On an ordinary afternoon, a retired secondary school teacher, Mr. Zhang, came to my clinic. His steps were heavy, his face pale, and his eyes showed endless exhaustion. Mr. Zhang told me that although he has been retired for many years, his life has not been easy because of it. He often experienced fatigue, accompanied by indigestion and poor sleep quality, which overshadowed his retirement.
Through detailed inquiry and diagnosis, I found that Mr. Zhang's symptoms were related to what Chinese medicine calls "spleen meridian blockage". In traditional Chinese medicine, the spleen is responsible for important digestion and absorption functions, and is the source of qi and blood biochemistry. Therefore, I explained to Mr. Zhang the importance of the Spleen Meridian and suggested that he try to improve the situation by tapping specific acupuncture points. Although at first he was skeptical of this traditional approach, he decided to give it a chance.
After several weeks of insisting on tapping the acupuncture points, Mr. Zhang's complexion and mental state had improved significantly when he returned to visit. He was pleasantly surprised to tell me that not only did his digestion improve, but his overall vitality also improved significantly. This change meant a lot to him, and he once again felt the joy and freedom that health brings.
The pathway of the spleen meridian and its physiological function: the subtle pathway of the source of life
The spleen meridian, as one of the important meridians in TCM theory, starts at the medial corner of the big toe and extends upwards through the entire leg, through the abdomen, and up to the chest. Not only is it an important energy channel for the body, but it is also directly related to the health of the digestive and immune systems.
Spleen main transport refers to the fact that the function of the spleen is not limited to digestion and absorption in the traditional sense. In TCM, the spleen is also responsible for converting ingested food into energy and nutrients and delivering it throughout the body, supporting the vitality and function of every cell. In addition, the spleen meridian also directly affects the production and quality of blood, and through the spleen's transport function, it can convert water into qi and blood, further promoting blood circulation and nourishment of various parts of the body.
From a broader perspective, the health of the spleen meridian is directly related to the immunity of the individual. If the spleen meridian is not well circulated, it will not only lead to various problems in the digestive system, such as bloating, constipation or loss of appetite, but also may cause general fatigue and decreased immunity. Therefore, maintaining the smooth flow of the spleen meridian is essential for maintaining overall health.
Acupuncture point tapping: the science and art of opening up the meridians
Acupressure tapping, a self-healing method originating from ancient times, uses the palm or fingertips of the hand to tap on specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of qi and blood. In TCM theory, the flow of qi and blood is the cornerstone of maintaining health. Acupuncture point tapping can not only promote blood circulation, but also enhance organ function, especially the spleen meridian, which is related to the efficiency of digestion and the immune system.
Mechanism analysis of acupoint tapping
When tapping acupuncture points, the slight vibration of the palm or fingertips on the skin can be transmitted to the deep tissues, activating the nerve endings around the acupuncture points and promoting local blood circulation. This physical stimulation helps to "unblock" possible blockages in the meridians, similar to untangling a tangled water pipe, allowing qi and blood to flow unimpeded. Scientific studies have also shown that regular tapping of acupuncture points can reduce the level of inflammation in the body and improve the body's immunity.
Tapping also helps regulate the autonomic nervous system, improves sleep quality, reduces stress, and has a significant effect on the common sub-health conditions in life. Especially for middle-aged and elderly people, this method can not only enhance physical fitness, but also can be used as part of daily health care, which is simple and easy.
The three key acupuncture points and the tapping operation manual
Taibai Acupoint: The guardian of the digestive system
Location: Located on the inside of the foot, the palpable depression with four transverse fingers measured upwards from the base of the big toe.
Tapping method: Use the root of the palm to gently pat the Taibai acupoint, it is recommended to pat continuously 100 times a day. This acupuncture point is directly related to the spleen, and regular tapping can help improve digestive function, especially for people with indigestion or loss of appetite.
Sanyin sex: the intersection of gynecology and emotional balance
Location: On the inside of the calf, at the position of 4 transverse fingers on the tip of the ankle, the posterior border of the tibia.
Tapping method: You can use the fingertips of the index finger and middle finger to gently tap or press this acupuncture point for 1-2 minutes a day. Sanyin Jiao is the intersection point of multiple meridians, which has a significant improvement effect on women's specific problems such as menstrual discomfort and mood swings.
Spleen and Yu acupoints: the key to enhancing immunity
Location: Located on the back, 1.5 inches on each side of the 11th thoracic vertebrae.
How to beat: You can ask others to help, use your empty palm to aim at the spleen and Yu acupoint and tap lightly, or use the patting stick to tap lightly. It is done 50 times a day to help boost the immune system, and is suitable for people who often catch colds and are frail and sick.
Precautions when tapping acupuncture points
While acupressure tapping has a variety of benefits, it should also be performed with caution, especially for people with weak constitutions or specific health problems. Pregnant women and patients with severe heart disease should avoid acupuncture tapping. The force of the slapping should not be too heavy to avoid tissue damage.
The best time to tap is after waking up in the morning or before going to bed, when the body is in a relatively relaxed state, and it is easier to accept the stimulation brought by the tapping, and the effect is better. Consistent practice will lead to unexpected health improvements.
Acupuncture tapping is a simple yet effective self-care method that not only improves digestion but also boosts overall immunity by activating the spleen meridian. By understanding and practicing the correct slapping techniques, middle-aged and elderly people can greatly improve their quality of life and achieve a healthy and long life. This ancient technique, combined with modern scientific validation, provides a way for modern people to self-regulate without the need for external drugs.