During the rainy season, as the weather changes, the human body must adapt to these changes, causing the internal yin and yang to also fluctuate. Due to the body’s inability to keep pace with the rapid changes in nature, it is easy for imbalances in yin and yang to occur, leading to illness.
So, how can we adjust the balance of yin and yang within our bodies?
Feet: Detoxification, Beauty Enhancement, Nourishing Yin and Supporting Yang
Our feet are home to the Three Yang and Three Yin meridians.
The Stomach Meridian of the Foot Yangming and the Gallbladder Meridian of the Foot Shaoyang are responsible for digestive functions, while the Spleen Meridian of the Foot Taiyin and the Liver Meridian of the Foot Jueyin manage the classification and absorption of digestion. The Kidney Meridian of the Foot Shaoyin and the Bladder Meridian of the Foot Taiyang are specifically responsible for detoxification.
These meridians converge in the feet, making them a major area for adjusting yin and yang. We can perform tapping, massage, moxibustion, or hot foot baths on the soles of our feet.
The water temperature for foot baths should be around 45 degrees Celsius, lasting about 20 minutes until a slight sweat appears. This method promotes blood circulation, nourishes yin, supports yang, and detoxifies for beauty enhancement.
Moxibustion can be applied to the Yongquan (Kidney 1) point on the sole, especially at night, to replenish kidney essence and aid sleep.
Armpits: Boosting Immunity and Regulating Yin and Yang Balance
The armpit is where the Lung Meridian of the Hand Taiyin, the Pericardium Meridian of the Hand Jueyin, and the Heart Meridian of the Hand Shaoyin circulate, allowing these three yin meridians to regulate the yin and yang of the heart and lungs.
Modern anatomical studies suggest that the armpit contains a large number of important nerves, blood vessels, and lymph nodes. Regularly massaging the armpit can promote fluid circulation.
Additionally, if someone else tickles the armpit, it can stimulate other organs in the body to also receive good exercise, yielding excellent results.
Massage Method: You can rub along the inner side of the arm, gradually moving down to the wrist, using heat as a gauge. Women, in particular, should massage regularly as it helps prevent breast diseases.
Abdomen: The Sea of Yin Vessels, Harmony Resides in the Abdomen
Method: Use both hands to massage around the Shenque (Navel) in a clockwise direction for 15 circles, then counterclockwise for another 15 circles, using heat as a gauge.
Long-term abdominal massage can promote blood circulation and aid intestinal peristalsis, providing excellent treatment for constipation and indigestion.
Moxibustion can also be applied to the Shenque (Navel), using suspended moxibustion or ginger moxibustion, both of which are effective. Regular moxibustion at the Shenque can eliminate numerous ailments!
Back: The Sea of Yang Vessels, Harmony Resides in the Back
Family members can perform back massages on each other, using pushing and tapping techniques to relax.
Pushing Method: The operator places the base of their palm on the thicker muscles on either side of the Governing Vessel of the recipient, using the strength of their waist to push the muscles upward (or downward), applying moderate pressure until warmth is felt. Push for about 10 minutes (note that this is pushing, not rubbing).
Tapping Method: The operator relaxes their fingers into a flat palm (with a slight curve), tapping the recipient’s back muscles (with moderate pressure) for about 10 minutes, stopping when the skin appears slightly red.