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Author: Dr. Shin Jeong Won, Tong-In Clinic
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Editor : Sia
Hello everyone!
I'm Shin Jeong Won, doctor of Tong-in Korean Medicine Clinic.😊👋
Are you enjoying the warm spring and Family Month this May?
It seems many people have been enjoying lots of delicious food lately — we've been seeing more patients coming in with indigestion and bloating after overeating during the early May holidays!
It can be frustrating when clinics are closed on public holidays.🥺
Today, I'd like to introduce some simple acupressure massage that you can do at home with your family 💆🏻♀️.
Acupoints are specific spots along the body's energy pathways.
In traditional Korean medicine, acupuncture or moxibustion is applied to these.
Each acupoint is connected to different organs, so pressing them can have various beneficial effects.
This special massage method only requires your hands and a warm heart for your family - you can do it anytime, anywhere!
💡 Precautions before massaging
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Long nails can hurt the skin! Keep your nails short and wash your hands before starting.
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Don't press too hard. Apply gentle pressure for 3-5 seconds, aiming for a "good pain" sensation.
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If symptoms persist after acupressure, please visit a nearby clinic for a thorough examination.
1. A Mom's hand is a healing hand! Abdominal massage technique
In Korea, we say, "A mom’s hand is a healing hand."
Have you ever experienced pain subsiding in your mother's embrace? 😉
When children have stomach aches, parents often gently rub their bellies.
This not only warms the abdomen but also stimulates acupoints that can aid digestion!
🎯 Joong-Wan [Zhongwan, CV12] - for indigestion feeling after overeating
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Location: Midway between the navel and the base of the breastbone
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Benefits: Promotes digestion and relieves indigestion symptoms
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Technique: Apply gentle pressure and massage clockwise for 1-2 minutes using your fingertips. (Remember the “mom’s hand is a healing hand” feeling! 🌿)
Many studies show that stimulating this acupoint improves gastric emptying and motility in patients with functional dyspepsia.
Ever feel a tight, blocked sensation in your upper abdomen after eating oily foods or overeating?
When we apply acupuncture to the Joong-Wan point in such cases, patients often describe feeling "instantly relieved!"
🎯 Cheon-Chu [Tianshu , ST25] - promoting intestinal movement
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Location: About two finger-widths (4cm) on either side of the navel
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Benefits: Stimulates intestinal movement, relieves constipation and abdominal bloating
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Technique: Slowly press with your fingertips. Inhale deeply, then apply gentle pressure as you exhale. You may feel a slight muscle tension under your fingers.
In traditional Korean medicine theory, Joong-Wan is a key point in the "Stomach Meridian," while Cheon-Chu is crucial for the "Large Intestine Meridian."
These points are particularly effective for indigestion accompanied by bowel issues like constipation, diarrhea, or enteritis.
Try applying a warm compress while massaging the Tianshu point for lower abdominal pain, such as menstrual cramps.
2. Acupoints on arms and legs to aid digestion!
There are also digestion-supporting acupoints on the arms and legs.
🎯 Hap-Gok [Hegu, LI4] - an easy-to-massage point
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Location: On the back of the hand, in the webbing between the thumb and index finger(LI4 in image)
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Benefits: Powerful pain relief (headaches, toothaches, abdominal pain), helps with indigestion, respiratory and circulatory issues
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Technique: Firmly press with the thumb and index finger of the opposite hand for 5 seconds, then slowly release. Repeat 5 times.
My mother often recalls how acupuncture on the "Four Gates" points magically cured her indigestion. Hap-Gok is one of these "Four Gates" points.
If asked to choose the most frequently used acupoint, most Korean medicine doctors would likely pick Hap-Gok.
It's widely effective and commonly used for various conditions.
🎯 Nae-Guan [Neiguan, PC6] - also helps with stress relief
(Image source: Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine)
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Location: Inside the wrist, about 4-6cm from the wrist crease towards the elbow, between two tendons
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Benefits: Relieves indigestion, morning sickness, motion sickness, and vomiting. Helps with stress-related symptoms (chest discomfort, palpitations, shortness of breath, insomnia)
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Technique: Press deeply with the opposite thumb for 15 seconds, then slowly release.
I believe Nae-Guan might be the most beneficial point for modern people!
With our sedentary lifestyles and high-stress levels, we often suffer from indigestion and various autonomic nervous system symptoms.
Nae-Guan is particularly effective for indigestion with nausea and vomiting.
It's also known to help with stress and anxiety-related symptoms - a two-for-one benefit!
🎯 Jok-Sam-Ri [Zusanli, ST36] - a fundamental point for indigestion
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Location: Four finger-widths below the outer edge of the kneecap, in the depression on the outer side of the shinbone
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Benefits: Strengthens digestive function, effective for gastritis and indigestion
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Technique: With the knee bent, press firmly with your thumb for 10 seconds, then slowly release.
This point is often used alongside Joong-Wan for patients with indigestion.
For chronic indigestion patients, I always apply electroacupuncture to Jok-Sam-Ri.
Electroacupuncture at Jok-Sam-Ri is well-known for improving gastrointestinal motility, boosting immunity, and relieving lower limb pain!
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While it's great to enjoy good times, it's equally important to maintain a healthy diet these days. 🌿
Take care of your health, everyone, and I'll see you with more helpful information next time!
