After eating, if we burp, we usually think it's because we ate too much. But actually, it's not always the case. Have you ever noticed that after eating, most elderly people tend to burp? What could be the reason for this? And what are some effective ways to relieve burping? Let me introduce you to acupressure on the Tian Tu point to help alleviate burping!
【Acupressure on the Tian Tu Point to Relieve Burping】
According to traditional Chinese medicine, burping is caused by improper diet, which leads to the reverse flow of stomach qi, resulting in belching. To relieve burping, we need to promote the flow of stomach qi and allow the reverse flow of qi to return.
In ancient times, a chimney was called "zao tu," which means a round-shaped chimney that stands alone on the roof. When cooking, smoke would come out of the chimney and disperse. Ancient people were keen observers and noticed that this chimney is similar to our esophagus and trachea, both being passageways.
The chimney is where the cooking smoke enters and exits, just like our trachea, which allows the flow of breath. Breathing relies on the lungs, which are located in the chest cavity.
And the Tian Tu acupressure point is located on the top of the throat, serving as a passage connecting the lungs and the outside air. Fresh air enters the lungs through this point, while stale air is expelled.
Acupressure on the Tian Tu point is an effective method to alleviate burping. The Tian Tu point helps promote the flow of qi, thus relieving or suppressing burping.
Acupressure Method:
Apply moxibustion on the Tian Tu point for 3-5 minutes; or use a moxa stick to apply heat on the point for 5-10 minutes.
【Accurate Location of the Tian Tu Point】
1. Standard Location:
The Tian Tu point is located in the neck, on the midline, and in the center of the suprasternal notch.
2. Locating the Point:
Sit upright and lean back. The point is located 1 inch above the Adam's apple, in the center of the suprasternal notch.
Quick location: Lie on your back and feel for a depression just below the Adam's apple. The point is in the center of this depression.
Location of the Tian Tu point
3. Anatomy of the Acupoint:
Below the Tian Tu point are the skin, subcutaneous tissue, the space between the bilateral sternocleidomastoid tendons (two heads of the sternocleidomastoid muscle), the superior aspect of the jugular notch of the sternum, the bilateral sternothyroid muscles, and the pretracheal space.
Superficially, there is the medial supraclavicular nerve, and the subcutaneous tissue contains the scalene muscle and the jugular vein arch. Deeply, there are the brachiocephalic trunk, the left common carotid artery, the aortic arch, and the brachiocephalic vein, among other important structures.
【Traditional Chinese Remedies for Stopping Burping】
1. Persimmon Stem Decoction:
Take 20 persimmon stems (from fresh persimmons or persimmon cakes) and boil them in water to make 100 ml of decoction. Divide it into two doses, with each dose being 50 ml. You can also add Chinese chives seeds to the decoction as desired.
2. Ginger Pear Juice:
Extract the juice from 4 liang (approximately 160 grams) of snow pear and 2 liang (approximately 80 grams) of ginger. Mix the juices together and add a spoonful of brown sugar. Heat the mixture and drink it while it's still hot. This remedy is highly effective and can completely cure burping.
3. Hawthorn Therapy:
Take 15 ml of hawthorn juice orally three times a day, or chew on 2 hawthorn pills three times a day.
4. Ginger Red Tea:
Take 15 grams of fresh ginger and an appropriate amount of black tea. Crush the ginger and extract the juice, then add it to the black tea and steep it with boiling water. Drink it when the tea is ready.
5. Lily and Ophiopogon Tuber Soup:
Take 30 grams of lily, 15 grams of ophiopogon tuber, and 50 grams of lean pork. Wash each ingredient separately, then put them all in a pot, add an appropriate amount of water, and cook the soup. Season it as desired.
