Self Massage: The complete 15-minute-a-day massage programme. Jacqueline Young

up and over the scalp (Fig. 19), following the line of the Governor Vessel meridian. When you reach the top of your head apply pressure at the acupoint Governor Vessel 20 (Fig. 20).

       Fig. 18

       Fig. 19

       Fig. 20

      Acupoint Governor Vessel 20

      Location: At the top of the head. Place the thumbs on the top of each ear and stretch the middle fingers to meet at the top of the head. The fingers should be on the mid-line, and the scalp in line with the nose.

      Benefits: Improves mental function and general health. One of the major acupoints of the body.

      After massaging the acupoint GV20, continue pressing in a line along the centre of your scalp down to your back hairline moving your thumbs and your fingers simultaneously (Fig. 21). Then return to the front hair-line and repeat the same movement, this time with your fingers a half inch on either side of the mid-line of your head (Fig. 22). Once again use the touch-press-release movement with all your fingers working in a line from the front of your head, over your head and down to the hairline at the back of your head. Then repeat this movement once more, this time with your fingers one inch on either side of the mid-line (Fig. 23).

       Fig. 21

       Fig. 22

       Fig. 23

      Synchronize the touch-press-release movements with your breathing. If you are doing a slow massage you can exhale as you apply pressure and inhale as you release. Otherwise do 1 or 2 complete movements to each inhalation and exhalation.

      Benefits: Releases tension in your forehead and scalp. Stimulates mental function.

      Forehead

      Once again, place all your fingertips together in a vertical line on the middle of your forehead and let your thumbs rest against your temples for support (Fig. 24).

       Fig. 24

      Press lightly with your fingers and then release. Next, move your fingers about an inch apart. Touch your skin lightly then, again, press and release. Continue this movement until the whole forehead has been covered (Fig. 25).

       Fig. 25

      Again, exhale as you apply pressure and inhale as you release or synchronize the movements with your breathing.

      NOTE: