In Traditional Chinese Medicine, coughing is often seen as a sign of an imbalance in the lung and spleen meridians. Tuina massage, a form of Chinese therapeutic massage, can be used to help alleviate cough symptoms by targeting specific acupressure points and meridians.
One effective technique in Tuina massage for relieving cough is massaging the acupressure points located on the lung meridian. The lung meridian runs from the chest down the arm to the thumb. By massaging along this meridian, practitioners believe that it can help to clear any blockages and promote the flow of Qi (energy) in the lungs, which in turn can help alleviate cough symptoms.
Another technique that can be effective for relieving cough is massaging the acupressure points on the spleen meridian. The spleen meridian runs from the big toe up the inner leg to the chest. By massaging along this meridian, practitioners believe that it can help strengthen the spleen function, which is important for clearing dampness and phlegm from the body, thus reducing cough symptoms.
In addition to targeting specific meridians, practitioners may also employ techniques such as cupping or gua sha during Tuina massage to help alleviate cough symptoms. Cupping involves placing cups on the skin to create a suction effect, which can help to improve blood flow and clear any congestion in the lungs. Gua sha involves using a tool to scrape the skin, which can help to release tension and promote the flow of Qi in the body.
Overall, Tuina massage can be effective for relieving cough symptoms by targeting specific acupressure points and meridians, as well as utilizing techniques such as cupping and gua sha. By promoting the flow of Qi and clearing any blockages in the body, Tuina massage can help to alleviate cough symptoms and promote overall respiratory health.