Chinese medicine doctor teaches heart-protecting massage to activate blood circulation

Myocardial infarction, or a heart attack, not only poses an immediate life-threatening danger but can also lead to complications like stroke and various organ failures once the heart muscle is damaged by ischemia and necrosis. A Chinese Medicine practitioner shares two heart-protecting massage techniques that are effective for activating blood circulation, removing stasis, and clearing “heart fire”. During an acute cardiac crisis, scraping a specific area on the hand can serve as first aid to protect the heart at a critical moment and alleviate discomfort and oppressive feelings.

Chinese Medicine practitioner Dr. Wu Hong-qian mentioned on the Health 2.0 program that there is a meridian in the human arm called the “Pericardium Meridian”. In Chinese Medicine theory, it is believed that "the Pericardium Meridian receives pathogens on behalf of the heart," meaning the pericardium can take on external harm instead of the heart. Stimulating the Pericardium Meridian has the effects of activating blood circulation, removing stasis, and supplementing heart qi. Therefore, when a patient experiences acute myocardial infarction with palpitations and chest tightness, if the patient is still conscious while en route to the hospital, scraping the patient's Pericardium Meridian can help protect the heart and reduce damage.

Method:

Using a finger or a Gua Sha tool with massage oil, scrape from the Quze point in the elbow crease all the way down, passing through the Jianshi point, Daling point, Laogong point, until reaching the Zhongchong point at the tip of the middle finger. Scrape until the skin turns pinkish.

Besides having a first-aid function, doing this for 5 minutes morning and night can also serve as daily heart maintenance to help prevent myocardial infarction.

Massaging the Heart Meridian to Soothe Emotions & Clear Heart Fire

Emotions also affect the heart, especially anger. Wu recommends massaging another meridian, the "Heart Meridian", which includes points like Shaohai, Lingdao , Shenmen, Shaofu, and Shaochong. This helps soothe emotions, regulate the spirit, and improve conditions related to heart fire and liver fire. Do this for 5 minutes morning and night, scraping from the inner side of the elbow crease down along the inner arm to the tip of the little finger. This aids in nourishing the heart and calming the spirit, preventing emotions from harming the heart and liver.

Myocardial Infarction Symptoms/Complications – Not Just Chest Pain

According to Hong Kong Hospital Authority information, Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI), commonly known as a "heart attack," is usually caused by atherosclerosis and coronary thrombosis. The heart muscle deprived of blood supply cannot function properly and begins to necrotize (die).

Acute Myocardial Infarction Symptoms:

• Typical Symptoms: Chest pain and discomfort, sometimes radiating to the jaw and left arm, accompanied by sweating and difficulty breathing.
• Atypical Symptoms: Such as indigestion and dizziness.
• Sometimes, cardiac arrest can also be the initial symptom of an acute myocardial infarction.

Acute Myocardial Infarction Complications:

• Complications: Myocardial necrosis and functional failure can lead to cardiogenic shock and acute heart failure in severe cases. Necrotic heart muscle can cause arrhythmias or structural ruptures leading to cardiac tamponade, acute mitral regurgitation, or acute ventricular septal defect. All these conditions are immediately life-threatening and increase the risk of stroke or other organ failures.
• Long-term Effects: The patient's heart suffers varying degrees of damage. Survivors of acute myocardial infarction have an increased risk of developing chronic heart failure, arrhythmias, and stroke.