When stomach pain strikes, it can be truly unbearable. In severe cases, it may disrupt daily work and life, causing significant distress and inconvenience. While numerous medications exist to alleviate or treat stomach pain, constant reliance on drugs isn't ideal. Therefore, employing manual techniques to relieve stomach pain is highly beneficial. Massaging specific acupoints can effectively ease stomach discomfort.
1. Massaging the Stomach Shu Point (胃俞穴)
As its name suggests, this point relates to the stomach. The Stomach Shu Point treats digestive system disorders. Symptoms associated with gastrointestinal issues—such as gastric ulcers, nausea, vomiting, and gastritis—can be alleviated or treated by stimulating this point.Located on the back, the Stomach Shu point is situated approximately 1.5 cun lateral to the midline of the spine. More precisely, it is found below the spinous process of the 12th thoracic vertebra. Combining this point with the Liangqiu and Zhongwan points can effectively treat stomach pain.
2. Pishu Point
The spleen and stomach are inseparable, mutually supporting and influencing each other. The Pishu point is effective for treating various spleen and stomach disorders, such as stomach pain, diarrhea, abdominal distension,vomiting, dysentery, and bloody stools. During treatment, it can be combined with other points to address gastrointestinal issues: pairing with Zhongwan and Sanzhuli alleviates vomiting, while combining with Weishu, Zhongwan, Zusanli, Guanyuanshu, and Zhangmen effectively treats diarrhea.The location of the Spleen Shu point is slightly higher than the Stomach Shu point, situated below the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra.
3.Zhongwan (CV12)
Zhongwan is another commonly used point for digestive disorders. It treats abdominal distension, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, gastritis, stomach pain, nausea, belching, and loss of appetite. It also effectively alleviates tinnitus, dizziness, neurasthenia, and fatigue, making it one of the body's vital acupoints.Zhongwan is located on the front of the body. Using the navel as the midline, draw a line connecting the lowest points of the lower ribs on the front chest. The intersection of this line and the midline is Zhongwan.
4. Zusanli (ST36)
Zusanli is a crucial point on the Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yin. It treats common gastrointestinal disorders like stomach pain, bloating, vomiting, indigestion, constipation, and dysentery. It also alleviates insomnia and edema.Zusanli is located on the lateral aspect of the lower leg, approximately four finger-widths below the lateral knee joint. This point is also commonly used to strengthen the spleen and dispel dampness, and regular massage offers numerous benefits.
Beyond these four primary points, additional acupoints can address specific gastric issues: - Massaging Shangwan (CV12) and Liangmen (ST21) relieves upper abdominal fullness. - Stimulating Neiguan (PC6) treats nausea and vomiting. - Applying pressure to Shenque (CV8) and Tianshu (ST25) manages loose stools. - Targeting Yanglingquan (GB34), Gongsun (SP4), Taichong (LR3), and Gan Shu (BL18) alleviates excessive stomach acid.The effectiveness of TCM acupoint massage requires consistent, long-term practice. Spending a few minutes daily to knead or press these points—or applying moxibustion if possible—can bring significant benefits to our health.