Chest and abdomen
Pectoralis major and minor, intercostals, rectus abdominis, obliques
Related muscles
- Pectoralis major：Tight chest, inward-rotated shoulder, aching or numbness on the inner arm
- Pectoralis minor：Front shoulder pain, rounded shoulders, numbness on the inner arm
- Rectus abdominis：Lower back compensation, tight abdominal wall or bloating
Related acupoints
Massage and stretching
Massage method：Massage the abdomen with the palm in a clockwise direction for 5 minutes, following the path of the large intestine. Do not massage after a heavy meal. Press the pectoral muscles gently with the fingertips along the sternum.
Relief stretches：Stretch the chest muscles in a doorway. Abdominal breathing for 5 minutes.
Visceral referred-pain notes
Chest: heart (pressure, pain in the left arm or jaw), lungs and pleura (pain on breathing), esophagus. Upper abdomen: stomach, duodenum, liver and gallbladder, pancreas. Lower abdomen: intestines, appendix (lower right), bladder, uterus and ovaries.
When to see a doctor：Severe abdominal pain, blood in the stool, or chest pain with pressure: seek medical care immediately. Avoid abdominal acupoints during pregnancy.
Related meridians
Conception Vessel (Ren Mai)、Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming、Spleen Meridian of Foot-Taiyin、Kidney Meridian of Foot-Shaoyin
Frequently asked questions
Which direction should abdominal massage go?
Use the palm in a clockwise direction, following the path of the large intestine. Do not massage after a heavy meal, and pregnant people should avoid it.
Can I massage chest or abdominal pain?
Severe abdominal pain, blood in the stool or pressure-type chest pain may come from an internal problem. See a doctor first.