🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Health experts suggest that applying pressure to digestive organs is an excellent way to release physical tension and enhance detoxification. What does "applying pressure to digestive organs" mean? Simply put, it involves abdominal massage and diaphragmatic breathing to impose load pressure on the gastrointestinal tract, prompting the body to passively expel waste and toxins that contribute to aging and disease.
Abdominal Massage
Abdominal massage has been practiced since ancient times as a health-preserving method. Today, it still retains traditional names such as "mo fu" (massage abdomen) or "mo shengmen" (massage life gate).
Abdominal massage improves function of the five zang and six fu organs, especially the stomach and intestines, and regulates the body's qi and blood.
· Best Time: During walking or after bedtime
· Techniques:
1. Place one palm flat on the navel with the other hand stacked on top. Gently press and rub in a clockwise circular motion, starting from the navel and expanding outward to cover the entire abdomen—about 100 strokes—then return to the navel, repeating 100 strokes. Switch hands and repeat in counterclockwise direction with the same technique.
Consistent practice will quickly result in improved bowel movements.
2. Control pressure: The technique should be gentle, smooth, and uniform, yet possess sufficient depth. Avoid pressing too hard, as this may harm internal organs.
· Precautions: For optimal results, perform abdominal massage after emptying the bladder, when the stomach is neither overly full nor excessively empty.
Diaphragmatic Breathing
Most people use thoracic breathing in daily life. Its major drawback is inadequate intake of fresh air—shallow breathing utilizing only one-third of lung capacity, leaving two-thirds filled with stale air. This old air is polluted and offers no benefit.
Diaphragmatic breathing opposes conventional chest breathing, allowing full lung utilization. It accelerates blood circulation, increases oxygen content in blood, facilitates elimination of metabolic waste, and provides natural massage through contraction and relaxation of abdominal muscles. This promotes gastric and intestinal motility, enhances digestion, prevents habitual constipation, and keeps the internal environment clean.
· Best Time: Before sleep
· Techniques: To master proper diaphragmatic breathing, inhale deeply so the abdomen and lungs fill completely. Continue inhaling forcefully until the abdomen cannot take more air, then hold breath for about 4 seconds. Exhale slowly and steadily for at least 8 seconds.
· Precautions:
1. Perform lying flat for better results.
2. Focus attention entirely on breathing.
3. Exhale slowly and continuously without interruption. (By Liang Yu, New Express News Reporter)
Excerpted from Xinhua News Agency: Jinyang Network