Methods
1. Rubbing the Dai Mai (Belt Vessel).
The spleen governs transportation and transformation; when the spleen and stomach are weak, they cannot effectively transform food, leading to stagnation of dampness in the body. Rubbing the Dai Mai not only strengthens the spleen Yang but also invigorates the Yang Qi of the gallbladder meridian on both sides of the abdomen, quickly dispersing the accumulated dampness in the lower abdomen.
If you feel that the pressure from rubbing the Dai Mai is insufficient, you can also use your fist to tap. This method is also very effective for treating constipation, providing immediate results!
2. Climbing Mountains.
As stated in the Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon), “The Qi of grains connects to the spleen.” Please note that in traditional Chinese characters, the character for valley (谷) is different from that for grain (毂), and they should not be confused! The Tang dynasty physician Wang Bing explained that “the valley is empty, thus the spleen receives and absorbs.”
In modern terms, climbing mountains not only exercises the muscles and bones, causing one to sweat profusely—this is also a good method to eliminate internal dampness—but it also allows the spleen to connect with the Qi of heaven and earth, the Qi of the valleys. This reflects the profound philosophy of our ancient ancestors, encapsulating the idea of harmony between humanity and nature!
3. Toe Raises.
This involves standing on your toes with your heels raised as high as possible. The stomach meridian passes through the second and third toes, and the source point of the stomach meridian is located at the joints of the toes. For those with weak gastrointestinal function, it is advisable to regularly exercise the toes.
You can walk on your toes or try standing on your toes for about ten minutes. Remember to raise your toes as high as possible for better results!
4. Abdominal Pushing Technique.
Most chronic diseases can be addressed through this method. The three types of turbidities in the body (waste water, waste gas, and feces) can be expelled through this technique, and these turbidities are the main culprits behind illness.
Thus, the ancients often said, “The great way is extremely simple.” Once you understand the principle, solving the problem becomes easy. There are countless methods to solve problems, but that pertains to the realm of “techniques”!
5. Kneeling Technique.
This method can guide Qi and blood downward, allowing them to flow into the stomach meridian. Therefore, it greatly benefits the function of the stomach. Of course, the benefits of this technique go beyond this; if you practice it for a while, you will discover more.
6. Spinal Pinching Technique.
In simple terms, this involves pinching along the spine from the tailbone to the neck. When pinching, there is no need to focus on acupoints, as the sides of the spine are where the Du Mai (Governing Vessel) and the Bladder Meridian of the Foot Taiyang pass. Pinching the spine can provide comprehensive health benefits; it can strengthen the spleen and stomach, regulate the Qi of the entire body, and also adjust the internal organs, smooth the meridians, and balance the Qi mechanism.
I personally prefer not to adhere strictly to rules. After pinching my daughter’s spine for a while, I found it more convenient and quicker to rub her spine and its sides, adjusting the pressure as needed until she feels warmth.
So I remind everyone that in all matters, there are no fixed methods. Whether it is health maintenance or work, one should first understand the “principle” and then seek the “technique”. There is no need to be overly rigid!
7. Saliva Swallowing Health Method.
Saliva is actually the best medicine for strengthening the spleen and stomach. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that saliva can “moisten the five organs, beautify the skin, strengthen the teeth, enhance the bones, promote Qi and blood circulation, and prolong life.” Laozi from the Spring and Autumn period believed that while elixirs are good, one’s own saliva is even more important. Ancient health expert Tao Hongjing also said, “Those who consume the jade spring can prolong life and eliminate a hundred diseases.”
8. Stretching.
The liver, spleen, and kidney meridians all pass through the thighs, so stretching is very effective for these three meridians. Personally, I feel that the supine stretching method is the most effective!
Diet Recommendations
Fried rice and crispy rice. According to the theory of the five elements, yellow corresponds to the spleen, so fried rice that is golden brown and crispy rice are both beneficial for the spleen.
These two foods have a common characteristic: they are both slightly burnt, and according to Daoist medicine, burnt foods are also beneficial for the spleen. Therefore, everyone might as well give these a try, as they have been recommended by many Daoist practitioners.
Moxibustion Therapy1Moxibustion on the Navel.
The navel, also known as the Shenque point, is the place where the umbilical cord connects and is a key acupoint on the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel). The fetus relies on the umbilical cord for nutrition in the womb, just like a stem drawing nutrients; it is the only pathway for nutrient absorption. We can also understand it as a crucial point connecting the innate and acquired aspects of the human body.
The so-called Shenque refers to the place where the original spirit enters and resides, holding a very important position. In fact, the Shenque point in the human body is also the gateway for the heart and kidney to communicate; the heart houses the spirit, and the kidney houses the will, both of which are vital organs.
The heart belongs to fire, and the kidney belongs to water. If water and fire cannot communicate and harmonize, it will lead to an imbalance of Yin and Yang, resulting in various diseases.
The Shenque point at the navel is the core of the abdomen, and it has excellent regulating effects on abdominal diseases, such as early morning diarrhea, chronic diarrhea, and post-urinary retention.
Modern individuals often suffer from spleen and stomach deficiency, mostly due to spleen Yang deficiency. Moxibustion is one of the best methods to raise Yang, so moxibustion on the Shenque can help regulate spleen Yang deficiency.
Directly moxibustion on the navel (Shenque point) involves using three or five-year-old moxa to perform suspended moxibustion above the navel.
During leisure time or while bored on a bus, try pressing the Shenque point with your finger. The effect may not be as good as moxibustion, but with long-term persistence, it will also yield good results.
2Moxibustion on Zusanli.
Zusanli (ST36) is a major acupoint on the stomach meridian. Moxibustion for ten minutes daily will surely promote longevity.
Of course, acupuncture can also be used instead of moxibustion. The saying “Needle must be at three miles, moxibustion must be at Guanyuan” refers to this.
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