The navel area houses an important acupoint called Shenque. Traditional Chinese Medicine considers Shenque the root of the five viscera and six bowels. The skin around the navel is thin, lacking subcutaneous fat tissue, making it vulnerable to cold invasion. Therefore, proper care is essential.
How to care for the navel area?
1.Massage the navel area
Lie down on your back with knees bent. Place your left palm over the navel, then rest your right palm over your left hand. Massage in a clockwise direction for 36 rotations, followed by 36 counterclockwise rotations. This method warms and nourishes the Shenque point, promoting gastrointestinal motility to aid digestion and absorption. It helps regulate both constipation and loose stools.Regular navel massage also strengthens the brain and kidneys, promotes bowel and urinary elimination, enhances liver and kidney metabolism and detoxification, invigorates qi and blood circulation, improves sleep quality, supplies ample oxygen and blood to internal organs, and boosts resistance to viruses and bacteria.
2. Gathering Qi at the Navel
Sit upright on a stool with your entire body relaxed. Place your palms overlapping on your abdomen and practice abdominal breathing. As you inhale through your nose, allow your abdomen to expand. Focus all your attention on the navel area. When exhaling through your mouth, let your abdomen contract. Consistent practice over time has the effects of warming yang, tonifying the kidneys, aiding digestion, and relieving food stagnation. It also assists in treating symptoms of neurasthenia, fatigue, physical weakness, and yin-yang deficiency.
3. Keep the navel area warm
Friendly Reminder
For abdominal pain, apply a hot water bottle to the belly or place ginger slices over the navel to regulate internal organs.During summer nights, ensure your abdomen is covered while sleeping. Maintain dietary hygiene and cultivate a positive mindset. Avoid excessive scrubbing of the navel area during bathing. Should diarrhea or abdominal pain occur, seek treatment at a reputable hospital promptly to prevent delayed diagnosis.