TCM: Massaging Neiting Point to Stomach Fire
Introduction: Massaging Neiting Point can effectively eliminate stomach fire. When symptoms such as toothache, sore throat, bad breath, constipation, or nosebleeds are caused by stomach fire, massaging Neiting Point can effectively clear heat and reduce stomach fire. Below, TCM experts will detail the massage technique for Neiting Point and how to assess the level of stomach fire.
Neiting Point is the Ying-spring point of the Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming. "Ying" means a spring has formed into a small stream. The Spiritual Pivot (Lingshu) - Basic Transportations says: "Neiting, between the outer side of the second toe, is the Ying-spring." Neiting Point has the effects of clearing the stomach and purging fire, regulating Qi and stopping pain. It can be considered a nemesis to heat syndromes and "fire" excess. The Classic of Difficulties (Nan Jing) - Difficulty Sixty-Eight states: "The Ying-spring points govern fevers." This indicates that Ying-spring points are primarily used for heat-related conditions.
How to assess the level of your stomach fire?
Generally, bad breath, stomach acid, and constipation are often caused by stomach fire. Zhu Danxi, in his "Commentary on the Bureau of Prescriptions," pointed out: "Normally, body fluids accumulate along with the ascending Qi, and over time, dampness generates heat, transforming into fire, thus producing a sour taste. Is this not heat?" This means that body fluids accumulate with Qi, generating heat, which over time transforms into fire, causing the sour taste in the mouth. Bad breath and constipation also indicate the presence of stomach fire.
If you experience bad breath, stomach acid, and constipation simultaneously, you can be certain you have stomach fire. At this point, you can massage Neiting Point to eliminate stomach fire. Additionally, acupuncture therapy on Neiting Point also has a significant effect. The specific massage technique for Neiting Point is introduced below.
Location of Neiting Point: On the dorsum of the foot, between the second and third toes, at the junction of the red and white skin, posterior to the webbing of the toes.
To locate the point, sit with feet hanging down or lie on your back. It is at the front of the second metatarsophalangeal joint, at the wrinkle head between the second and third toes. You can also frequently press this point with the tip of your finger. When pressing, use the tip of your thumb to apply firm pressure, aiming for a sensation of soreness and distension. Massage for one minute on each side, for a total of two minutes, and persist daily.
Furthermore, massaging it together with Laogong Point yields even better results. Laogong Point is an important point on the Pericardium Meridian of Hand-Jueyin. It is located between the second and third metacarpal bones in the center of the palm, at the spot where the middle finger points when the fist is clenched. It can clear heat and eliminate bad breath because it is the Ying-spring point of the Pericardium Meridian, making clearing heat and purging fire one of its major functions. Clinically, it is also often used to treat mouth sores and bad breath caused by external or internal heat, with remarkable results.
Massaging Neiting Point can also treat other diseases
1. Treat indigestion. As many people get older, their digestive function greatly declines, leading to symptoms like indigestion, loss of appetite, bloating, and difficulty with bowel movements. In this case, improving the condition by massaging Neiting Point is a good option.
2. Relieve acne. Regularly massaging Neiting Point can also improve acne caused by excessive stomach fire. If you want pimples to disappear faster, in addition to avoiding overly greasy food, you can press Neiting Point with the tip of your finger every day. The pressure should be firm, according to your personal tolerance, to the point where it is bearable. The best time for massage is between 7-9 AM, during the Chen hour when the Stomach Meridian is at its peak.
3. Suppress appetite for weight loss. Generally, people with strong stomach fire have a large appetite and are always hungry, which can easily lead to obesity. If you want to control your weight by suppressing your appetite, you can still turn to Neiting Point for help. The main reason Neiting Point can suppress appetite is that it can reduce stomach fire. Massaging Neiting Point can lower the excessive fire in the stomach, thereby reducing appetite. You can persist in gently rubbing this point 100 times with your thumb every morning and evening, aiming for a sensation of soreness and distension.