During the hot summer months, many people enjoy eating barbecue and drinking beer outdoors to cool down, which can lead to excessive stomach fire. When stomach fire becomes too intense, it may cause symptoms like bad breath, toothache, and constipation. In fact, traditional Chinese medicine acupoint massage can help reduce this heat.
Which acupoints can reduce stomach fire?
1. Neiting (ST4)
Located in the depression between the second and third metatarsal bones on the top of the foot, regular massage here helps eliminate bad breath and alleviate toothache.The technique involves using the pad of your thumb to gently press the Neiting point for one minute, then gently knead it until you feel a sensation of soreness and fullness. The most effective time for massage is between 7:00 and 9:00 AM daily, when the stomach meridian's energy is at its peak. After massage, gently wiggle your toes up and down to further stimulate the Neiting point and enhance its stomach-fire-reducing effects.
2. Jiexi Point
Located at the central depression where the instep meets the calf's transverse crease, this point alleviates toothache and reduces stomach fire. Method: Rhythmically press the point with your thumb tip 100 times. Then, gently hold the sole and ankle with both hands while slowly rotating the ankle 100 times. This intensifies stimulation for enhanced stomach-fire reduction.
3.Jiache Point
Located approximately one finger width above and anterior to the angle of the mandible, where the masseter muscle becomes prominent during chewing. The indentation corresponds inward to the teeth. Regular massage here unblocks meridians and relieves pain, while also alleviating toothache caused by stomach fire. The primary method involves simultaneously stimulating the point with both thumbs. Pay attention to pressure intensity, massaging from light to firm for two minutes.Repeat 3-4 times daily until a sensation of soreness and fullness is felt.
4. Daying Point (ST10)
Located anterior to the mandibular angle, regular stimulation helps suppress stomach fire, improves blood circulation in the stomach meridian, and alleviates toothache caused by stomach fire. It also reduces facial swelling and facial paralysis. To perform: Press the temple with your index finger while exhaling. Hold for about six seconds and repeat 30 times.
5. Laogong Point
Located at the center of the palm, this point belongs to the Pericardium Meridian. It clears heat and reduces inflammation, treating bad breath caused by internal heat. Daily massage here promotes fresher breath.
Friendly Reminder
Regularly massage these points to reduce stomach fire. During summer, avoid spicy and irritating foods, engage in moderate exercise, maintain a light diet, drink plenty of water, and ensure adequate vitamin and mineral intake.