Promoting Qi Circulation: Danzhong and Yunmen Acupoints, and Foods that Help

March 16, 2024

 

Danzhong Acupoint (RN17), located on the midline of the body, at the midpoint between the nipples. Danzhong acupoint is used to treat chest pain, abdominal pain, palpitations, difficulty breathing, cough, overweight, underweight, belching, mastitis, insufficient lactation, coughing asthma, and other conditions.


 

Also known as Yuan Jian, Danzhong acupoint is mainly used to treat diseases related to the upper body, so it is also called Shang Qi Hai (Upper Qi Sea). It belongs to the Ren meridian and is the site where the Qi of the pericardium meridian gathers. It is also the meeting point of the Foot Tai Yin, Foot Shao Yin, Hand Tai Yin, and Hand Shao Yin meridians. As a result, Danzhong acupoint is also known as "Qi Meeting" and is used to regulate Qi, open the chest, and promote the flow of Qi in the meridians. It is commonly used to treat cardiovascular diseases such as chest pain, mastitis, cough, and asthma. Danzhong acupoint is located on the midline of the sternum, between the nipples, at the level of the fourth intercostal space.

 

To stimulate Danzhong acupoint, use rubbing method. Use the palm of the hand, the base of the palm, or the knuckles to rub back and forth in a straight line until there is local heat sensation.

 

Yunmen Acupoint, belonging to the Lung meridian of the Hand Tai Yin, is located in the chest, in a depression below the clavicle, on the inner edge of the acromion process of the scapula, 6 cun beside the midline. It is traversed by the superficial cephalic vein and receives branches of the deep thoracic artery. It is also innervated by branches of the anterior cutaneous nerve of the chest, the lateral cord of the brachial plexus, and the posterior branch of the supraclavicular nerve. Yunmen acupoint is used to treat diseases of the chest and lungs, as well as shoulder and back pain. The method of stimulation is to puncture obliquely outward for 0.5-0.8 cun, avoiding deep puncture inward to prevent lung injury and pneumothorax.



 

Yunmen acupoint is the site where the Qi of the Lung meridian is manifested. It regulates the upper respiratory Qi and is the gateway for the movement of Lung Qi, hence the name Yunmen. It is mainly used to treat diseases such as stagnation of Lung Qi, obstruction of pathogenic Qi, and failure of Lung Qi to descend, such as chest fullness, cough, and asthma. Yunmen acupoint is located 6 cun beside the midline of the sternum, in the depression below the outer end of the clavicle.

 

To stimulate Yunmen acupoint, apply rubbing and pressing method until a sore and distending sensation is felt. The duration of stimulation is approximately 10 minutes.

 

In daily life, when encountering unhappy events, some people tend to keep their emotions inside. Over time, they will feel uncomfortable, "Qi is not flowing smoothly, chest feels congested and uncomfortable, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, etc." Severe cases may also lead to other diseases. In fact, some of the foods we eat have the effect of promoting Qi circulation.

 

White Radish: Promotes digestion and relieves Qi stagnation, it has the effects of clearing heat, transforming phlegm, detoxifying, promoting salivation, and stopping cough. It can be consumed in the following ways:

 

1. Radish Congee: Wash fresh radish, cut into small pieces, and cook with glutinous rice and water to make congee. Add a small amount of salt for seasoning. It can relieve cough, transform phlegm, aid digestion, and relieve bloating, suitable for chest fullness and food stagnation.

 

2. Radish and Sour Plum Soup: Slice fresh radish, add 2 sour plums and 3 bowls of water, simmer until one and a half bowls remain, remove the residue, add a little salt for seasoning, and drink the soup. It has the effects of promoting Qi circulation, transforming stagnation, relieving Qi, and clearing heat and phlegm. It is suitable for symptoms such as chest congestion, heartburn, and abdominal distension caused by food stagnation or overeating.

 

3. Honey-Preserved Radish: Wash fresh radish, cut into small cubes, boil in water, remove and drain, let it air dry for half a day, then put it in a pot, add 150g of honey, simmer over low heat until boiling, and mix well. Consume it after meals. It has the effects of promoting digestion, relieving Qi stagnation, and transforming phlegm. It is suitable for indigestion, abdominal distension, regurgitation, and vomiting.

 

Hawthorn: Promotes Qi circulation, relieves pain, aids digestion, and dissolves food stagnation. It is suitable for chest and abdominal distension and pain caused by food stagnation. It also has certain therapeutic effects on rapid heartbeat and irregular heartbeat caused by anger.

 

Lotus Root: Tonifies the spleen and stomach, promotes Qi circulation, and nourishes the heart and calms the mind.

 

Papaya: Aids digestion, strengthens the spleen and stomach, promotes Qi circulation, moistens the lungs, relieves cough, and relieves heat and thirst.

 

Rose: Promotes Qi circulation. It can be brewed alone as rose tea, or the rose flowers can be placed in the living room to promote Qi circulation and calm the mind.

 


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