According to traditional Chinese medicine, our body's acupoints 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 through massage acupoints can help reduce the intake of medication.
【Functions and Effects of Dàdōu Acupoint】
1. Calcium Supplementation
Dàdōu acupoint is a vital acupoint for calcium supplementation, as well as for treating muscle atrophy, osteoporosis, lower back and leg pain. People with cervical spondylosis should also frequently massage Dàdōu acupoint.
Some elderly people often experience leg cramps at night. The most likely reason is that the spleen meridian is blocked and calcium cannot be absorbed. By massaging the spleen meridian's Dàdōu and Shāngqiū acupoints for three minutes each every day, the leg cramps can usually disappear within three days.
2. Strengthening the Spleen and Stomach
Dàdōu 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, stomach spasms, abdominal distension, abdominal pain, and acute and chronic enteritis.
3. Relieving Lower Back Pain
Dàdōu acupoint is a fire acupoint located on the inner side of the big toe. Fire can generate earth and treat spleen deficiency. It can also relieve lower back pain and leg cramps caused by poor appetite and malnutrition.
Massaging Dàdōu acupoint can only help with muscle atrophy, osteoporosis, lower back and leg pain to a certain extent. However, it is not effective as a single treatment and specific dialectical treatment is needed for better results.
【Other Acupoints on the Spleen Meridian】
The acupoints on the spleen meridian help promote blood circulation, bring fresh blood to the affected areas, and clear away waste products. Therefore, it is necessary to massage the acupoints on the spleen meridian every day to promote the flow of qi and blood.
1. Yǐnbái Acupoint
Stimulating Yǐnbái acupoint is usually done by moxibustion, using a moxa stick to heat the acupoint. Yǐnbái acupoint also has the effect of unblocking the nasal passages and treating chronic rhinitis and nosebleeds. When treating rhinitis, a toothpick can be used to press the acupoint.
2. Tàibái Acupoint
All the symptoms mentioned above are caused by poor digestive function of the spleen. Although there are many symptoms of spleen deficiency, massaging Tàibái acupoint can prevent and treat them all, as it is the main acupoint on the spleen meridian.
To massage Tàibái acupoint, use the inner side of the thumb to apply pressure to it for better effects of strengthening the spleen.
3. Gōngsūn Acupoint
Gōngsūn acupoint has powerful functions. It can enhance the blood circulation of the spleen and meridian, transport blood to the whole body, and serve as a dispersing point and a hub. It can also help regulate various symptoms caused by stagnation of qi and blood, and overall, it promotes qi circulation, activates blood circulation, and resolves stagnation.
【The Concept of Medicinal Acupoints in Traditional Chinese Medicine】
1. Dàdōu Acupoint = Calcium Supplement
Dàdōu acupoint on the spleen meridian is a vital acupoint for calcium supplementation. (This location is also the reflex area for cervical vertebrae.)
2. Zú Sān Lǐ Acupoint = Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae
It strengthens the spleen, boosts qi, resolves dampness, promotes diuresis, and stops sweating.
3. Qì Hǎi Acupoint = Ginseng
It tonifies the middle burner, boosts qi, and generates body fluids. It treats weak spleen and stomach, deficient qi and blood, fatigue, weakness, poor appetite, thirst, chronic diarrhea, and prolapse of the anus. Shú Dì (cooked Rehmannia root) nourishes blood and moistens yin.
4. Rén Zhōng Acupoint = Emergency Qi-Adjusting Pill
Pressing Rén Zhōng acupoint can regulate blood and qi, and the combination of yin and yang can revive a person.
5. Sān Yīn Jiāo Acupoint = Yin-Nourishing Medicinal Herbs
Sān Yīn Jiāo is the convergence point of three meridians (Kidney Meridian of Foot Shaoyin, Spleen Meridian of Foot Taiyin, and Liver Meridian of Foot Jueyin). It is like a transfer station where three subway lines intersect. However, only massage is applicable for Sān Yīn Jiāo acupoint.
