Acupressure is an important part of traditional Chinese medicine. It is a method used to prevent and treat diseases by stimulating specific acupoints on the body, activating the meridians, and achieving the goal of promoting circulation, regulating body functions, and expelling pathogenic factors.
1. Basic Knowledge
In Chinese medicine:
- "Ma" indicates that qi can pass through, but blood cannot;
- "Mu" indicates severe numbness, where both blood and qi cannot pass through;
- "Suan" indicates that the meridians are open, but qi and blood are deficient;
- "Zhang" indicates abundant qi, and people with this condition are prone to anger. If the qi cannot be released, it leads to bloating;
- "Tong" indicates pure pain caused by blood stasis;
- "Yang" indicates that qi and blood are coming, as itchy sensations often occur during wound healing, but generalized itching is different.
2. Functions of 6 Important Acupoints
1. Zusanli (Stomach 36)
- Strengthens the spleen and stomach;
- Promotes metabolism and strengthens the body;
- Improves the function of the endocrine system and enhances immune ability.
Zusanli is one of the main acupoints of the Stomach Meridian of Foot Yangming. It has the functions of regulating the spleen and stomach, replenishing qi, promoting circulation, dispelling wind and dampness, and expelling pathogenic factors. Modern medical research has confirmed that stimulating Zusanli acupoint with acupuncture can enhance gastrointestinal motility, improve the activity of various digestive enzymes, increase appetite, and aid digestion.
It also promotes the recovery of brain cell function, improves the working ability of the cerebral cortex, improves heart function, regulates heart rhythm, increases red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, and blood glucose levels. In terms of the endocrine system, it has a bidirectional and beneficial regulatory effect on the pituitary-adrenal cortex system, enhancing the body's defense against diseases.
Stimulating Zusanli acupoint has preventive and therapeutic effects on diseases of the digestive system, nervous system, circulatory system, blood system, endocrine system, urinary system, and reproductive system, especially for digestive system diseases.
2. Guanyuan (Ren 4)
- Nourishes the kidney and strengthens yang;
- Regulates menstruation and solidifies the uterus;
- Supplements deficiencies and strengthens the body.
Guanyuan is the meeting point of the Conception Vessel and is mainly used to nourish the kidney, strengthen yang, regulate menstruation, solidify the uterus, and replenish deficiencies. It enhances the function of the reproductive system, improves immune ability, prevents aging, and strengthens the body's overall qi.
3. Zhongwan (Ren 12)
- Regulates the spleen and stomach;
- Reduces counterflow and transforms stagnation.
Zhongwan acupoint regulates the stomach and spleen, strengthens deficiencies, replenishes qi, transforms dampness, reduces counterflow, and stops vomiting.
4. Neiguan (Pericardium 6)
- Regulates qi and improves blood circulation;
- Calms the mind and stabilizes emotions.
Neiguan acupoint can treat various disorders of the Pericardium Meridian and the forearm. The pericardium governs blood vessels and is also responsible for mental clarity. It is the connection between the pericardium and the heart, and any pathogenic factors affecting the pericardium will affect the heart. Neiguan acupoint is used for conditions related to heart and mental disorders, as well as blood stagnation and obstruction in the meridians.
5. Hegu (Large Intestine 4)
- Clears heat and releases the exterior;
- Relaxes tendons and disperses wind;
- Promotes digestion and regulates the intestines.
Hegu acupoint is the original point of the Large Intestine Meridian of Hand Yangming. It is effective in clearing heat, relieving pain, relaxing tendons, dispersing wind, and regulating the intestines. It is an important acupoint for treating fevers, various facial and dental disorders, and is known for its function of opening and clearing the lungs. It can also promote perspiration, dispel heat, and treat superficial conditions.
6. Yongquan (Kidney 1)
- Clears the mind and awakens the spirit;
- Calms the mind and stabilizes emotions;
- Clears heat and dispels wind.
Yongquan acupoint is often stimulated by cupping to guide the descending of deficient kidney fire and turbid Qi from the upper burner. It has the effects of relaxing the liver, improving eyesight, clearing the throat, and calming the mind. It can lower blood pressure, promote local blood circulation, and help prevent numbness and edema in the hands and feet in the elderly.
These are the main functions and indications of the 6 important acupoints mentioned above.
