Patient A: I feel hot, especially in the upper part of my back. Is this related to Fei Re (Lung Heat) or Wei Re (Stomach Heat)? I don’t feel hot anywhere else.
Wearing one layer feels cool, but two layers are uncomfortable; my back feels like it’s on fire.
Patient B:
It could be both Fei Re and Wei Re; it seems like the heat is trapped and has formed a lump.
If it’s along the Pang Guang Jing (Bladder Meridian), we can try scraping Cheng Shan (承山, Chengshan Point) to see if we can draw it down.
Generally, for cool areas, we treat the local site, and for hot areas, we look at the distal points.
Scraping Tan Zhong (檀中, Tanzhong Point) might also be beneficial.
Focus on the inner and outer elbows.
In spring, it’s good to scrape from the armpits down to the waist, along the rib spaces in the front, and along the San Jiao Jing (Triple Burner Meridian) on the hands; it feels particularly refreshing.
Feedback:
After scraping the inner and outer sides of my arms and the elbow pits.
At first, it was painful, and I couldn’t apply much pressure, but as I continued, I got used to it, and scraping other areas became comfortable. Both sides of my arms developed marks. I didn’t have Ai Ye You (Mugwort Oil) at home, so I used Huo Luo You (Activating Oil); I’m not sure if it’s too stimulating for the skin. The scraping board is quite thin, so it’s easy to leave marks with pressure. However, I noticed that in some areas, even with pressure, it doesn’t leave marks! The presence of marks likely indicates heavy dampness and stagnation in those areas.
Last night, the temperature dropped here, and it wasn’t as dry anymore. I feel that scraping is effective; my energy feels smoother, and after scraping, my arms are less sore and swollen!
Tonight, I will scrape my calves, especially Cheng Shan (承山, Chengshan Point) – my calves are really sore, and I tremble when applying pressure; even massaging them is painful.
My throat feels fiery 🔥 and dry, so last night I boiled a tea with Mai Dong (Ophiopogon), Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle), and Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel). I used whatever I had at home. After drinking it, I felt a bit of heat reduction, but mainly, the quick digestion made me very hungry. Surprisingly, these three together seem to aid digestion! After a few cups, I was too hungry and ate something, then continued drinking, and it helped my digestion quickly (which was a pleasant surprise).
Previously, I didn’t notice much effect from Chen Pi for regulating Qi; I even thought it was ineffective.
However, I believe that scraping is also a key factor. I only drank this cooling tea after scraping, so it seems the effects came together.
The additional benefits are from the scraping.
You’re right; I feel discomfort in the armpit area, it’s blocked! The soreness is unbearable! Also, the area around the scapula. So, I wonder if the discomfort in the shoulder is reflecting on the breast, or if the breast discomfort is reflecting on the shoulder. There must be a connection, right?
It must be done; let’s scrape it! As you all said, having the motivation is important.
You can try it yourself.