The spleen and stomach belong to the Earth element in the Five Elements theory and are located in the middle jiao (upper abdomen), sharing the important responsibility of transforming food into qi and blood. Therefore, the spleen and stomach are both considered the “source of qi and blood production.” Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that the body’s qi and blood (equivalent to what we refer to as energy) are transformed from food by the spleen and stomach, making them the “foundation of postnatal life” and essential for survival. However, irregular eating habits, excessive consumption of greasy foods, excessive worry, picky eating, and irregular eating patterns can all harm the spleen and stomach.
1. Massage the Dai Mai (Belt Vessel)
The spleen governs transportation and transformation; if the spleen and stomach are weak, they will not function effectively, leading to stagnation of dampness in the body. Massaging 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 of the massage is insufficient, you can also use a guasha tool to tap. Additionally, this method is very effective for treating constipation and can yield immediate results!
2. Hiking
As stated in the Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon), “The qi of grains connects to the spleen.” It is important to 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, and the spleen receives and stores.”
In modern terms, hiking not only exercises the muscles and bones, causing one to sweat profusely, but it also helps eliminate internal dampness while allowing the spleen to connect with the qi of heaven and earth, as well as the qi of the valleys.
3. Toe Raises
This involves standing on your toes while lifting your heels as high as possible. The stomach meridian runs between 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 beneficial to regularly exercise the toes.
4. Navel Massage
Most chronic diseases can be addressed through this method. The three impurities in the body (waste water, waste gas, and feces) can be eliminated through this technique, and these three impurities are the main culprits behind illness.
Thus, the ancients often said, “The great way is extremely simple.” Once the principles are understood, solving problems becomes easier. There are countless methods to solve issues, but that pertains to the realm of “techniques.” For specific methods, refer to the video tutorials in the navel massage section of the “Meridian Health Network” public account.
5. Kneeling Method
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 method extend beyond this; we have previously shared specific insights about the kneeling method.
6. Spinal Pinching Method
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 Governing Vessel and the Bladder Meridian of the Foot Taiyang run. Pinching the spine can provide comprehensive health benefits, strengthening the spleen and stomach, regulating the body’s qi, and harmonizing the flow of qi.
7. Saliva Swallowing Health Method
Saliva is actually the best medicine for strengthening the spleen and stomach. TCM believes that saliva can “moisten the five organs, beautify the skin, strengthen teeth, enhance bones, and promote qi and blood circulation, extending life.” Laozi from the Spring and Autumn period believed that while elixirs are good, one’s own bodily fluids are even more important. Ancient health scholar Tao Hongjing also stated, “Those who consume the jade spring can extend their lives and eliminate hundreds of diseases.”
8. Moxibustion Therapy
Moxibustion on the Navel
The navel, also known as Shenque (Spirit Gate) point, is where the umbilical cord connects and is a key point on the Ren Meridian. The fetus relies on the umbilical cord for nutrition while in the womb, similar to how a stem connects to a fruit, serving as the sole 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 exits, holding a very esteemed position. In fact, within the human body, the Shenque point 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 aspects of the five organs.
The heart belongs to fire, while the kidney belongs to water. If water and fire cannot communicate and harmonize, it will lead to imbalances in yin and yang, resulting in various diseases.
The Shenque point at the navel is the core of the abdomen, providing excellent regulation for abdominal diseases such as early morning diarrhea, chronic diarrhea, and post-urinary retention.
Modern individuals often experience spleen and stomach deficiency, primarily 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 high-quality Qichun moxa to perform suspended moxibustion above the navel.
Moxibustion on Zusanli
Zusanli (ST36) is a major acupoint on the stomach meridian. Moxibustion for ten minutes daily will yield surprising results. We have shared this precious acupoint multiple times before. Direct tapping can also enhance the effects.
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