Chinese medicine believes that the acupuncture points in our body have medicinal properties just like Chinese herbs. As long as we use them properly, they can to some extent replace the effects of Chinese herbs. For example, the commonly used calcium supplementation method of massaging the Dadu acupoint can help reduce the intake of medication.
【Functions and Effects of Dadu Acupoint】
1. Calcium supplementation
The Dadu acupoint is important for calcium supplementation in the elderly. It can also treat muscle atrophy, osteoporosis, and lower back and leg pain. People with cervical spondylosis should also frequently massage this acupoint.
Some elderly people experience muscle cramps every night, which is most likely due to blockage of the spleen meridian and the inability to absorb calcium. By massaging the Dadu and Shangqiu acupoints on the spleen meridian for three minutes each every day, the leg cramps can disappear after three days in most cases.
2. Strengthening the spleen and nourishing the stomach
The Dadu acupoint is an acupoint on the spleen meridian. It has the functions of dissipating heat, relieving pain, strengthening the spleen, and harmonizing the middle. It has good therapeutic effects on gastritis, gastric spasms, abdominal distension and pain, and acute and chronic enteritis.
3. Alleviating lower back pain
The Dadu acupoint is a fire acupoint located on the inner side of the big toe. Fire can generate earth, so it can treat spleen deficiency, loss of appetite, and lower back pain and leg cramps caused by malnutrition.
Massaging the Dadu acupoint can only provide some assistance in treating muscle atrophy, osteoporosis, and lower back and leg pain. However, the treatment effects may not be significant if used as a single therapy. Specific dialectical treatment is needed for better results.
【Other Acupoints on the Spleen Meridian】
The acupoints on the spleen meridian help promote blood circulation, bringing fresh blood to the affected areas and clearing away waste. Therefore, it is necessary to massage the acupoints on the spleen meridian every day to promote the circulation of qi and blood.
1. Yinbai acupoint
Stimulating the Yinbai acupoint is usually done through moxibustion. Moxa sticks are ignited and used to warm the acupoint. The Yinbai acupoint also has the function of unblocking the nasal passages and treating chronic rhinitis and nosebleeds. A toothpick can be used to press the acupoint when treating rhinitis.
2. Taibai acupoint
All the symptoms mentioned above are caused by poor digestive function of the spleen. Although there are many symptoms of spleen deficiency, massaging the Taibai acupoint can prevent and treat all of them. It is the main acupoint responsible for various issues on the spleen meridian.
When massaging the Taibai acupoint, it is best to use the inner side of the thumb to apply pressure for better spleen-strengthening effects.
3. Gong Sun acupoint
The Gong Sun acupoint has powerful functions. It can promote blood circulation in the spleen and meridian, transporting blood throughout the body. It serves as a dispersing point and a hub for regulating various symptoms caused by stagnant qi and blood. In summary, it can promote qi circulation, activate blood flow, and resolve stagnation.
【The Concept of Medicinal Acupoints in Chinese Medicine】
1. Dadu acupoint = Calcium supplementation
The Dadu acupoint on the spleen meridian is the acupoint for calcium supplementation. (This location is also the reflex area of the cervical vertebrae.)
2. Zusanli acupoint = Atractylodes
It strengthens the spleen, replenishes qi, eliminates dampness, promotes diuresis, and stops sweating.
3. Qihai acupoint = ginseng
It tonifies the middle energizer, replenishes qi, and generates body fluids. It is used to treat weak spleen and stomach, deficiency of both qi and blood, fatigue, weakness, reduced appetite, thirst, prolonged diarrhea, and prolapse. Shu Di Huang can nourish blood and nourish yin.
4. Renzhong acupoint = Emergency Qi-boosting Pill
Pressing on the Renzhong acupoint can regulate blood and qi, and the combination of yin and yang can awaken a person.
5. Sanyinjiao acupoint = Yin-nourishing herbs
Sanyinjiao is the intersection of three meridians (Kidney meridian of Foot Shaoyin, Spleen meridian of Foot Taiyin, and Liver meridian of Foot Jueyin), like three subway lines converging at one station, allowing for transfers between the lines. Note that Sanyinjiao can only be massaged.
