Acupressure DIY at Home
Indigestion, also called Dyspepsia, is a feeling of bloating/fullness and discomfort after a meal. The fullness and sensation of discomfort can occur during or after a meal, and can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as belching, nausea, acidic taste in the mouth or burning sensation in the upper gastric area. Indigestion is usually a sign of an underlying problem, and can be attributed to other diseases such as GERD, ulcers, gastritis, gastroparesis, or thyroid disease. Indigestion can also be caused by certain medications or simply by indulgent lifestyles and stress.
In chinese medicine, the common causes for general Indigestion is Food Stagnation from overeating, Qi and Blood Deficiency, Deficient Cold Syndrome, or Liver overacting on Stomach.
The treatment plans depend on the symptoms and diagnosis and may differ for each individual. It is always important to first make an appointment to see your doctor to rule out a more serious condition.
No matter the cause, there are still some tips to follow to help relieve general symptoms of Indigestion.
Do not intake food for at least 3 hours before bed.
- Avoid sleeping on your left side (side of the stomach).
- Do nothing while you eat. Meaning watching TV, working, and checking emails can all affect your digestion while you eat.
- Avoid stressful situations during eating.
- Eat slow and chew more.
- Avoid icy cold drinks and food.
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
Acupressure DIY:
These Acupressure points should be stimulated with moderate pressure and should be stimulated frequently throughout the day! Stimulate each point with your thumb and/or index finger for at least a minute before moving on to the next point!
Try Massaging the Acupressure Points Below to Help Alleviate the symptoms of indigestion.
- REN 12 (Zhong Wan) : This point is located on the anterior midline of the upper abdomen, half way between the umbilicus and the sternocostal notch.
- PC 6 (Nei Guan) : PC6 is located on the inner arm, two thumb widths from the wrist crease, in between the two tendons. The tendons will be more prominent with a clenched fist (if you can only feel for one tendon, then locate this point on the ulnar/inner side of the tendon-the pinky side).
- ST 36 (Zhu San Li) : This point is located on the front of the leg, 3 cun* below the kneecap, on the lateral side of the leg, in the depression between the shinbone and the leg muscle.
(See pics below)
Disclaimer: This information is intended as a patient education resource only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem as it is not a substitute for expert professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, please consult your health care provider.
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