What are the ear massage health exercises?

Generally speaking, ear massage health exercises include techniques such as kneading the ears, pulling the ears, the "Striking Heavenly Drum" method, pushing and rubbing the auricle method, and acupressure. Detailed descriptions are as follows:

1. Kneading the Ears Method

Extend both hands and use the index fingers, middle fingers, and thumbs to knead the outer ear from top to bottom for approximately 2 minutes. The pressure should be moderate, with slight warmth in the ears being ideal. This exercise helps unblock meridians, improve circulation, relieve ear fatigue, and enhance hearing. Additionally, by stimulating ear acupoints, it can regulate internal organ functions, helping to prevent and treat diseases.

2. Pulling the Ears Method

Place the right hand on the waist, extend the left hand, and use the index finger and thumb to grasp the ear tip firmly, pulling upward five times. Then pull outward on the auricle five times, followed by pulling downward on the earlobe five times. Maintain each pull for 1–2 seconds before releasing. Repeat the same procedure with the left hand on the waist and the right hand performing the exercise. This exercise promotes blood circulation by stretching the ear muscles and ligaments and helps relieve ear tension.

3. Striking Heavenly Drum Method

Press both palms against the ears with the palms facing backward, placing the index fingers over the middle fingers. Quickly tap the back of the head, producing a drum-like resonant sound inside the skull. Tap 30 times or for about 3 minutes. Keep the palms pressed tightly against the ears throughout the tapping process, then apply extra pressure before quickly releasing. This exercise helps regulate pressure inside and outside the eardrum, preventing and improving ear conditions such as tinnitus and hearing loss. It also promotes cerebral blood circulation, enhances memory, and relieves mental fatigue.

4. Pushing and Rubbing the Auricle Method

Place the palms in front of the ears, flat against the face, and evenly push and rub backward past the ears. Then, from behind the ear, bring the auricle forward repeatedly. Continue this motion multiple times until a warm sensation is felt in both ears. This exercise stimulates acupoints and meridians on the auricle, promoting local blood circulation and enhancing ear immunity. Additionally, it can relieve ear discomforts such as pain and itching.

5. Acupressure Method

Use the index or middle fingers of both hands to press the Ear Gate (Ermen, 耳门穴), Auditory Palace (Tinggong, 听宫穴), and Hearing Confluence (Tinghui, 听会穴) acupoints for 1–2 minutes each. Apply pressure until a slight soreness is felt. This exercise stimulates ear acupoints, regulates the auditory nerves, and improves hearing. It can also alleviate symptoms of ear conditions such as tinnitus, hearing loss, and ear pain.

When performing ear massage exercises, ensure fingernails are neatly trimmed to avoid skin abrasions. If there are wounds, bleeding, eczema, frostbite, ulcers, or other skin issues on the auricle, massage should be temporarily avoided.