More than 2,000 years ago, our ancestors pointed out in the ancient medical book "The Yellow Emperor's Neijing" that "the air pockets originate, each has its own name", and recorded in detail the names of 160 acupuncture points.
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that acupuncture points are not only the location where the meridian qi is infused on the body surface, but also the application site of acupuncture, massage, qigong and other therapies, which have the benefits of "pressing it quickly" and "driving away diseases quickly".
Today, we will share four acupuncture points that help strengthen the spleen and stomach, and nourish the body and mind.
1. Zusanli acupoint: relieves stomach distension and pain, and promotes appetite
The Zusanli acupoint is located three inches below the eye of the outer knee (four transverse fingers), the edge of the tibia, one transverse finger from the anterior tibial crest, located on the anterior tibial muscle, and is the joint acupoint of the Zuyang Ming stomach meridian. It specializes in treating stomach-related conditions such as bloating, stomach pain, decreased appetite, etc.
When stomach pain occurs, the abdominal wall and abdominal muscles become spasmed, causing the body to lean forward. When the human body leans forward, the tibialis anterior muscle on the front of the calf will contract, which corresponds to the lower joint points of the stomach and intestines, such as Zusanli, Shangjuxu, and Xiajuxu.
2. Abdominal mourning acupoint: accelerate gastrointestinal peristalsis and promote digestion
The abdominal mourning point is the acupuncture point of the foot Taiyin and spleen meridians. The spleen is the main muscle of the limbs, and the muscles are attached to the organs of the abdominal cavity, and their tension affects the pressure in the abdominal cavity. Normal abdominal pressure is essential to maintain normal gastrointestinal movement and avoid indigestion.
The abdominal mourning point is located next to the midline of the abdomen and opens the four fingers, at the lower edge of the ribs. By massaging the abdominal mourning points frequently, it can accelerate gastrointestinal peristalsis and relieve gastrointestinal discomfort.
Massage technique: Place the palm of your hand on the lower edge of your rib cage with your palm raised, and gently rub it with the metacarpophalangeal joint bone near the edge of the rib cage.
Precautions: It is best to contact the skin directly, avoid wearing too thick clothing, and there is no limit to the massage speed.
3. Dove tail acupoint: relaxes the rectus abdominis muscle, nourishes the heart and warms the stomach
The dovetail point is located below the symphysis of the pectoral tendon and is the attachment point of the diaphragmatic ligament. When we are in a state of anxiety, the sympathetic nervous system is excited, the heart rate increases, and it is easy to have palpitations, irritability, arrhythmia, sleep problems, etc., and at the same time, the gastrointestinal function will also be inhibited and peristalsis will be slowed down. At this time, massaging the dove tail acupoint can relax the rectus abdominis muscle, nourish the heart and warm the stomach.
Techniques for treating the stomach alone: use a gua sha board to gently stimulate the dove tail acupoint, and scrape the rounded part of the gua sha board from top to bottom to loosen the rectus abdominis muscle and improve gastrointestinal function. Generally, it lasts for 5-10 minutes, and a slight feeling of soreness is appropriate
4. Taichong acupoint: relieve indigestion and soothe emotions
The Taichong acupoint is located at the beginning of the solar bladder meridian of the foot, at the instep of the foot, in the depression between the first and second phalanges. Massaging the Taichong acupoints can soothe the mood, relieve feelings of stress and anxiety, while also having a positive effect on the digestive system.
Massage technique: Use your thumb or fingers to press the Taichong acupoint moderately and forcefully, each time for about 10 seconds, then release and repeat several times. You can massage the Taichong acupoint when you wake up in the morning, before going to bed, or when you feel anxious, to help adjust your physical and mental state.