Do you, or someone you care about, suffering from the following symptoms?
- weakness, lethargy, weariness, apathy
- dull thinking or poor memory
- aversion to talking, to engaging with life
- low-grade depression
- excessive need for sleep
- getting chills easily
- susceptibility to colds, flu, allergies
- prolonged recovery following illness
- pale complexion
- shortness of breath
- perspiring easily with slightest physical activity
In Chinese medicine, Qi is the generic term for energy, or vitality. The signs and symptoms above are indicators of Qi Deficiency. When Qi is deficient the body and mind can’t perform optimally. The vicious downward spiral of declining health begins: low vitality prevents the body from digesting, metabolizing, and distributing nutrients and oxygen. The decreased absorption of oxygen and nutrients in the body, and the reduced ability to expel toxins from the body further weaken the body’s vitality. The negative feedback loop is engaged and health declines further.
Located three fingers breadth right below the patella (knee cap) just lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia, the thirty-sixth point of the Stomach channel is one of the most important acupuncture points; and for good reasons. Its effect ranges from treating all sorts of digestive problems, to stimulating and maintaining the many different forms of Qi which flow in the body:
- nutritive Qi,
- defensive Qi,
- breathing Qi,
- original Qi, etc.
Stomach 36 is consistently chosen as a primary point when there is Qi Deficiency. It is also stimulated as a prophylactic point to reinforce the immune system and prevent illnesses. While stimulation with needles and moxas are the most efficient ways to stimulate acupuncture points, rubbing the point with one’s fists until the skin is red can wake up its healing functions.