Neil Kingham

As the name suggests, The acupoint Large Intestine 20, ‘Welcome Fragrance’ benefits the nose and treats nasal problems.

It can be used for nasal congestion, runny nose, sinusitis, rhinitis, hay fever, sneezing and so on. It is useful whether the problem is acute or chronic.

The point is easily located on either side of the nostrils in the naso-labial groove (the lines that runs from the nostrils down to the corners of the mouth.) To use this point apply firm pressure with your fingertips for a minute or 2, or until the point feels sore or a Qi sensation is felt. Blocked noses can clear instantly using this point!

Known by acupuncturists in New York as ‘The Urban Stress Point’, this acupoint on the top of the foot is one of the most popular points for dealing with stress.

In Chinese Medicine terms it helps to ‘spread the Liver Qi’ – this means that it deals with Qi stagnation, which can cause symptoms such as irritability, frustration, depression, mood swings, stress, irregular periods and pain.

It is also a nourishing point for the Liver Blood and Yin, making it useful for insomnia, dry skin, weak nails etc. The Liver relates to the eyes, and Liver 3 is often used for dry and blurry eyes.

It is located on the top (dorsum) of the foot between the 1st and 2nd metatarsals. To find it, place your finger at the meeting point of the big and 2nd toes and slide it up the groove away from the toes. A pronounced depression can normally be felt at the location of Liver 3. You may have to press with a little more pressure if you can’t feel it.

For any problem that is worse with stress, Liver 3 can be used.Simple acupressure on this point can be used to help to relieve stress and clear the head and eyes. Apply pressure until a Qi sensation is felt or until the point is slightly sore.

Tui Na is an ancient Chinese form of bodywork incorporating acupressure and massage techniques. It is one of the 5 main branches of Chinese medicine, but is still quite uncommon in the UK. Although it is sometimes described as a very hard or strong kind of massage, it can equally be be very gentle and relaxing if performed by a well trained practitioner.

Tui Na is much more than just a massage. As it is based on the same theories as acupuncture it also works on the internal environment, balancing and regulating the Qi. This makes it suitable for all manner of conditions including digestive problems, hormonal imbalance, insomnia, low energy levels, depression, stress and anxiety, and of course aches, pains, injuries and other physical problems.

The newly formed UK Register of Tui Na now has a ‘find a practitioner’ function. Minimum training standards exist for membership, so you can be certain that practitioners listed are highly trained.

Search for a practitioner, or learn more about Tui Na Massage at the UK Register of Tui Na Chinese Massage

Acupoint Yong Quan – ‘The Bubbling Spring’ – Kidney 1

The point Yongquan, on the sole of the foot, is one of the most important in Qi Gong practice, and is also of great use in Tui na and acupuncture for its calming and relaxing effect.

It is located on the sole of the foot, between the 1st and 2nd metatarsals, roughly a third of the distance between the base of the second toe and the heel, in the pronounced depression below the balls of the feet (it roughly corresponds with the solar plexus point in reflexology.)

As the only point on the sole of the feet, it is the lowest on the body and has a strong effect on descending Qi and Yang from the head. It is thus used for headaches, cough, dizziness and  nosebleeds.

In Qi Gong practice, Yongquan is the point through which we connect with the Yin energy of the earth. It has a rooting, grounding effect and can be used in all cases of anxiety, agitation, insomnia etc. So great is its calming effect that one of the classical indications for this point is for ‘rage with desire to kill’!

How to use it

In my experience Yongquan responds well to simple pressure, and I often use it in Tui Na massage treatments. Apply strong pressure to this point until a Qi sensation is felt at the fingers, or if uncertain, for a minute or so.

For insomnia, massage or press the point before bed. In China this is often combined with a warm foot bath to help sleep.

Yongquan is one of the easier points to activate mentally. If you are feeling anxious or over-stimulated, simply turn your attention to the soles of your feet. Feel the pressure of the ground against them. Focus on the Yongquan point. You may find it useful to imagine roots growing out of your feet and descending deep into the earth.

I’m very pleased to announce that the UK Register of Tui Na Chinese Massage has now launched, and the website is live. The register is an independent, professional organisation dedicated to promoting high standards of training and practice in Tui na, to supporting its trainee and qualified practitioners, and to developing the profile and fostering public awareness of this therapy within the UK.

The register is currently offering discounted membership to practitioners, and will offer a UK wide ‘find a practitioner’ function from November 1st.

Tui Na is rapidly growing in the UK. Only a few years ago it was unknown even to people working in massage or complementary health, but there are now more colleges offering training, and more practitioners. In my practice I am more and more often being approached by people specifically requesting Tui Na, as understanding of this wonderful therapy grows.

The UK Register of Tui Na Chinese Massage is in a strong position to lead this growth, and provides a much needed source of information for the public, as well as setting minimum standards for practitioners. This last function is extremely valuable as the standard of Tui Na training has historically been very variable, but now it is possible to be certain that members of the register (who will bear the letters MRTCM) have the highest level of training and professionalism.

For more info visit the website: UK Register of Tui Na Chinese Massage