As winter approaches, many people find that their stomachs are no longer as warm and comfortable as they are in summer. The cold air seems to penetrate clothing and reach the abdomen, triggering or exacerbating stomach upset. Stomach pain is a common complaint during this season, and many people are looking for ways to alleviate the condition. However, in addition to traditional medical treatment, ancient TCM theories and practices offer a gentle yet effective solution: the stimulation of specific acupuncture points to achieve the effect of warming the stomach and dissipating cold. This method not only improves the comfort of the stomach, but also strengthens the body's overall resistance to cold air.
In winter, as the temperature drops, the human body naturally reduces peripheral blood flow in order to maintain the internal temperature to reduce heat loss. This change directly affects the digestive system, especially the stomach. The cold environment reduces blood flow to the stomach, which reduces the defense of the gastric mucosa and makes the stomach more susceptible to cold. When the cold affects the stomach, it can cause the stomach muscles to tense and blood vessels to constrict, which can cause pain or discomfort.
In addition, cold can also cause or aggravate stomach cramps, because in a cold environment, the body will unconsciously tense in order to keep warm, including the smooth muscles of the stomach, and prolonged tension can lead to cramps, which can lead to pain。The pain usually manifests as a tingling, dull ache or burning sensation and may be accompanied by an upset stomach.
Understanding this relationship between stomach pain and chill can lead to more targeted measures to prevent and alleviate winter stomach pain. Next, methods such as acupressure will be introduced to achieve this goal.
Acupressure, a method derived from traditional medicine, regulates the flow of qi and blood in the human body by stimulating specific points in the body, so as to achieve the purpose of preventing diseases and diseases. In the cold winter months, acupressure can be especially aimed at those acupuncture points that can promote blood circulation in the stomach and strengthen the defense of the gastric mucosa, so as to warm the stomach and dispel the cold.
The principle of acupressure is based on the meridian theory of traditional Chinese medicine, which believes that the body's qi and blood run in the meridians, and that the qi and blood can be regulated through massage and the meridians can be relieved. For stomach pain, acupressure can promote blood circulation in the stomach area, enhance the vitality of the stomach muscles, and relieve the tension and spasms of the stomach muscles caused by cold, thereby reducing pain and discomfort.
Acupressure for stomach pain in winter, the focus can be on the Zhongguan acupoint, Zusanli acupoint and Neiguan acupoint。Located at the lower end of the sternum and the midpoint of the umbilical line, the Zhongguan acupoint is an important acupuncture point for regulating stomach qi and relieving stomach pain. Zusanli acupoint is located on the outside of the knee, four fingers wide, which has the effect of strengthening the spleen and stomach and promoting digestion. The Neiguan acupoint is located on the palmar side of the wrist, two fingers wide above the horizontal stripe of the wrist, which can regulate the function of internal organs and relieve stomach discomfort.
When massaging these points, use gentle and sustained pressure for 2-3 minutes each。It can be rotated or pressed, and the force and time can be adjusted according to the individual's comfort. Regular such a massage can effectively prevent and relieve stomach discomfort in winter.
In addition to acupressure, there are some simple measures you can take in your daily life to warm your stomach and dispel the cold. First of all, the diet should be warm in natureSuch as ginger, garlic, cinnamon, etc., these foods can help to dispel cold in the temperature and strengthen the defense of the stomach. At the same time, avoid excessive intake of cold drinks and raw and cold foods, as these foods can burden the stomach and trigger or exacerbate stomach pain.
In addition, it is also very important to keep your abdomen warm. You can keep your stomach warm by wearing warm clothing, using a baby warmer or a warm water bag. In a cold environment, proper exercise can also help improve blood circulation and increase the body's heat production, thereby reducing the impact of cold on the stomach.