Hand and foot massage can promote circulation of the blood and lymphs, because its effect on local microcirculation quickly spreads to the entire body. As shown by experimental study, this massage can affect blood composition and the consumption of oxygen. The WBC count and ratio of lymphocytes in the blood were markedly increased; the neutrophils and RBC counts were also slightly increased. Oxygen consumption of the limbs can also be elevated to produce a general energetic metabolism keeping the body healthy through the adjustment of Ying (nutrients) and Wei (defensive energy) and promoting qi and blood circulation. After persistent stimulation applied to acupoints and reflecting areas of the hand and foot, the heart rate and breath frequence as well as oxygen consumption in patients undergoing operations can also be increased by this massage.
3. Adjustment similar to physical exercise:
It is well known that persistent and coordinated physical exercise can improve the adaptation, health and defensive energy of the body. Massage at a certain frequence, with certain pressure and over a certain period of time can adjust the functions of various internal organs and enhance the body's immune system. Although hand and foot massage is not a physical exercise done by the patient, it can produce similar effects as physical exercise. Why? The sum of the stimulating information available to the hand and foot through exercise is same as that produced by local massage applied to the hand and foot. There-fore, it produces a similar result. After strenuous mental activity over a long period of time, physical exercise can relieve mental fatigue. If the opportunity for physical exercise is not available, a self-massage on the hand and foot for a few minutes with eyes closed in an environment with fresh air can also achieve the same goal of mental refreshment.
4. Adjustment of meridian system:
As mentioned above, 12 important regular meridians originate from or stop at the hand or foot, and according to traditional medical theory they are closely related to the body's organs and tissues. The acupoints near the origin or terminal of meridians are more sensitive in the adjustment of meridians and the whole body, just as the water flowing in lower reaches is under the control of the water source from the upper reaches of a river. As proven in clinical practice, stimulation of the acupoints can produce a remarkable adjusting effect to the meridians and the entire body. Massage applied to the reflecting areas may unavoidably stimulate the acupoints in those areas. Once the mechanism of this adjusting effect can be scientifically illustrated, for example through a nerve-like channel, temporarily com-posed of cells, a new system--the meridian system of the body--can be proven and established on a scientific basis to explain the secrets of the human body.
