Are you embarrassed if your stomach growls during treatment? What an acupuncturist is thinking

Hello, I am Kanno, an acupuncturist.

During a treatment,
a "grumble" sound from the stomach echoes in the quiet room.

Some people say, "I'm sorry, how embarrassing,"
and shrink away in a panic.

At such times, I reply,
"Not at all! I'm actually happy to hear it."

To me, the sound of a stomach
is a sign so welcome
that it makes me want to pump my fist in the air.

Today, I would like to talk about the reason why.

Proof that the body has relaxed.

In our bodies,
there are nerves that work when we are active and nerves that work when we rest.
When you are tense,

the "active" side is dominant.
During that time, the function of the digestive system

is put on the back burner.
When the tension is released through treatment,

this switch occurs.
The moment you enter "rest and repair" mode,

the digestive system, which had been resting until then,
starts moving again.
In other words, the sound of your stomach is

"I have entered deep relaxation. I am starting repairs"
a notification from your body.

The "Stomach Qi" wakes up.

In Oriental medicine, the function of the digestive system
is called "Stomach Qi."

And we consider this
to be life force itself,
treating it with great importance.

It is the source that creates Qi and blood from what we eat
and nourishes the whole body.

If that does not move,
no matter how good the things you eat are,
they will not become strength.

A stomach growling during treatment is
proof that the stagnant Qi has begun to flow
and the sleeping Stomach Qi has woken up.

The digestive system starting to move is
that important of a step.

Often, after a treatment,

people tell me, "I can feel my digestive system moving during the treatment.
When it's over, I get really hungry."

This is exactly the energy production line

known as the digestive system
starting to move.
A growling stomach is

a state where the body is prepared, saying "I'm going to make energy!"
I feel happy, thinking it is a very healthy reaction.

Zusanli, a reassuring acupoint.

Deeply involved with the movement of the stomach is
the "Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming"
a pathway for Qi.

It is a route that flows long along the front of the body,
from the face to the tips of the toes.

This meridian is called "abundant in Qi and blood,"
a very powerful path
where both Qi and blood flow abundantly.

The key to this is
the famous acupoint "Zusanli."

It is located on the outside of the shin, four finger-widths below the kneecap.
It is an acupoint that regulates digestive function

and helps restore vitality.
When I apply acupuncture to Zusanli,

some people's stomachs start growling immediately.
When your stomach is growling,

inside your body,
new energy is beginning to circulate
along this route.

It is okay not to hold it in.

In Oriental medicine, there is
a saying: "If it does not flow, there is pain."
If circulation stagnates, pain is born.

Conversely,

if it flows, you are healthy.
If you tense up trying to hold back your stomach from growling,

the door of Qi that had just begun to open
will close again.
It is perfectly fine if your stomach growls.

Just continue to breathe deeply
without worrying about it.
The sound of your stomach is a simple and easy-to-understand message

from your body.
I interpret it as your body saying,

"Thank you. I'm getting back in balance."
In Oriental medicine,

we examine the abdomen as a representation of the whole body.
The fact that your stomach has started moving and circulation has improved

means that your entire body

has begun to regain harmony.
Don't be embarrassed, it's okay.

Please let me rejoice in that change with you.