Stressor Spotlight: Stomach Meridian

By: Vaughn R Cook, OMD Source: ZYTO.COM
January 18, 2024

Contents
The stomach meridian is one of the largest and most impactful traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) meridians. Running from head to toe, it connects with many of the body's organs and muscle systems.
Because it provides the body with energy from the digestion of nutrients, this meridian is known as the "Sea of Nourishment." As you will soon find out, however, the stomach meridian performs other key functions in the body and may cause a variety of issues when not properly balanced.

Stomach meridian structure

One of the longest TCM meridians, the stomach meridian contains 45 acupoints, with the first one situated under the eye. From here, the channel descends around the mouth where it connects to the conception and governing meridians.

Next, it moves from the lower gums and goes down to the jawline. While one branch ascends around the jawline and then up to the corner of the forehead, the other descends to the collarbone where it meets up with the internal stomach and spleen meridians. The internal branch travels down the torso, where it passes through the heart and lungs before filtering down to the stomach and spleen.

The external branch runs alongside the internal branch of the stomach meridian, starting at the collarbone and descending through the center of the chest. After running down the side of the abdomen, it continues down to the pubic area before passing down the front of the thigh and outside of the kneecap. It then runs along the outside of the shinbone, through the ankle, and ends at the second toe.

Two other branches extend from the main channel of the stomach meridian. The first descends from the kneecap and ends at the middle toe, while the other runs from the top of the foot to the big toe, where it connects with the spleen meridian.1

Stomach meridian function

According to TCM, the stomach meridian predominantly regulates digestive functions, controlling the transportation and breakdown of food and fluids within the body. Its role is vital in maintaining the body's energy levels and overall well-being.

The stomach meridian is closely associated with the Earth element in TCM, governing nourishment and stability. Balancing this meridian aids in fortifying the digestive system, thereby bolstering immunity and energy levels.2

Additionally, the stomach meridian's harmonious function impacts mental clarity and emotional balance. It is believed to influence one's ability to think clearly, process information, and maintain a stable emotional state.3 4

Along with these functions, the stomach meridian combines with the spleen meridian to transfer food energy from the lungs, where it merges with the air energy created from respiration.4

Energetic connections

The yang stomach meridian is partnered with the yin spleen meridian. It is also energetically connected to the following organs, teeth, and vertebrae:

Stomach
Top first and second molars (T2, T3, T14, T15)
Bottom first and second premolars (T20, T21, T28, T29)
Sixth, seventh, and eighth thoracic vertebrae (TH6, TH7, TH8)
Fourth cervical vertebra (C4)

From an applied kinesiology perspective, the stomach meridian is also energetically connected to specific muscle groups in the body. These include muscles in the neck, chest, and forearms.5

An imbalance in the stomach meridian can cause issues in any of these areas. Conversely, an imbalance in the above areas can also cause the stomach meridian to become unbalanced. This is also true for the emotions believed to be connected to this meridian, which include anger as well as anxiety, confusion, and hyperactivity.4

Symptoms of stomach meridian imbalance

When the stomach meridian experiences imbalances, it can manifest in various physical and mental symptoms. These imbalances may affect digestion, emotional stability, and overall vitality.

Symptoms related to stomach meridian imbalances might include:

Digestive issues (such as indigestion, bloating, or nausea)
Abdominal discomfort or pain
Emotional disturbances (anxiety, worry, or overthinking)
Fatigue or lack of energy
Appetite irregularities
Skin conditions
Muscle tension
Insomnia
Headaches or migraines
Arm, wrist, or neck pain
Food intolerances
Poor immune function5 6 7

These symptoms might indicate an imbalance in the stomach meridian, warranting attention to restore equilibrium and overall well-being.

How to balance the stomach meridian

Maintaining a balanced stomach meridian is vital for overall health. Diet, lifestyle practices, and acupuncture/acupressure are among the best ways to support this meridian.

Lifestyle and diet

Regulating stress is important for maintaining balance in the stomach meridian. Along with adequate exercise and sleep, stress management techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can alleviate stress-related imbalances in the stomach meridian.

Of course, diet plays a large role in balancing the stomach meridian as well. This not only includes what you eat, but how you eat it. That said, here are some key diet tips to follow to support equilibrium in this meridian:

Eat in a relaxed environment
Chew food thoroughly
Eat easily digestible foods
Maintain regular mealtimes
Incorporate warm, cooked meals
Consume whole grains and root vegetables
Drink ginger or peppermint tea
Add fermented foods
Eat a nourishing high-protein breakfast
Avoid eating close to bedtime
Limit greasy and very spicy foods8 9 10

Supplements & herbs

In addition to ginger and peppermint, other herbs and supplements that are believed to support the stomach meridian's health include:

Chamomile
Licorice root
Fennel seeds
Aloe vera
Probiotics8 9

Chinese herbs may also be effective for treating stomach conditions. These include:

Shi Hu (Dendrobii caulis)
Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogonis radix),
Bei Sha Shen (Glehniae radix)
Yu Zhu (Polygonati odorati rhizoma)10

Make sure to consult with a healthcare practitioner before using any of these herbs or supplements.

Acupuncture & acupressure

Acupuncture and acupressure are commonly used to treat stomach issues. An acupuncturist will evaluate your overall health, including determining whether there is any imbalance in the stomach meridian. To treat symptoms related to the stomach meridian, an acupuncturist may insert one or more needles to stimulate specific acupoints.

Certain acupuncture points are known for treating stomach issues. The most well-known stomach meridian acupoint is the Zusanli point (ST36), which is used to relieve cramping, bloating, constipation, and other stomach issues.7 This point is located about 3 inches below the kneecap on the outer edge of the shinbone.

In addition to acupuncture treatment, you can stimulate the Zusanli and other acupoints using acupressure. To do this, simply place your thumb or finger on the point and move it in a circular or up-and-down motion using deep and steady pressure.11

Stomach meridian exercises

Yoga is an effective way to manage stress, which can benefit the stomach meridian. You can do specific yoga sequences to target the stomach and spleen meridians.

Similar to yoga poses, certain stretches can also support the stomach meridian. Two of the most effective stretches for the stomach meridian are horse riding squats and crescent moon stretches.

Another exercise you can try to support stomach meridian balance is tracing. Tracing the stomach meridian with your fingers may also promote energetic balance and relieve symptoms.

To trace your stomach meridian, simply place your open hands below the eyes with your middle finger just above the surface of the first stomach meridian acupoints. Trace along the entire meridian with your open hands until you reach point 45 at the end of the second toes. Do this 3 times while setting a clear intention to build health and wellness.12

Stomach meridian Virtual Item

A digital signature representing the stomach meridian is included in Limbicarc Spark Scan

If the response to this Virtual Item is out of range, you have in the top section what energetic response you need more to be balancing this item if your Spark Scan topic was focusing to your Stomach balance.

Conclusion

Understanding the stomach meridian's role in TCM provides valuable insights into maintaining holistic health. Recognizing its functions, identifying imbalances, and adopting lifestyle practices that support its equilibrium are crucial for overall well-being.

About Dr. Vaughn Cook

Dr. Vaughn R Cook is the Founder & CEO of ZYTO. An Oriental Medical Doctor (OMD) and licensed acupuncturist, he has worked in the complementary and alternative medical field for more than 30 years, specializing in applications that integrate Western and Eastern medicine.Ide írhatsz...