According to traditional Chinese medicine, Gong Sun Xue is considered the primary acupoint for nourishing the spleen and stomach. Proper massage of Gong Sun Xue can not only regulate the spleen and stomach, promote metabolism, but also alleviate symptoms such as indigestion and edema, thus helping with weight loss and slimming.
Image of Gong Sun Xue
【Location of Gong Sun Xue】
1. Standard positioning
Gong Sun Xue is located on the inner edge of the foot, just below the front lower part of the base of the first metatarsal bone.
2. Method of acupoint selection
Sit upright or lie flat, locate the inside rear of the big toe, and select the acupoint approximately one cun away from the Tai Bai acupoint. Alternatively, follow the Tai Bai acupoint backwards until a depression is felt, which is the location of the acupoint.
Quick acupoint selection: The depression is located on the inner side of the joint formed by the big toe and the sole of the foot, just below the posterior edge of the arch bone.
3. Anatomy of the acupoint
Below Gong Sun Xue are the skin, subcutaneous tissue, tibialis anterior muscle, and flexor digitorum brevis muscle. The medial tarsal artery, dorsal venous network of the foot, and branches of the saphenous nerve and peroneal nerve are distributed in this area.
The skin is innervated by branches of the peroneal nerve, the medial branch of the dorsomedial cutaneous nerve of the foot, and the saphenous nerve. The subcutaneous fascia contains a network of blood vessels and a small amount of fat.
The plantar digital fascia forms the plantar aponeurosis at the bottom of the foot, which ends at the metatarsophalangeal joint capsule and the tendon sheath of the flexor muscles. The two muscles, tibialis anterior and flexor digitorum brevis, are innervated by the medial branch of the foot's inner nerve.
Image of Gong Sun Xue
【Functions and effects of Gong Sun Xue】
1. Treatment of stomach pain and acidity
As a collateral acupoint on the spleen meridian, Gong Sun Xue belongs to the spleen and is connected to the stomach. It is also connected to the Chong Mai meridian in the chest and abdomen. Therefore, it has the effect of treating diseases related to the spleen, stomach, chest, and abdomen.
The "Eight Meridians Meet at Eight Acupoints" states: "Gong Sun collaterals the stomach, heart, and chest." It has the function of "regulating qi and relieving pain". In other words, Gong Sun Xue can be used to treat diseases of the stomach, heart, and chest.
Therefore, massaging Gong Sun Xue can be used to treat stomach pain and acidity. In addition to massaging Gong Sun Xue, combining it with massaging Zhong Wan Xue and Nei Guan Xue can enhance the effect of treating stomach pain and acidity.
Method: The patient uses the pad of the thumb to exert pressure on the area above Gong Sun Xue, pressing vertically and then kneading. This will produce a local sour, swollen, and painful sensation. Then, flex and extend the foot's big toe to enhance the feeling of pressure, and then use kneading to relax. Alternate between the left and right sides, 10-15 minutes. Once or twice a day.
2. Relief of stomach pain and bloating
The best way to clear stomach fire is to massage Gong Sun Xue. Massage it around 100 times each time, adjusting the pressure according to your own tolerance. For people who frequently suffer from stomach fire, it is best to massage 2-3 times a week.
Some individuals are prone to bloating, especially due to dryness caused by colds in the autumn. This condition can easily leave a lingering problem. If you have this problem, then moxibustion on Gong Sun Xue is the best method.
Method: Ignite a moxa stick and hold it about 2-3 centimeters above the left side of Gong Sun Xue. Direct the burning end towards the acupoint. Moxibustion for 5-7 minutes per session is recommended, with a warm sensation in the stomach without burning. For those with frequent bloating, moxibustion 2-3 times a week is recommended.
Image of Gong Sun Xue
3. Relief of joint soreness
After physical exertion, people often experience joint soreness or pain. Why is this the case? The "Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon" states: "The lungs govern the joints." Excessive physical exertion can deplete lung qi, thereby affecting the function of "the lungs governing the joints" and leading to joint pain.
If knee pain occurs after physical exertion, you can use this method for treatment. First, massage each of the following acupoints: Yin Ling Quan Xue on the left side, Nei Guan Xue on both sides, and Gong Sun Xue on both sides.
After stimulating the acupoints for 5 minutes, if the knee pain improves, then directly apply moxibustion to the acupoints that feel sore during the stimulation.
4. Regulation of gynecological disorders
Qi and blood are particularly important for women. The circulation of qi and blood in the Chong Mai and Ren Mai meridians directly affects menstruation, pregnancy, and childbirth in women. The connection between Gong Sun Xue and the Chong Mai meridian makes it especially effective in regulating gynecological disorders.
For women with irregular menstruation, treatment can be done based on Gong Sun Xue, as well as Guan Yuan Xue (3 cun below the navel), Qi Hai Xue (1.5 cun below the navel), Tian Shu Xue (2 cun on both sides of the navel), and San Yin Jiao Xue.
Mash garlic into a paste and apply a small amount on Gong Sun Xue to help regulate menstruation. You can also buy some Evodia fruit from a pharmacy, crush it, mix it with vinegar, and apply it to the acupoints.
Cover with gauze and secure with adhesive tape. Apply it every day before breakfast and remove it after lunch or dinner.
