Traditional Chinese medicine holds that the spleen and stomach form the foundation of health. Imbalances in their function can lead to various illnesses. Properly regulating these organs is essential for absorbing nutrients from food. Massaging or applying moxibustion to specific acupoints can effectively strengthen the spleen and stomach.
Which acupoints promote spleen and stomach health?
1. Shangqiu Point
Located in the depression at the front inner edge of the ankle, press this point with your thumb while placing your index finger on the top of the foot. Massage in a clockwise direction for two minutes until a sensation of soreness and fullness develops locally. This promotes intestinal regulation, strengthens the spleen, and transforms dampness, aiding in the treatment of gastroenteritis, constipation, indigestion, abdominal pain, and bloating.Alternatively, light an moxa stick and hold it 2 cm above this point until the skin reddens.
2. Diji Point (ST34)
Use the tips of both thumbs to massage the Diji points on both sides. Apply pressure gradually from light to firm, massaging each point for two minutes. This helps regulate menstruation, stop vaginal discharge, strengthen the spleen, and drain dampness. It assists in treating abdominal pain, bloating, edema, dysmenorrhea, urinary difficulties, and gynecological disorders. Alternatively, perform rapid acupuncture on this area, continuously twisting the needle, and leave it in for about 20 minutes.
3. Blood Sea (Xuehai) Point
>Located three finger-widths above the inner edge of the kneecap, place the pads of both thumbs on this point. Apply firm pressure for two minutes until a sensation of soreness and fullness develops locally. This regulates menstruation, promotes blood circulation, strengthens the spleen, and transforms dampness. It aids in treating qi and blood deficiency, headaches, dizziness, irregular menstruation, skin itching, knee joint pain, and low blood pressure.
4. Gongsun Point
Massage the Gongsun point with your thumb tip in a clockwise direction for two minutes, then press firmly for another 30 seconds until a sensation of soreness and fullness develops locally. This strengthens the spleen and stomach while regulating the Chong and Ren meridians, aiding in the treatment of gastric ulcers, gastritis, acute enteritis, irregular menstruation, and indigestion.Alternatively, after routine disinfection of the local skin, needles may be retained for 20 minutes.
5. Sanyinjiao (SP6) Point
Sanyinjiao is a versatile point. Massaging it with the thumb in both counterclockwise and clockwise directions for 20 minutes each can strengthen the spleen and stomach while benefiting the liver and kidneys. This aids in treating hepatitis, nephritis, acute enteritis, hypertension, and difficulty urinating.Alternatively, apply cupping to this point for 10 minutes daily.
Friendly Reminder
Beyond massaging or moxibustion on these points, incorporate appetite-stimulating foods like rice wine, red dates, carrots, and chestnuts. Avoid abdominal exposure to cold, consume ample leafy greens and fruits, maintain regular meal times with balanced portions, and refrain from overeating.