Acupressure has identified three pressure points that can help reduce bloating and improve your digestive system’s ability to break down food, absorb nutrients, and get rid of waste. It’s a highly effective method for dealing with various digestive issues like acid reflux, bloating, and gas.
Acupressure is an ancient healing practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, similar to acupuncture. It involves applying pressure to specific spots on the body known as acupoints. Doing this can relieve muscle tension and enhance blood flow.
In today’s world, many of us forget the importance of eating healthy, nutritious food. We often rely on packaged foods loaded with preservatives, which can negatively impact our digestion. We’re so busy with our lives that we don’t pay enough attention to how we eat, often rushing through meals.
In contrast, traditional acupuncture cultures view mealtime as a chance to gather, socialize, and enjoy food together. It’s about taking the time to sit, talk, and let your food digest properly. Chinese medicine didn’t originally have words for the enzymes and other elements we now consider crucial to digestion, but modern practices have identified three acupressure points to relieve bloating.
For more on these pressure points, you might want to check out some helpful videos, like those by Dr. Mandell, who has assisted many people worldwide with natural methods that avoid drugs and invasive treatments. His expertise in spinal biomechanics and nutrition sets him apart.
Here’s a bit more about these acupoints:
– Zusanli (ST36): Located on the stomach meridian, it’s about 3 inches below the kneecap and 1 inch to the outer side.
– Qihai (CV6): Found on the conception vessel meridian, this point is about 1.5 inches below the navel.
– Sanyinjiao (SP6): Situated on the spleen meridian, it’s located about 3 inches above the inner ankle bone.
Bloating often results from overeating, which is an easy problem to avoid. Holding in too much air while we eat or drink is another common cause. Fast eating or talking with food in our mouths can lead to excessive gas.
Taking the time to chew thoroughly can help our digestion by slowing down our eating pace. This also gives our body more time to signal when it’s full, reducing the likelihood of overeating.
Carbonated drinks can also cause bloating due to carbon dioxide bubbles that are released in the gut. Foods high in fiber are great for digestion, but some, like beans, lentils, onions, garlic, and cruciferous vegetables, can cause gas and discomfort in sensitive stomachs.
If bread seems to be causing bloating, try sourdough instead. It’s made with bacteria that predigest gluten, making it easier on the stomach. Probiotic supplements containing Lactobacillus can also help maintain digestive health and regular bowel movements.
