11:00 to 13:00 is the time of Wu period and the heart channel is on duty. There are two major things for health preservation for this time period: having a good lunch and taking an afternoon nap.
After the Wu period, it is the time of Wei (13:00 to 15:00) when the small intestine channel is in charge. At this time, food and drink are being digested. Qi and blood are harnessed for the process by flowing into the abdomen, which is why people are easily tired at this time due to relatively insufficient qi and blood. Massage along the small intestine channel is suitable to promote digestion and improve fatigue as well. Taking a break and having Chinese afternoon tea is also a good choice to assist digestion and improve our physical state.
The hand shaoyin heart channel
According to Chinese medicine theory, the heart (or Xīn) is the chief of the five zang-organs. It governs blood and vessels and promotes blood circulation in vessels to nourish the whole body. The health of the heart is reflected outside through the complexion, and its qi and blood connect with the tongue. Therefore, whether the state of the physiological functions related to the heart can be judged by the color and lustre of the face and tongue.
The heart also governs mental activity. To be specific, it controls psychological activities such as cognition, consciousness, and emotions. Diseases related to the (conscious) mind and the physical heart, such as insomnia and palpitations are also ascribed to the heart in Chinese medicine. Therefore, the key to health preservation during Wu period is to nourish the heart so that it can “work” more “energetically”.
The heart channel passes through the axilla, medial and posterior border of the upper limb, palm, and the radial side of little finger. It has a remarkable effect on heartache, palpitation, insomnia, mania and other heart diseases.
The small intestine (or Xiǎo Cháng) is where food and drink first digested in the stomach are absorbed for the second time, so that the food is divided into the “essence” which is beneficial to the body and the “residue” that needs to be discharged through the large intestines. It is a key step in the process of nutritional intake. The small intestine channel passes through the ulnar side of the little finger, the lateral posterior border of the upper limbs, shoulder, neck and face.
The heart and the small intestine are the zang-fu organs that connect with each other through the two channels, and the two channels are said to have a “exterior-interior” relationship. In terms of pathology, if the heart fire is exuberant, it can affect the small intestine, causing oliguria, dark urination with burning sensation, urodynia and other symptoms. The disorders of the small intestine also have an impact on the functions of the heart. Therefore, for health preservation, massage acupoints of both channels, selecting points that complement each other.
In modern society, people are busy working and the rhythm of life is very tense. Symptoms such as tiredness and weakness, a wandering mind, insomnia and amnesia sometimes occur. Massage at Shenmen (HT 7) can relieve fatigue and refresh oneself.
As the yuan-source point, HT 7 can supplement the heart and boost qi, calm the mind and reduce fire, mainly used for insomnia, palpitations and angina.
Location: At the wrist joint, on the radial side of the flexor carpi ulnaris, in the depression at the proximal border of the pisiform bone.
In addition, since the heart governs mental activity, pressing HT 7 can greatly supplement heart qi, reducing the incidence of dementia in middle-aged and elderly people when performed over the long-term. In addition to insomnia, profuse dreaming and neurasthenia, this acupoint can also improve withdrawal symptoms when one is quitting smoking or stopping drinking.
To be specific, press-knead or pinch HT 7 repeatedly with the tip of the thumb 30 times. Do not exert too much force. Generally, pressure is appropriate when a slight sensation of soreness and distension occurs. Applying pressure on it before going to bed at night will achieve optimal effects.
Notes: After pressing HT 7 for 10 seconds, take a rest for 5 seconds. A total of 5 minutes on each side is best, and it should be manipulated three times a day in the morning, middle and evening.
