

The fundamental concept of Chinese medicine is based on the statement about the functioning of the human body due to the Qi flowing through special meridians.

The internal organs supposedly communicate with each other along the channels penetrating the body. Evidence-based medicine does not deny the connection between acupuncture points and functional systems, but explains it in terms of anatomy and physiology.

Important reflex zones are located on the fingers, the stimulation of which affects the target internal organ. The general innervation connection of biologically active centers is formed in the embryonic period and remains unchanged throughout life.

With a stimulating manual effect on the reflex zones, an electrochemical impulse of a special nature is sent to the brain. As a result, the regulatory functions are corrected. Below are the biologically active centers of each finger.

Little finger

The energy meridian of the large intestine, stomach cavity and heart passes through it.

Massaging the acupressure point located at the base of the little finger nail can eliminate:

• swelling of the limbs and face;
• allergic rash due to gastrointestinal intoxication;
• Difficulty urinating
• cardiac arrhythmia;
• high blood pressure.

In the folds of the esophageal canal of the large intestine, residues of undigested products accumulate, which are difficult to evacuate from the body, which leads to excessive gas formation.

The massage effect on the base of the nail plate and the pad of the little finger enhances the contractile activity of the smooth muscle walls of the organ, improves the breakdown of food, and accelerates the absorption of nutrients.

Manual stimulation of a physiologically active point, called shao-hsing in Chinese medical treatises, effectively relieves headache attacks, suppresses symptoms of tonsillitis and mastitis in women.

Thumb

Associated with the energy meridian of the spleen. In chronic autoimmune diseases, acupressure massage of the shao-shan reflex zone reduces the frequency of exacerbations.

“Health points” on the palms of the hands perform different physiological functions depending on the connection with a certain organ or functional system. Chinese medicine believes that psychological lability is due to stagnation of energy in the meridian passing through the thumb.

A physiologically active point is located on the pad, which regulates cerebral circulation. Massaging it improves mental performance. Point manual influence eliminates cough, fever, inflammatory sore throat.

Forefinger

The energy meridian of the renal organ and bladder stretches through it. The physiologically active point located on the middle phalanx is called shang-yang in Chinese medicine.

Acupressure massage of the reflex zone is effective for chronic cystitis - a common inflammation of the bladder among women. The point is responsible for intracranial pressure, which normalizes the correct massage effect on the biologically active center.

Middle finger

The energy meridian is associated with the hepatobiliary system. The acupressure massage called the jan-chun point improves the function of the gallbladder and the circulation of the liver secretion that breaks down fats.

Recommended manual impact on the reflex zone of the middle finger, located on the terminal phalanx, with:

• toxic liver damage;
• alcoholic polyneuropathy;
• frequent fainting;
• post-stroke recovery;
• unmotivated restlessness and anxiety;
• recurrent headaches;
• premenstrual syndrome;
• stitching pains in the chest area;
• elevated body temperature.

With age, the hepatobiliary organ is prone to the deposition of visceral lipid tissue. Reflexotherapy is effective for obesity of the liver in combination with a therapeutic diet.

Ring finger

Here is the physiological active point of guang-chzhong, which is responsible for the functions of the small intestine and the upper respiratory system. The center of the projection allows you to eliminate dermatological destruction.

Physiologically active point massage is performed to reduce the severity of chronic skin diseases. The projection reflex center is associated with nerve pathways, vascular network, small and large joints.

Massage techniques and techniques

The manual procedure, in the absence of contraindications, is performed at any time of the day and in various body positions. The number of sessions throughout the day and the duration of therapy are determined by clinical need.

The use of massage techniques depends on the goals, the painfulness of the condition.

Among the manual techniques, the following are common:

• pressure;
• kneading;
• tapping;
• tingling;
• pat;
• slight tension of the skin.

Unlike other body treatments for physiotherapy purposes, acupressure does not require the use of specialized equipment or a massage table.

"Health points" on the palms of the hands and fingers allow you to improve your well-being without medication. Methods for eliminating various pathological conditions by means of Chinese medicine are presented below.

To improve cerebral functions

Energy imbalance in the body primarily affects the brain. It is possible to improve its functions by massaging the biologically active zone of he-gu.

The projection center is located on the surface of the palm between the thumb and forefinger of both hands. The zone is worked out with circular massage movements for 2-3 minutes. The symmetrical point sends nerve impulses to the brain, which stimulate the cerebral regions and improve hemodynamics.

To eliminate stress

The projection center that responds to mood and psychological balance is located in the central part of both palms. Pressing on the reflex zone increases stress resistance, reduces emotional stress.

The point can be influenced by circular massaging. The recommended session duration is 2-3 minutes. The number of manual procedures is not limited.

For digestive disorders

The reflex point of the meridian of the stomach and intestines is located on the elevation of the skin at the base of the fingers. The reflex zone is massaged with spiral or zigzag movements for 2-3 minutes.

The manual procedure improves digestive activity, eases bowel movements in case of constipation, relieves intestinal colic and stomach pains. For the prevention of gastroenterological pathologies, the session is repeated daily in the morning.

For inflammatory processes

Biologically active centers responsible for the functions of the nephrological apparatus and urinary system are located on the palms of both hands. Acupressure massage suppresses the pathological symptoms of chronic kidney disease.

Manual impact on the area of ​​elevation at the base of the thumb reduces the severity of the inflammatory process of internal organs and skin. In the center of the palmar surface is a point, the circular pressure on which stimulates the secretion of steroid proteins.

For headaches

In case of systematic attacks of migraine caused by a consistently increased cerebral pressure, they affect the universal and multifunctional projection-reflex zone he-gu.

The site is worked out for 3 minutes. alternating elastic pressing with light stretching of the epidermis. For headaches associated with colds or viral and bacterial infections, rubbing the fingers from the nails to the bases is performed.

For sleep disorders

To get rid of a feeling of physical fatigue or psycho-emotional stress, causing a failure of biological rhythms, will help acupressure massage of symmetrical projection centers located at the very base of the little finger on the outer and back sides of the hand.

The reflexology procedure is performed daily. The approximate duration of the session is 2-3 minutes. The impact eliminates insomnia, has a relaxing effect.

The technique of performing massage of this "point of health" provides for the alternation of a leisurely rhythmic pressing on the corresponding part of the palm of both hands with intensive manipulations compression-stretching type.

Video about hand acupressure

Simple self-massage of hands: