A small comb is a staple in everyone’s grooming kit. It is typically used for styling hair. However, when used correctly, it offers benefits beyond hair styling. For example, combing stimulates the blood vessels beneath the scalp, improving circulation and activating acupressure points on the head.
Moreover, combing can benefit various parts of the body. Doctors recommend focusing on five key areas daily to achieve noticeable health benefits. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the effects of “combing” these areas vary based on the technique and location used. Let’s explore some recommendations and their associated health benefits.
The hands and feet to cure coldness
Many people frequently experience cold hands and feet due to their location at the extremities. This makes it harder for qi and blood to circulate to these areas, resulting in deficient yang qi, the body’s warming energy. Regularly combing the hands and feet can stimulate circulation, promote blood flow, and help restore warmth to these areas.
The abdomen to treat constipation
The abdomen houses the body’s digestive organs, making it a key area for gastrointestinal health. Gently combing the abdomen can stimulate the peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract, helping to promote digestion and bowel movements. This technique can be especially beneficial for those who frequently experience constipation or indigestion.
The eyes to relieve fatigue
Numerous acupressure points around the eyes make this area ideal for gentle massage with a comb. This technique helps promote blood circulation and relieve eye strain. Start by slowly combing from the Jingming point (located in the depression just above the inner corner of the eye) to the outer corner. Then, gently comb along the upper and lower eye sockets. This method not only eases eye fatigue but also improves blood flow around the eyes. The Jingming point, “Bright Eyes,” is particularly effective for revitalizing tired eyes.
The head to refresh the mind
After waking up, gently comb the top of your head in a circular motion around the Baihui acupoint until your scalp feels slightly warm. This technique helps boost Yang Qi, invigorating both the body and mind. The Baihui point, often referred to as the “Hundred Convergences,” is located at the crown of the head, where a line connecting the highest and lowest points of the earlobes intersects with the midline of the head.
By stimulating this area, you can enhance blood circulation to the brain, which may improve mental clarity, increase alertness, and alleviate feelings of fatigue or sluggishness. Regularly practicing this method can help refresh your mind, setting a positive tone for the day ahead.
The back to remove dampness and diseases
Using a comb to scrape the back is a traditional Chinese medicine technique for removing dampness from the body. Focusing on the lower back can especially benefit individuals with excess moisture. This method helps eliminate dampness and alleviates back pain and other discomforts. To perform this technique, use the teeth of the comb to massage the back from top to bottom with slow, firm strokes until the skin feels slightly warm.
Precautions when combing the body
Before using this combing technique, it’s essential to consider a few precautions to ensure safety and effectiveness. Improper technique can negate the benefits of combing and may even increase the risk of other ailments.
Individuals with diabetes should avoid this method. If the pressure applied is too intense, it can create tiny, unnoticeable wounds on the skin. Additionally, people with diabetes often have reduced sensitivity in their skin, which can lead to accidents.
After combing, the blood vessels beneath the skin will be dilated. Therefore, it’s advisable to avoid taking a bath immediately afterward. Allow some time for the skin’s blood vessels to return to their normal state before bathing to achieve better results from the treatment.
Incorporating “combing” various body parts can offer a range of health benefits, from promoting circulation and relieving tension to improving overall well-being. Whether you’re targeting the scalp, abdomen, eyes, hands, feet, or back, each technique draws on traditional wisdom to enhance your physical and mental vitality.
As with any health practice, it’s essential to listen to your body and take necessary precautions, especially if you have underlying health conditions. Making these simple yet effective techniques a part of your daily routine can cultivate a greater sense of balance and wellness.
Translated by Patty Zhang and edited by Tatiana Denning
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