Many people have probably heard of the saying, “To keep someone’s heart, you must first capture their stomach.” In fact, what many people don’t know is that the health of the stomach plays a vital role in the overall health of the body. Not only did the ancient text “Huang Di Nei Jing” emphasize the importance of the spleen and stomach, but later medical practitioners also put forth the theory that “the spleen and stomach are the foundation of postnatal life, the source of Qi and blood transformation.” Furthermore, the school of thought focused on the spleen and stomach even goes as far as saying, “Weak spleen and stomach lead to the emergence of myriad illnesses.”
Problems related to the spleen and stomach can be considered common ailments in modern society. Due to the faster pace of life and changes in dietary habits, many individuals experience symptoms such as poor appetite and digestive issues. To address these problems, most people opt for medication. However, it is not always necessary to rely solely on medications for relief. Massaging certain points on the body can often have a “miraculous” effect in alleviating such symptoms.
In the realm of traditional Chinese medicine, although herbal medicine is predominantly used in healing, what should one do if they suddenly feel unwell and have no access to traditional medicine? In such cases, the human body possesses a portable pharmacy known as “acupoints.” According to Chinese medicine, “Using acupoints is akin to using medication,” so when acupoints are stimulated effectively, diseases are promptly alleviated. Therefore, can massaging acupoints help with issues related to the spleen and stomach? Indeed, it can!
For instance, there is a fascinating acupoint located on our lower limbs known as “Zu San Li.” As one of the four major acupoints in the body, Zu San Li has long been associated with the saying “The stomach and abdomen thrive for three ‘li’.” This acupoint was documented in the ancient text “Huang Di Nei Jing Ling Shu” and referred to as “San Li” or “Xia Ling.” Positioned on the outer side of our lower leg, approximately three finger-widths below the front edge of the shinbone, Zu San Li is an important acupoint on the Stomach Meridian in traditional Chinese medicine.
According to traditional Chinese medical theory, massaging and stimulating the Zu San Li acupoint can regulate bodily functions, enhance disease resistance, and play a significant role in tonifying the middle Jiao and benefiting Qi. This practice has been highly regarded by medical practitioners throughout history. Moreover, regular massage of this acupoint in daily life can potentially bring about three additional benefits to help maintain overall health.
1. Replenishing Qi and blood
In the theory of the Five Elements, “Earth” is situated at the center. According to the views of ancient Chinese physicians, if Earth Qi is sufficient, then Qi and blood will be vigorous; otherwise, Qi and blood deficiency may occur. Therefore, to treat deficiency, the focus is typically on tonifying Earth. In this aspect, Zu San Li can exhibit its remarkable effects. Derived from the theory in “Huang Di Nei Jing,” it is stated that “The Stomach Meridian of the Foot Yang Ming has abundant Qi and blood, and the Spleen and Stomach are the source of Qi and blood transformation.” As Zu San Li lies on this meridian, known as the “Meridian of Earth and Earth Acupoint,” acupuncture or moxibustion on this point can enhance the generation of Qi and blood, thus replenishing them effectively.
2. Regulating the spleen and stomach
In the text “Huang Di Nei Jing,” it is mentioned that the abdomen is the “Sea of Water and Grain.” Positioned between the Qi streets above and the Zu San Li below, it serves as the converging point of meridian Qi in the human body. As the stomach pertains to Earth, Zu San Li is a primary acupoint on the Stomach Meridian. Therefore, it can play a beneficial role in the treatment and management of stomach disorders. An ailment in the stomach can lead to abnormal eating habits and may induce the upward movement of stomach Qi, resulting in discomfort or pain in the middle abdomen. The saying “The stomach and abdomen thrive for three ‘li'” emphasizes that treating conditions such as irregular eating habits can be addressed by stimulating the Zu San Li acupoint to promote the smooth flow of stomach Qi and alleviate abdominal discomfort.
3. Delaying aging
For individuals seeking to slow down the aging process, regularly massaging or applying moxibustion to this acupoint can offer significant benefits. Since the spleen and stomach are considered the foundation of postnatal life, regulating the Zu San Li point can help strengthen the body’s Qi and blood, thereby contributing to delayed aging. Even the renowned traditional Chinese medicine expert Sun Simiao placed great emphasis on this practice. In his compilation “Qian Jin Yao Fang,” there is a saying: “To stay healthy, pay attention to Zu San Li.” Earth can nourish all things; hence, frequent massage or moxibustion of the Zu San Li acupoint can invigorate the spleen, nourish Qi, and enhance the postnatal transformation of Qi and blood, ensuring a continual abundance of Qi and blood in the body.
[This article is exclusively produced by “Shenxi Yuan” new media, authored by Zhou Qian. Unauthorized reproduction or copying is prohibited.]
