Inflammation in your body directly affects the strength of your
immune system. Since they work closely together, there are ways to reduce the negative symptoms of both at the same time. In this article, learn simple acupressure massage exercises to help reduce inflammation and strengthen your immune system through the Joongwan acupressure point.
Inflammation and the Immune System
When your body gets injured or gets an infection, cells of the immune system travel to the site of injury or infection and cause inflammation. Inflammation is the body’s protective response and is a complex process that involves immune cells and disease-fighting proteins. During this process, people can experience pain, heat, swelling, or redness in their body.
Did you know that 75% of the immune system resides in the gut? The gut holds a high concentration of lymph nodes that connect to all organs of the body. So, it’s no surprise that most inflammation and bloating occurs in the stomach area. Therefore, this makes the gut the perfect place to stimulate and work on the immune system to target inflammation.
Reduce Inflammation and Boost Immunity with Acupressure
Acupressure is a method of sending signals to the body to turn on its own self-healing mechanisms, popular in Asian medicine. By pressing on acupressure points, you can circulate blood and chi energy through natural pathways in the body called meridians. When you stimulate points all over your body, you can enable the flow of energy, treat ailments, and promote relaxation.
In terms of the immune system, acupressure helps to strengthen the body’s natural resistance to disease and open up blockages in the meridian channels. The one in focus for reducing inflammation is called the Conception Meridian. It starts at the point in the hollow area below the lower lip and goes all the way down connecting to the genitals.
One of the most important points on the Conception Meridian is the Joongwan Point in the upper abdomen. Joongwan means “the exact center of the stomach area” and is known for treating digestive illnesses in Asian medicine practices. Since your immune system is deeply connected to your gut health, stimulating the Joongwan Point can easily reduce inflammation and boost your immunity.
Joongwan Point Exercises
First, you have to locate your Joongwan point. Your Joongwan is halfway between the bottom of your sternum and your navel. If you place your thumb on the spot where your ribs divide, forming an inverted V, and, with your fourth finger on your belly button, gently curl your index finger, the place where it touches is the Joongwan.
1. Opening up the Conception Meridian
The following is a warm-up exercise for
opening up the Conception Meridian through tapping. It is easiest to do it while standing.
- Place your feet shoulder-width apart and stand comfortably with your knees slightly bent. Relax your shoulders and arms.
- Cup your palms slightly and rhythmically pat down the Conception Meridian (a central line from your lower lip to your lower abdomen). You can pat alternating hands or using both palms at the same time. Breathe deeply and naturally. Continue for about 5 minutes.
- Lastly, sweep the palms of your hands from your neck to your lower abdomen three times.
2. Joongwan Pumping
For this exercise, you can stand, sit, or lie down. We recommend using a
Belly Button Healing tool for better stimulation.
- 1. Using either your hands or a Belly Button Healing tool, gently and rhythmically massage your Joongwan Point. Breathe deeply and make sure your arms and shoulders are relaxed. Do this for 2 minutes.
3. Joongwan Breathing
For this exercise, you can stand, sit, or lie down. We recommend using a Belly Button Healing tool for better stimulation.
- 1. Press into your Joongwan Point with your hands or the Belly Button Healing tool as you exhale for 3 to 5 seconds.
- 2. Release your pressing as you inhale for 3 to 5 seconds.
- 3. Repeat for 5 minutes.
NOTE: When you press in on the inhale, press only until you get the feeling of a pulse beating in your abdomen or slight pain. Do not press too hard.
After this sequence of exercises, you can simply lay down and relax your body. Breathe comfortably and pay attention to the changes you feel inside. You might feel warmer, colder, or you might feel like your energy circulated. Any feeling is okay, just pay attention to what you’re feeling from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet.
Whenever you’re starting to feel weak or are experiencing bloating or gut inflammation, try this sequence of acupressure exercises. By stimulating your Joongwan Point, you can connect with yourself more and boost your immunity in a simple way. If you tried these exercises, please share your experience in the comments below!
This wellness guide is a part of our
Immunity Boosting Toolkit. Look out for more articles in the coming weeks on how to boost your immune system naturally and get your body healthy.