The theory of “Correspondence between Heaven and Man” is a well-known concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It states that the human body and nature are an inseparable and interrelated whole, meaning that nature changes according to human activities, and the human body also changes with the changes in nature!
As winter approaches and the weather begins to change, the human body must adapt to these changes, and the Yin and Yang within the body will also change accordingly. Since the changes in the human body cannot keep up with the rapid changes in nature, it is easy for the body to experience an imbalance of Yin and Yang, leading to illness.
Before the harsh winter arrives, it is important to strengthen the back, protect the abdomen, balance Yin and Yang, and preserve health.
“The Back is Yang”
The Sea of Yang Meridians, Yang is Harmonized in the Back
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The human body has its back primarily composed of Yang meridians, with the spine being the main channel of Yang energy, known as the Du Mai (Governing Vessel), which is the “sea of Yang meridians” and governs all Yang energy in the body. The circulation of Yang energy throughout the body is related to this. Stimulating these meridians and acupoints can invigorate Yang energy, harmonize Qi and blood, and restore organ function.
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Pinching the Spine
Pinching the spine can stimulate the Du Mai and the Taiyang Bladder Meridian as well as the back Shu points of the five organs, achieving the effects of adjusting Yin and Yang, harmonizing Qi and blood, and restoring organ function. This technique is effective for common issues such as fatigue, weight loss, insomnia, poor appetite, indigestion, sensitivity to cold, frequent colds, and pain in the shoulders, back, and waist.
When pinching the spine, use both hands along the sides of the spine to gently pinch the skin, lifting and pinching while moving forward from the sacral area to the occipital area, repeating 5~10 times.
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Rubbing the Back
Rubbing the back can be done during bathing. Place a wet towel on the back, hold both ends of the towel tightly with both hands, and rub with appropriate force until the back feels warm.
If it is inconvenient to do it yourself, someone else can help, but be careful not to apply too much force to avoid injuring the skin. Rubbing the back can prevent and treat colds, relieve back pain, chest tightness, and abdominal bloating.
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Moxibustion
Moxibustion uses the pure Yang heat and medicinal properties of moxa to provide warmth to the body, regulating the Yin and Yang balance of the organs through the conduction of meridian acupoints. It can strengthen the body, nourish Yang energy, regulate the Qi and blood of the five organs, calm the mind, and promote circulation.
Everyone can choose moxibustion patches, moxa sticks, or moxibustion boxes, all of which can provide excellent health benefits.
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Back Bumping and Beating
When bumping the back, stand with feet shoulder-width apart, back against a wall, about 20~40 centimeters away, relax the body, lean back, and gently bump the back against the wall with moderate force, using the rebound force to help the body return to an upright position. When bumping the lower back, lean the upper body slightly forward to protrude the lower back slightly backward.
Additionally, you can also use beating methods, which can effectively stimulate back acupoints, helping to smooth the Qi and blood in the back, thus achieving the effects of Qi and blood regulation and health preservation.
“The Abdomen is Yin”
The Sea of Yin Meridians, Yin is Harmonized in the Abdomen
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The abdomen has seven Yin meridians passing through it (six Yin meridians and one Ren Mai), making it the area most prone to cold condensation. TCM believes: Yin is cold, cold condenses, condenses leads to blockage, blockage leads to accumulation, accumulation leads to obstruction, obstruction leads to pain.
According to TCM health preservation, the Ren, Chong, and Du meridians follow the rules of circulation. The Ren, Chong, and Du all originate from below the lower abdomen, forming the “one source and three branches” of human life. The Ren Mai governs all Yin meridians and is responsible for the five organs, while the Du Mai governs all Yang meridians and is responsible for the six fu organs. Therefore, the abdomen is referred to as the “palace of the five organs and six fu organs, the source of Yin and Yang Qi and blood.”
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Abdominal Massage
Abdominal massage can harmonize the upper and lower parts, differentiate Yin and Yang, eliminate the old and generate the new, nourish the five organs, expel external pathogens, and clear internal ailments. Modern medicine believes that abdominal massage can increase blood flow to the abdominal muscles and gastrointestinal smooth muscles, enhance the tension of the gastrointestinal wall muscles and lymphatic system function, making the secretion functions of the stomach and intestines more active, thus strengthening the digestion and absorption of food, and significantly improving the peristaltic function of the large and small intestines, which is particularly important for the elderly.
Generally, it is recommended to perform this before sleeping at night and before getting up in the morning, empty the bladder, wash hands, lie on your back with knees bent, and relax the whole body. Place the left hand on the abdomen with the palm facing the navel, and the right hand on top of the left hand. First, massage the abdomen in a clockwise direction around the navel 60 times, then in a counterclockwise direction 60 times. When massaging, apply moderate pressure, focus your mind, breathe naturally, and persistently, which can yield significant health benefits.
Long-term abdominal massage can promote blood circulation, facilitate intestinal peristalsis, and has excellent therapeutic effects on constipation and indigestion. You can also perform moxibustion on the Shenque (navel), using suspended moxibustion or ginger moxibustion, both of which are effective. Regular moxibustion on the Shenque can eliminate numerous ailments!
“Feet”
Detoxifying and Nourishing, Supporting Yin and Yang
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Our feet are distributed with the Yangming Stomach Meridian and the Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian, which are responsible for digestive functions, while the Taiyin Spleen Meridian and the Jueyin Liver Meridian are responsible for the classification and absorption of digestion, and the Shaoyin Kidney Meridian and the Taiyang Bladder Meridian are responsible for detoxification.
These meridians converge in the feet, so the feet are a major area for regulating Yin and Yang. We can perform tapping, massage, moxibustion, or hot water foot baths on the soles of the feet. The water temperature for foot baths should be around 45 degrees Celsius, for about 20~30 minutes, until slight sweating occurs. This method can promote blood circulation, nourish Yin, support Yang, and detoxify for beauty. Moxibustion can be applied to the Yongquan (Kidney 1) point on the sole, especially at night, to nourish kidney essence and aid sleep.
“Armpits”
Enhancing Immunity and Balancing Yin and Yang
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The armpits are where the Taiyin Lung Meridian, Jueyin Pericardium Meridian, and Shaoyin Heart Meridian circulate. These three Yin meridians can regulate the Yin and Yang of the heart and lungs. Modern anatomical studies suggest that the armpits contain a large number of important nerves, blood vessels, and lymph nodes, and regular massage of the armpits can promote fluid circulation.
Massage Method: You can rub along the inner side of the arm, gradually moving down to the wrist, until warmth is felt. Especially for women, regular massage is beneficial for preventing breast diseases.
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Source: JSBC Wan Jia Deng Huo
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