Massage Therapy for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Chinese massage is a therapy with various manipulations applied to certain locations of the body. Due to the different sources from academic backgrounds, regional cultures and practical experiences, it has developed into many schools and branches, such as one-finger meditation massage, rolling massage, finger-pressing massage, digital acupressure massage, bone-setting massage, child massage, organs and meridians massage, chiropractic therapy and beauty massage.
In terms of massage techniques and treatment styles, each school has its own unique characters. For example, most of the manipulations in Northern China are rapid and vigorous while those in Southern China are slow and gentle.
When massage is used on specific body regions, the stress acts locally to promote blood circulation and remove stagnations, restore impaired soft tissues and correct bone and joint deformities. Moreover, through the transmission of fluids, qi (vital energy) and blood, the manipulations also affect the functional state of the internal organs and create an effect on the outward body.
Sample protocols:
Breast Tenderness
Use one middle finger to knead forcefully in the middle of breastbone (tan zhong, Cv 17) for 2 minutes, rub with the palms over the chest region for 2 minutes, then use fingers to press and knead gan shu (Bl 18), zhang man (Lr 13), xue hai (Sp 10) and tai chong (Lr 3) for 2 minutes in each acupoint.
Headache
Press on the middle for eyebrows with one palm edge, up and down (Ex-Hn1 to Gv 24) repeatedly for 5 minutes, then use the thumbs to press and knead slightly on the temple area (Ex-Hn5) for 4 minutes, then up and down along the hair line by one-finger meditation technique (see graphic below) 10 times.
Edema
Push and rub by one-finger meditation technique on the acu-points of zhong wan (Cv 12), tian shu (St 25), qi hai (Cv 6) and guan yang (Cv 4) for 10 minutes each. Then press and knead the acu-points pi shu (Bl 20), shen shu (Bl 23), wei shu (Bl 21), da chang shu (Bl 25) and zhang qiang (Gv 1) for 2 minutes each.
Self-message is recommended for PMS individuals. Massage with the hands or with tools over the abdomen and other affected regions can promote blood and qi flowing, and in turn enhance a smooth menstrual flow. Simply knead on acupoints like zhong ji (Cv3) and san yin jiao (Sp 6) are also beneficial, do it in the morning and evening every day, you will experience the effect for a period of time.
