Abdominal Rubbing for Health Preservation
In traditional Chinese medicine, the abdomen is considered the “palace of the five zang and six fu organs, the source of yin-yang and qi-blood.” The spleen and stomach serve as the pivot of qi circulation. Abdominal rubbing helps regulate the flow of qi, harmonize yin and yang, and promote overall balance. Modern medicine suggests that abdominal rubbing increases blood flow to abdominal muscles and intestinal smooth muscles, enhances intestinal tone and lymphatic function, activates gastrointestinal secretions, and helps prevent and eliminate constipation—especially beneficial for the elderly.
Specific procedure for abdominal rubbing:
Perform at night before sleep or in the morning upon waking. Lie on your back, knees bent, body fully relaxed. Place your left hand on the abdomen, palm facing the navel, and stack your right hand on top. First rub clockwise around the navel 50 times, then reverse direction and rub counterclockwise 50 times. Apply moderate pressure, focus your mind, breathe naturally, and practice consistently for noticeable health benefits. Normal reactions include warmth in the abdomen, hunger sensation, intestinal sounds, or passing gas—no need to worry.