Stomach Meridian – Anxiety
The Organ: The stomach holds the food we ingest, mixes it with acids to break it down, and then passes it to the small intestine.
The Meridian: The stomach meridian reminds us to focus on the thoughts that we hold onto that turn into emotions. Are they nourishing, or will they deprive us?
Location: Begins under the eye and descends to the jaw before looping back to the forehead. Then it drops down, runs through the throat, chest, and abdomen, and down the front of the legs to the second toe.
Physical Imbalance: belching, reflux, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, stomach ulcers, bad breath, heartburn, and energy deficiencies.
Emotional Imbalance: Anger, anxiety, sadness, obsessive thoughts, neediness, poor concentration, brain fog, and memory.
How to Balance
*When the heart meridian is balanced, it promotes joy, emotional balance, clarity of thought, and sound sleep. It also supports healthy relationships and communication, as well as a strong sense of compassion and love.
Acupressure Point/Massage: *The are many pressure points in body. This is one example.
One easy way to stimulate the stomach meridian is by gently tapping or putting pressure on the points located in the lower leg, on either side of the shin bone, just below the knee.
- Sitting on the floor with your knees bent, or sitting in a chair, make loose fists and begin tapping on the Joksamri points on either side of your shin bone, just below the knee, with your fisted hands.
- Tap or massage in circular motions both sides of the kneecap at the same time.
- Try tapping for at least 3 minutes on each leg. This will improve circulation, release stress and stimulate your Stomach Meridian.
Herbal Therapy/Diet:
- Ginger (Gan Jiang) – A warming herb known for its ability to reduce nausea, improve appetite, and eliminate bloating. Ginger is often used to treat cold stomach conditions and support smooth digestion.
- Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi) _ This aromatic herb regulates Qi and reduces bloating.
- Magnolia Bark (Hou Po) – alleviates abdominal fullness and promotes the movement of Qi. It’s particularly effective for treating constipation and sluggish digestion.
Meditation/Mind: Spend time every day alone to digest your thoughts and emotions. Eat foods and drinks that are warm to make digestion of the food easier. And tune into your gut to help make better decisions. Click the link for a guided meditation to improve digestion, https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=snt5FKrymgU.
Physical Exercise: Since the stomach meridian goes down the front of the legs, it is beneficial to get energy circulating in the legs to release any blockages. The flow of blood and chi energy through the legs strengthens the heart, lungs, stomach, and intestines.
- Repeat the squat 20-30 times, or as your strength will allow. It is better and more challenging the more slowly you do this exercise.
- Stand with your feet open as wide as you can comfortably balance. Relax your neck and shoulders.
- Place your hands on your waist and slowly bend your knees to drop into a ‘horse riding’ stance. Aim for squatting as close to the ground as you can. Hold the squat for 1-2 seconds then slowly return to standing straight.
Or
The Crescent Moon Stretch is a beautiful and effective stretching exercise that opens the front of the body, strengthens your legs and ankles, and helps to improve balance. This stretch stimulates the Stomach Meridian to enhance stomach function and release stagnant energy from associated energy blocks in the abdomen.
- Stand with your feet shoulder width apart, hips square and toes pointed forward. Bend your right knee and turn your torso to the right while bringing your left leg behind you, with your foot at a 45-degree angle.
- Bring your right arm up straight, fingers pointing skyward. Inhale and exhale while looking just over the top of your fingertips. Raise your left arm and clasp your hands. Inhale and exhale once more, repeating your skyward gaze.
- Facing sideways, bend backward until your spine is arched into a crescent moon shape. Tilt your head back to stretch your upper spine and neck as well.
- Hold this pose for a few seconds before returning to an upright position.
- Switch sides. Bend your left knee and bring your right leg behind you, turning your right foot to a 45-degree angle.
- Bend back once again, holding your spine in an arc for several seconds.
Related Articles
Resources:
1. https://infinityflexibility.com/meridians/stomach-meridian/
2. https://lieske.com/channels/5e-stomach.htm
3. https://www.katokamassagetherapy.com/understanding-body-meridians
4. https://www.meine-tcm.com/en/stomach-meridian/
5. https://www.myyogaessence.com.au/blog/yangshengstomach
6. https://acaacupuncture.com/chinese-herbs-for-digestion/
7. https://www.changeyourenergy.com/blog/1259/handle-stress-better-with-stomach-meridian-exercises