Methods for Elderly People to Take Care of Themselves After Meals
There are four methods for taking care of oneself after meals
As people age, their bodily functions gradually weaken, and coupled with a decrease in resistance, they become more susceptible to various diseases. In order to maintain good health, elderly people should learn these four methods after meals.
First, rinse the mouth after meals
Ancient physician Zhang Zhongjing pointed out, "After eating, one should rinse the mouth to keep the teeth strong and the breath fresh." Keeping the mouth moist and clean can stimulate the taste buds on the tongue, enhance taste function, effectively prevent oral and dental diseases, and aid digestion.
Next, massage the abdomen after meals
The famous Tang dynasty physician Sun Simiao once suggested, "After finishing a meal, rub the face and abdomen with your hands to promote the flow of fluids. After eating, take a leisurely walk." He also advised, "Rub the abdomen with your hands hundreds of times, tap your teeth thirty-six times, and fill your mouth with saliva." As long as one can do this, "they can eat and drink without falling ill." However, if one lies down immediately after a full meal, it will "cause various illnesses." The specific method is to use the palm of your hand to press against the abdomen, with the navel as the center, gently and slowly massage in clockwise and counterclockwise directions for 20 rounds each.
Then, take a slow walk after meals
The book "Shi Yang Zhen Zhong Fang" records, "After eating, walking a few hundred steps is greatly beneficial to a person." It suggests that walking slowly after meals can promote gastrointestinal peristalsis, help the secretion of digestive fluids, and aid in the digestion and absorption of food. However, one should not walk quickly or engage in vigorous exercise. The best time for a walk is 20 minutes after a meal, not immediately after finishing eating. However, people with poor physical condition or suffering from ailments such as gastric prolapse should not take a walk after meals, but lie down flat for 10 minutes after eating. It is also not suitable for people with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
Lastly, listen to music after meals
The book "Shou Shi Bao Yuan" states, "The spleen loves music, and upon hearing it, one will start to chew their food." The Taoists also say, "The spleen is stimulated by music, and it will start to chew." Listening to soft and refreshing music during meals can stimulate appetite and aid digestion. Listening to music after meals can cultivate temperament, harmonize the vital energy, and bring joy and forgetfulness of worries.
