When your throat starts to feel scratchy, sore, hoarse, or you notice mild mucus, you may want to spend a few minutes gently warming the area around your ears and wrists using Dien Chan – MultiReflexology.

Created in Vietnam by Professor Bui Quoc Chau in 1980, Dien Chan is a complementary wellness practice based on the body's reflexive response. For mild throat discomfort, the areas below the earlobes, around the jawline, and the wrists are commonly used for simple self-care at home.

🌿 Safety Note: This guide is intended for self-care and health education only. It does not replace professional medical advice. If you have a high fever, difficulty breathing, severe or persistent sore throat, underlying health conditions, or are caring for a young child, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

1. Why Try This Approach?

When a sore throat first appears, the usual advice is to rest, drink warm fluids, keep your body warm, and monitor your symptoms. Dien Chan can be a practical addition to these healthy habits because it:

• uses simple, easy-to-handle tools;

• relies on gentle, comfortable pressure;

• takes only 3–5 minutes;

• is suitable when the throat first begins to feel irritated or hoarse;

• encourages you to take an active role in your own well-being.

One of the key principles of Dien Chan is listening to your body. As you gently rub or stimulate these areas, you may notice tenderness, warmth, mild sensitivity, or increasing comfort. These sensations can help guide you to adjust your pressure and pace.

2. What You'll Need

You can use any of the following:

• A small amount of warming oil, herbal balm, or cajeput oil.

• A Dien Chan mini hammer or probe.

• If you don't have Dien Chan tools, use the rounded end of a stainless-steel chopstick, an empty ballpoint pen, or any clean object with a smooth rounded tip.

For children, older adults, or people with sensitive skin, use only a small amount of gentle warming oil.

Method 1: Warm the Area Below the Earlobes

This is the easiest place to begin.

1. Rub your hands together until warm.

2. Use three or four fingers to gently massage below the earlobes and around the jawline.

3. Repeat about 30 strokes on each side.

4. If using warming oil, apply a very small amount and continue until the area feels comfortably warm.

If one side feels more tender than the other, simply spend a little more time there while keeping the pressure gentle.

After a few minutes, many people report that swallowing feels more comfortable and the throat feels more relaxed.

Method 2: Gentle Tapping or Stroking Around the Jaw

If you have a Dien Chan hammer or probe, you can continue with this step.

• Gently tap below the earlobes and along the jawline for 30–60 seconds.

• If an area feels especially tender, reduce the pressure and slow down.

• If using a probe or rounded object, gently stroke the same areas.

• Repeat two or three rounds if it feels comfortable.

Finish by drinking a few sips of warm water and resting your voice for several minutes.

Method 3: Warm the Wrists

This method is ideal if you prefer not to work on the face, or when caring for children or older adults.

1. Apply a small amount of warming oil to the wrists.

2. Fold your thumb into your palm.

3. Rub both wrists together for one to two minutes until warm.

4. Repeat several times throughout the day if needed.

In Dien Chan, warming the wrists is commonly practiced as a simple way to support overall comfort and throat wellness.

3. Additional Self-Care Tips

To support recovery, you may also:

• Drink warm water regularly.

• Keep your neck and ears warm outdoors.

• Avoid iced drinks and very cold foods.

• Rest your voice whenever possible.

• Add humidity to indoor air if using heating.

• Choose warm, soft foods that are easy to swallow.

If you notice excessive mucus, you may also choose to reduce dairy products for a few days and observe how your body responds.

Getting started with Dien Chan can be as simple as spending a few minutes gently warming the area below your earlobes.

If your body feels more relaxed, warmer, or more comfortable afterward, you'll understand why many people enjoy incorporating this practice into their daily self-care routine.

The beauty of Dien Chan lies in its simplicity—it encourages you to care for your own well-being using gentle techniques that can be practiced at home.

Dinh Huong Thao

Health Educator & Dien Chan MultiReflexology Educator

Self-Healing & Health Education Platform