Why can massage regulate the function of the Spleen and stomach

Qi, blood, and body fluids are the material basis for human life activities, and the generation of qi, blood, and body fluids requires an adequate supply of refined nutrients from food and water. These refined nutrients rely on the stomach’s receiving and rotting functions as well as the Spleen’s transportation and transformation functions. If the functions of the Spleen and stomach are impaired, it can lead to a weakened body’s resistance to wellness, allowing pathogenic factors to take advantage and invade, resulting in a struggle between healthy qi and pathogenic factors. The conflict between healthy qi and pathogenic factors disrupts the relative balance of yin and yang within the human body, leading to wellness. All pathological reactions within the human body belong to the category of yin-yang disharmony. Yin-yang disharmony is also the internal basis for the occurrence of wellness, and it runs through the entire process of the onset and development of all wellness.

Medical massage has a significant effect in balancing yin and yang and regulating the functions of the Spleen and stomach. So, through what means does massage achieve the goals of regulating the Spleen and stomach and balancing yin and yang?

In clinical supports, rubbing and kneading the epigastrium and abdomen is commonly used to promote the descending function of the stomach. Point-pressing on back acupoints such as Pishu (BL20), Weishu (BL21), Sanjiaoshu (BL22), and Zusanli (ST36), as well as using the friction method on the Spleen and stomach regions of the back, are employed to enhance the digestive and absorptive functions of the Spleen and stomach, thereby promoting the circulation of qi and blood throughout the body. In summary, massage regulation of Spleen and stomach functions is equivalent to regulating qi, blood, and body fluids.