Latest news with #ZhenJiuJiaYiJing
Epoch Times
17-05-2025
- Health
- Epoch Times
Boost Mental Alertness and Heart Health in a Pinch With This Acupoint
In urgent situations, such as when someone collapses, loses consciousness, or experiences sudden chest pain, most of us instinctively reach for the emergency call button. However, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners in ancient China utilized a natural emergency relief point on the pinky finger: the Lesser Rushing (Shao Chong, HT9) acupoint. Shao Chong has significant potential in cases of acute crises. TCM views it as a life-restoring switch during emergencies and a valuable tool for addressing emotional or physical turmoil. A Legacy Rooted in Classical Medicine Shao Chong first appeared in the 'Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing,' the oldest surviving manual on acupuncture and moxibustion ( a gentle heat therapy with dried mugwort) , compiled nearly 2,000 years ago. Shao Chong is classified as a Jing-Well point, a group of points located at the tips of fingers and toes known for their rapid effects, especially their ability to expel pathogenic heat and restore consciousness.
Epoch Times
17-05-2025
- Health
- Epoch Times
Regain Emotional Harmony and Alleviate Anger With This Acupoint
We've all had moments where we said something we didn't mean or acted on impulse, only to regret it later. Psychology tells us such reactions are related to unresolved trauma or stress. Biomedicine points to neurotransmitter surges and overactive brain circuits. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers a different lens, linking emotional outbursts to the energetic state of the heart. When the heart is overwhelmed by internal heat, the Lesser Mansion (Shao Fu, HT8), an acupoint on your palm, provides a practical and time-tested tool for release and restoration. A Classical Remedy With Lasting Relevance Shao Fu was first documented in 'Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing,' the earliest known systematic text on acupuncture and moxibustion (a gentle heat therapy with dried mugwort) , giving the point a long and respected lineage in TCM. Shao Fu is classified as a Ying-Spring point and is particularly effective at clearing heat from the Heart meridian. In TCM, heat in the Heart doesn't just show up as fever or inflammation—it can appear as anger, irritability, and even a sharp tongue during emotional outbursts.
Epoch Times
12-05-2025
- Health
- Epoch Times
Insomnia Relief Without Medication? Use This Acupoint for Better Sleep
Insomnia is more than a source of frustration—it can gradually undermine our health. Chronic sleep issues are associated with a range of problems, including high blood pressure, weakened immunity, mood swings, and memory difficulties. As we age, sleep disruptions become more frequent. Many experts recommend exploring From Classical Texts to Clinical Relevance Shen Men was first recorded in 'Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing,' the oldest surviving text on acupuncture and moxibustion (a gentle heat therapy with dried mugwort) , written between 256 and 283 C.E. This point is known as a Yuan-Source point, meaning it's a key location where our inherited, original These points are especially important because they reflect the energetic health of their related organ systems. In the case of Shen Men, that organ is the heart—not just the physical organ—but also the emotional and mental functions associated with it in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Shen Men plays a central role in addressing emotional disturbances like anxiety and depression, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as palpitations, chest tightness, and, in extreme cases, nausea. Shen Men is also known to improve mental clarity. In today's world, it's most often used to treat insomnia that stems from stress, overthinking, and emotional turmoil—when your body is exhausted but your mind won't turn off. Modern Studies Confirm the Mind-Body Connection Modern research is finding what traditional medicine has known for centuries: Shen Men profoundly influences the mind and body. One clinical Another How to Locate and Activate Shen Men You'll find Shen Men on the inner side of your wrist. To locate it, hold your palm face-up and find the prominent tendons that help flex your hand. Then, trace downwards along your pinky finger towards the inner wrist crease. You'll feel a slight dip next to the bone of your hand. This point will feel sore, tender, or numb when you press it. How to Activate the Spirit Gate Shen Men responds well to simple, gentle techniques, best applied before bedtime: Pressure technique: Apply firm pressure for 3–5 seconds, release for 3 seconds, and repeat this cycle for three to five minutes on each wrist. Massage: Using your thumb or index finger, massage in small, slow circles for three to five minutes per side. Herbal Patch: For overnight stimulation, consider an herbal patch placed directly over the point. Advanced techniques such as acupuncture, cupping, or moxibustion can enhance the therapeutic effects. These should only be performed by a trained TCM practitioner. Precautions Avoid manually stimulating the Shen Men acupoint if you have any injuries in the wrist area. Instead, consider using heat therapy. You can gently warm the acupoint by using a hairdryer on a low setting for 10 to 15 minutes on each wrist. If you choose to use herbal patches, read the ingredient list carefully to avoid products with harsh synthetic ingredients, especially if you have sensitive skin. End Your Day With Intention Incorporating Shen Men stimulation into your nighttime routine can be an effective way to unwind. Just a few minutes of mindful touch can help calm your mind and prepare it for restful sleep. Whether you focus on the point itself or create a calming ritual around it, Shen Men serves as a gentle and effective pathway to achieving deeper, more peaceful rest. Related Stories 5/7/2025 5/6/2025 TCM expert Shihhsiang Hung reviewed this article for accuracy and clarity. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Epoch Health welcomes professional discussion and friendly debate. To submit an opinion piece, please follow these guidelines and submit through
Epoch Times
12-05-2025
- Health
- Epoch Times
Spirit Path: The Wrist Acupoint That Calms Your Heart and Restores Your Voice
You might not expect that a single point on your wrist could help stabilize your emotions, regulate your heartbeat, and even restore your voice—but that's precisely what Spirit Path (Ling Dao, HT4) is known for. The Ling Dao acupoint, located on the Heart The Fast-Track Channel for Heart and Voice Health Ling Dao is first mentioned in the 'Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing,' the oldest known text dedicated to acupuncture and moxibustion (a gentle heat therapy with dried mugwort). It has a long-standing history in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and is classified as a Jing River Point, where qi ( You can think of it as a section of the body's energy stream where activity intensifies. Jing River points are particularly effective for clearing external pathogens that cause coughs, chills, or fevers, and they are especially beneficial when the voice is affected. Ling Dao is part of the Heart meridian, which gives it unique emotional and cardiovascular properties. In TCM, the heart is regarded as the home of the spirit, or shen. When energy flow along the Heart meridian is blocked or disrupted, it can lead to sudden emotional fluctuations, such as laughing or crying without cause, or other signs of deep emotional imbalance. Stimulating Ling Dao helps smooth out these emotional waves and calm the heart, providing physical and psychological support. Clinically, this point is also used for heart-related issues like palpitations or chest discomfort. Additionally, when the voice is lost due to emotional shock, stress, or illness, Ling Dao serves as a key remedy to help restore one's ability to speak. Science Supports the Spirit Path Contemporary research is slowly exploring the mechanisms behind the benefits of acupoint stimulation, a practice that TCM has employed for centuries. In one comparative Related Stories 5/1/2025 4/30/2025 The group receiving acupuncture plus herbs achieved the best results, with 87.2 percent of patients experiencing improvement. They showed similar reductions in depression scores compared to the Western medication group, and their overall well-being improved more significantly, without the heavy side effects of pharmaceuticals. Another How to Locate and Activate Ling Dao To find Ling Dao, start by turning your palm upward. Begin at the crease of your wrist and move approximately two finger widths up your forearm, along the side of your pinky finger. Between the tendon that flexes your hand and the bone, you should notice a small dip or sensitive area—this is where Ling Dao is located. How to Activate Ling Dao at Home You don't need to be a TCM expert to use Ling Dao for self-care. Try one or more of these easy methods: Press firmly for three to five seconds, relax for three seconds, and repeat for up to three minutes on each wrist. Massage the point in small circles with your thumb or index finger. Apply an herbal patch overnight for slow, consistent stimulation. If you're interested in deeper activation, a licensed practitioner can offer acupuncture, cupping, or moxibustion (a gentle heat therapy with dried mugwort) depending on your condition and health goals. Precautions Avoid applying pressure to this point if the area is injured or inflamed. If you're using an herbal patch, select one with natural ingredients and no harsh artificial chemicals, especially if you have sensitive skin. The left Ling Dao may be more sensitive, so begin gently. Always pay attention to your body and start slowly if you're new to acupressure. One Point, Dual Impact Ling Dao's strength lies in its dual action—it supports heart function and emotional balance. You don't have to wait until your voice disappears or emotions spiral to use this point. Keep it in your wellness toolkit and reach for it whenever you need a bit of calm and peace. Self-care without side effects or a pharmacy bill is just a few mindful minutes away. TCM expert Shihhsiang Hung helped review this article for accuracy and clarity. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Epoch Health welcomes professional discussion and friendly debate. To submit an opinion piece, please follow these guidelines and submit through
Epoch Times
28-04-2025
- Health
- Epoch Times
Emergency Relief: The Power of Xi Men for Heart and Mind
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is often considered a gentle, wellness-focused system—great for stress relief and general balance. However, some of its tools were historically used in urgent, even life-threatening situations. One such acupoint is Xi Cleft Gate (Xi Men, PC4). In ancient China, this point was revered as an emergency measure for severe conditions. Today, it remains equally relevant for physical ailments and emotional distress. Its reputation as a therapeutic and calming point continues to grow. Xi Men in Classical Texts Xi Men was first documented in the 'Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing—the A-B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion,' one of the oldest surviving texts in Chinese medicine. The book compiled centuries of empirical knowledge and remains a cornerstone of acupuncture theory. Xi Men is classified as a Xi-Cleft point, which in TCM terminology refers to a location where qi (vital energy) and blood pool. When energy and blood gather at a point, that location becomes uniquely powerful for resolving acute issues. That's why Xi Men is frequently used to treat sharp chest pain, palpitations, and cardiac distress. It also comes into play for more extreme internal conditions, like hematemesis, which refers to vomiting blood, often resulting from internal bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. Unless caused by mechanical injury, this symptom is seen in TCM as a manifestation of severe excess of heat damaging the middle section of the body. Xi Men is also known to help calm the spirit, making it valuable for excessive irritability and emotional unrest. Unlike modern systems that often separate mental and physical health, TCM recognizes how deeply they are intertwined. A Modern Look at an Ancient Lifeline Contemporary research confirms the power behind acupoints like Xi Men. One More importantly, in addition to providing fast relief, acupuncture boosted the effectiveness of conventional medications like nitroglycerin. In fact, clinical effectiveness ranged from 80 percent to more than 96 percent. Unlike many drugs, acupuncture didn't cause side effects like dizziness or low blood pressure, and it didn't interfere with other treatments. While surgeries are still necessary for severe heart issues, acupuncture at points like Xi Men can reduce the frequency and intensity of symptoms and potentially lessen dependence on high drug doses. How to Locate and Stimulate Xi Men To find Xi Men, start at the wrist crease on the palm side of your forearm. From there, measure about seven finger-widths up the arm, staying roughly on the midline. You'll find it in the groove between two tendons: the palmaris longus and the flexor carpi radialis. If you flex your wrist slightly, these tendons will become more visible. Locate a spot that feels sore or tender to touch. These sensations indicate that you have successfully found the acupoint. Easy Ways to Stimulate Xi Men Firm pressure: Press on the point for three to five seconds, relax for three seconds, and repeat for one to three minutes on each arm. For some people, wrist rolls on the arm receiving acupressure can enhance the effect. Circular massage: Use your thumb or index finger to massage the point in small circles for one to three minutes. Herbal Patch: For convenience and prolonged stimulation, you can apply an herbal patch overnight. For more advanced techniques like acupuncture, cupping, or moxibustion (a gentle heat therapy with dried mugwort), consult a licensed TCM practitioner. Precautions Avoid stimulating Xi Men if you have any injuries, bruises, or inflammation in the area. If you're using herbal patches, avoid products with harsh synthetic chemicals—especially if your skin is prone to allergic reactions. Use Xi Men as a Crisis Preventive The pericardium's job in TCM is to shield and nourish the heart, and the acupoints along this meridian are tools for doing just that. Xi Men, with its ability to calm the body and mind, doesn't need to be reserved for emergencies. You can use it proactively to support healthy circulation and emotional balance. Whether you're dealing with stress, heart strain, or just need a quiet moment in a busy day, this point can offer support without side effects. Give it a few minutes of attention—and let your heart feel the care. TCM expert Shihhsiang Hung reviewed this article for accuracy and clarity. Related Stories 4/22/2025 4/11/2025 Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Epoch Health welcomes professional discussion and friendly debate. To submit an opinion piece, please follow these guidelines and submit through
