At a chance family gathering, the 67-year-old Li looked particularly tired. After some inquiry, he shared the various self-treatment methods he has recently tried, including some quick "wellness" techniques that are popular online. Lao Li said that although he insisted on practicing these so-called healthy habits every day, including using different instruments to pat his body, some of his chronic problems, such as joint pain and sleep disorders, did not improve, and even tended to worsen.
This leads to an important point of discussion: how do we distinguish between right and wrong approaches in the pursuit of health? In the following sections, we will explore in detail the scientific implications of this ancient health law and how it should be properly practiced.
Introduction to TCM Theory and Scientific Explanation of the "Eight Void Nests": Uncovering the Modern Value of Ancient Wisdom
The Five Organs and Health of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine theory believes that the health status of the human body is closely related to the function of the five organs (heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys). These five organs not only perform their own duties and deal with the basic physiological functions of the body, but also interact with each other to maintain the balance and harmony of the body. The heart is responsible for blood circulation and mental state, the liver is responsible for blood storage and detoxification, the spleen and stomach are the "acquired nature" and are mainly responsible for digestion and absorption, the lungs control breathing and the regulation of airflow in the body, and the kidneys are related to growth, development and the health of the reproductive system.
The positioning and importance of the eight void fossa
The "Eight Void Sockets" refer to the eight specific parts of the human body, which are usually soft and are considered to be key areas in TCM to regulate body functions and affect the health of the five internal organs. Specifically:
Shoulder well fossa: Located at the highest point of the shoulder, it is associated with lung health.
Armpit: Connects the upper limbs to the torso and affects the function of the heart and lungs.
Elbow fossa: The inside of the arm, which communicates with the meridians of the lungs and large intestine.
Carpal fossa: The inside of the wrist that affects heart function.
Dorsal fossa: Both sides of the spine are closely related to kidney health.
The fossa of life: located in the waist, it is the "roof" of the kidneys, which is directly related to the vitality of the human body.
Knee fossa: behind the knee, which is closely related to the health of the spleen and stomach.
Zusanlifoa: four horizontal fingers below the knee to regulate the function of the spleen and stomach.
Tapping and massaging of these areas can stimulate the relevant meridians and promote the circulation of qi and blood, thereby helping to regulate the functions of the five internal organs and further affect overall health.
A Detailed Explanation of Tapping Therapy: Unlocking the Traditional Wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Tapping therapy, derived from the ancient theory of traditional Chinese medicine, aims to activate blood circulation, regulate qi and blood, and promote health through the use of manual taps or heavy blows on specific parts of the body. This section details the specific steps and do's and don'ts of the method, allowing readers to practice this ancient conditioning technique safely and effectively.
1. Positioning and patting methods of the eight virtual fossa
The Eight Deficiency Fossa refers to the eight key parts closely related to the functions of the five organs in traditional Chinese medicine, corresponding to the reflex areas of the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys and other organs. Plapping these areas can regulate the corresponding visceral functions in the following ways:
Heart fossa: located at the lower end of the sternum, between the two ribs. Gently pat this area 100 times with the palm of your hand to help relieve palpitations and feelings of depression.
Hepatic area: located under the right ribs. Gently tap with the palm of your hand 100 times from the inside out to promote liver detoxification and emotional stability.
Spleen area: under the left side of the ribs, also tap 100 times with the palm side to enhance digestion and absorption function.
Lung area: Bilateral chest area, alternately patted with the palm of the hand can clear the lung heat and relieve dyspnea.
Kidney area: Located on the back, next to the spine on both sides, patting this area can enhance kidney function and improve physical strength.
2. The strength and duration of the beat
Each slap should be controlled to be comfortable and avoid pain. It is generally recommended to do it once in the morning and once in the evening, and each time it takes about 5 minutes.
Scientific Perspectives: The Utility and Controversy of Slapping Therapy
Although patting therapy is highly regarded in traditional Chinese medicine, modern medicine still disagrees on its effectiveness. Below is a summary of some scientific studies and critical perspectives, as well as the possible mechanisms of this therapy.
1. Scientific research support
Blood circulation: Some preliminary studies have shown that tapping can promote local blood circulation and relieve muscle tension.
Nervous system: Stimulation of the skin and deep tissues by patting may have a positive effect on the nervous system, improving pain and stiffness.
2. Critique of modern medicine
Evidence is insufficient: there are anecdotal reports of benefits of slapping therapy, but there is a lack of support from large-scale clinical trials.
Safety concerns: Incorrect patting methods can cause tissue damage or other side effects.
3. Combined with the modern understanding of the slapping mechanism
Reflex Zone Theory: TCM believes that specific areas of the body are connected to internal organs, and patting these areas may affect the function of the internal organs through nerve reflex pathways.
Immunomodulation: Studies suggest that moderate physical stimulation may activate certain parts of the immune system, thereby aiding in the self-regulation of the internal environment.
In summary, tapping therapy integrates ancient Chinese medicine wisdom with modern lifestyle practices to provide a simple self-care method for modern people. Although modern medicine has reservations about it, it is undeniable that proper slapping exercises, combined with the right approach and moderate force, do have a certain positive effect on health. Readers should consult a medical professional before attempting to ensure that the method is correct and to avoid discomfort.