In this fast-paced era, the term “health preservation” has surged in popularity, becoming a key phrase in people’s pursuit of a healthy lifestyle. From the office trend of Goji berry tea to the millions of views on short video platforms for Ba Duan Jin (Eight Pieces of Brocade) exercises, and the nationwide participation in “Three Fu Sunbathing”, the trend of “New Chinese Health Preservation” is sweeping across the nation.
Among these, moxibustion, as a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) health preservation wisdom, is gradually being embraced by many health enthusiasts with the support of modern technology. Today, I would like to recommend a “beauty point” that our body possesses—Zusanli (足三里, Stomach 36). Regular moxibustion on this point can help us replenish Qi and blood, enhance beauty, and revitalize our glow.
Zusanli is located on the outer side of the lower leg, 3 inches below the knee (Dubi, 犊鼻), and 1 finger breadth lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia, situated on the line connecting Dubi and Jiexi (解溪). It is a key point of the Stomach meridian (足阳明胃经).
According to TCM theory, the spleen and stomach are the foundation of postnatal health, thus serving as the root of health preservation. The Stomach meridian is rich in Qi and blood, and Zusanli, as a key point of the Stomach meridian, is closely related to the generation of Qi and blood in the body. The stomach is regarded as the “sea of food and grain” in the human body, the source of Qi and blood production. The food we consume daily relies on the transformation function of the spleen and stomach to be converted into nourishing Qi and blood. Nowadays, bad habits such as staying up late and irregular eating are common, which may easily impair spleen and stomach function. Moxibustion on Zusanli can help invigorate this “Qi and blood processing factory”, enhancing the transformation ability of the spleen and stomach, converting food into Qi and blood, and helping the body maintain vitality at all times.
Fullness of Qi and blood is the cornerstone of health and beauty. When Qi and blood are insufficient, the complexion often becomes dull, sallow, and haggard, with spots and wrinkles possibly appearing. Moxibustion on Zusanli can help promote the circulation of Qi and blood, nourishing the face from within, making the complexion as rosy and radiant as peach blossoms in spring, exuding a healthy glow from the inside out. According to the Five Elements theory in TCM, the spleen and stomach belong to Earth, while the lungs belong to Metal; Earth can generate Metal. If the spleen and stomach are strong and Qi and blood are abundant, the lung function is likely to be enhanced as well. The lungs govern the skin, and with abundant lung Qi, the skin can become firm, smooth, and elastic. Additionally, a good state of Qi and blood can help improve endocrine disorders, reduce pigmentation, and assist people in bidding farewell to facial spots.
The spleen and stomach not only influence the generation of Qi and blood but are also key to nutrient intake and digestion. Nowadays, many people experience irregular or excessive eating habits due to fast-paced lifestyles and high stress, leading to issues such as stomach pain, bloating, and indigestion. Moxibustion on Zusanli can help regulate the Qi mechanism of the spleen and stomach, promote gastrointestinal peristalsis, enhance digestive fluid secretion, and help rejuvenate the spleen and stomach, thereby providing sufficient energy support to various organs in the body.
Immunity is the body’s solid defense line against external pathogens. The “Qian Jin Yao Fang” (千金要方) states: “If you want to be safe, Zusanli should not be neglected.” Moxibustion on Zusanli can help stimulate the body’s righteous Qi, enhance Yang Qi, and to some extent, strengthen the ability to resist external pathogens. Modern research shows that moxibustion on Zusanli can help regulate the human immune system, thereby strengthening the body’s defense mechanisms.
The impact of emotions on physical and mental health should not be underestimated. TCM theory posits that the spleen and stomach influence emotions; a weak spleen and stomach can easily lead to emotional fluctuations, while negative emotions can also harm the spleen and stomach. Moxibustion on Zusanli can help harmonize the Qi and blood of the spleen and stomach, thereby alleviating anxiety, depression, and other negative emotions caused by spleen and stomach dysfunction, as well as calming the mind and improving insomnia, helping the body and mind return to a state of peace and tranquility.
For moxibustion, it is recommended to perform it 2-3 times a week, with each session lasting about 15-20 minutes, until the skin is slightly reddened without a burning sensation. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and individuals with severe heart disease should seek professional guidance from a doctor. If any discomfort occurs during moxibustion, it should be stopped immediately and a doctor consulted.
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