Finger Massage to Nourish the Body
There is an idiom in Chinese, Shi Zhi Lian Xin（十指连心）, that means the nerves of the fingertips are linked with the heart. Four simple words show the importance of our fingers. The fingers have many nerve endings and acupoints, which can show many things about the person’s health situation. In TCM therapy, every finger corresponds to an organ in our body, reflecting associated health problems. When you have a particularly painful fingertip, you should pay attention to it.
So, what are the fingers saying?
Thumb: reflects the health of the respiratory system.
Index finger: reflects the health of the digestive system.
Middle finger: reflects the health of the circulatory system and the endocrine system.
Ring finger: reflects the health of the nervous system and the endocrine system.
Little finger: reflects the health of the circulatory system and the urogenital system.
The blood that flows throughout the body comes into the extremities and flows back throughout the body. The ends of the hands and feet contain many nerves. Much of the information we receive about the world comes first through touch by our hands and feet. So, it is no wonder there are many nerves there.
Not only that, the nerves gathered here are also very sharp. Some skilled technicians can instantly understand that the thickness of something they touch is 0.01mm through the sensitive feeling of their fingertips. The sensitivity of this person’s fingertips is even more accurate than that of measuring instruments.
Some people often have cold hands and feet. Blood circulation can be quite poor in the extremities. For example, the temperature of the fingertips is only about 31 or 32 degrees. Massaging the fingers often can achieve the effect of nourishing the body. It’s the same with feet and toes. Usually, the soles of feet are cold and people must wear socks to sleep. However, with massage they can stimulate circulation, warm their toes, and no longer need to wear socks to sleep.
How to do a finger massage:
Press the finger to increase peripheral blood circulation. With the thumb and index finger, grasp the two sides of the fingernail on the other hand. Then start to rub, about 10 to 20 seconds in one place.
Strength: Everyone’s condition is different, so adjust the strength as needed. It is best to rub with a little force and you can feel the stimulation and increased circulation. This may feel a little painful, but that means the massage is effective.
Frequency: Massaging the fingers 1-2 times a day will be most effective.
Note: When massaging the fingers, do not use excessive force or hold the fingers tightly, this could damage the finger joints.
A long-term high-intensity life and work situation will make the body tense and produce unhealthy hormone accumulation. This leads to insomnia, headaches, digestive problems and can eventually cause various diseases.
The benefits of massage:
- Reduce cortisol, put the body into a relaxed rest and recovery mode, and improve mood.
- Decrease heart rate significantly, reduce insulin levels and stress.
- Promote blood circulation. This can make the whole body healthier.
- Increase the strength of the immune system.
This small action has a big effect, so move your fingers!
Have you noticed how your body gives you signals about your health? In fact, different parts of the body will give hints before full-blown illness, but we tend to ignore them for various reasons. Over time, the body becomes overloaded, until we get sick and can ignore it no longer. We should cherish our bodies and learn to take good care of ourselves. With a healthy body, everything is possible.
The Body & Soul doctors remain available to address all types of issues. Simply get in touch with us and tell us what’s bothering you. We will redirect you to one of our experts and make sure you get the best care. The Body & Soul Team wishes you a happy lantern festival!