As the summer heat ramps up, few things sound better than a chilled soda or an ice-cold smoothie. However, while your taste buds may cheer, your digestive system might silently protest. In Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the digestive organs are considered warm and sensitive to cold. Exposure to chilled drinks or cold conditions, especially when the body is already heated, can disrupt this internal warmth. That’s where the Abdominal Knot (Fu Jie, SP14) acupoint comes in. Located on the lower abdomen, this point offers a powerful tool to rebalance your gut during summer missteps.
Rooted in TCM Principles
Fu Jie was first mentioned in the “Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing” (“A-B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion”), a foundational text of TCM. As with many acupoints, its name hints at its key function. It is often highlighted for its ability to relieve stagnation and ensure smooth movement of blood and vital energy in the abdomen.
Fu Jie sits along the Spleen meridian and follows a central TCM principle—treat the areas where the meridian passes. With its proximity to the intestines and the stomach, Fu Jie is especially attuned to intestinal activity and digestion, helping guide food downward through the digestive tract. Its other essential function is to warm up the lower abdomen, helping the body counteract what TCM calls “stomach cold.”
Common Uses
In clinical practice, Fu Jie plays a dual role. It’s often included in treatment protocols for constipation caused by sluggish digestion, particularly when a diet lacks fiber or physical activity is insufficient. It’s also effective for the opposite problem—diarrhea, especially when it stems from chilling the stomach with cold drinks, swimming, or wearing wet clothes for an extended period. In both cases, Fu Jie helps restore proper function to the intestines, whether they’re moving too slowly or too quickly.
Scientific Insight Into Digestive Impact
A recent study investigated the effects of acupoint thread embedding on people with obesity associated with poor spleen function or, in TCM terms, spleen deficiency and dampness retention. Participants were divided into two groups—one received treatment every two weeks, the other every three. Both groups experienced reduced body weight, body mass index, and fat percentage. However, the group with more frequent treatments saw significantly better results. Fu Jie was one of the acupoints used, reinforcing its clinical relevance in managing digestive metabolism and weight regulation.
How to Locate and Activate Fu Jie
Fu Jie is easy to locate. Start by placing two fingers below your belly button, then move about six finger widths to the side. Press gently in this area until you find a tender or slightly sore spot—that’s your target.
To activate Fu Jie:
- Firm pressure: Press firmly for three to five seconds, then relax for three seconds. Repeat for one to three minutes on each side.
- Circular massage: Massage in small circles with your index finger or thumb for one to three minutes on each side.
- Herbal patches: Apply an herbal patch overnight for longer activation.
- Advanced methods: Acupuncture or moxibustion (a gentle heat therapy with dried mugwort) by a trained professional can deepen the therapeutic effects.
Precautions
If you have an injury in the area, avoid stimulating Fu Jie. Those with sensitive skin should also choose herbal patches carefully, steering clear of aggressive or artificial ingredients that may cause irritation.
Supporting Your Gut—One Press at a Time
Standard modern diets often make us believe that digestive issues are nearly universal. Between low-fiber diets and cold drinks on hot days, it’s easy to throw your stomach off balance. Fu Jie offers a simple, natural method to help your body recover after a day of dietary missteps or environmental stressors. It’s a reminder that self-care doesn’t have to be complicated—sometimes, just a few minutes of focused touch can help you feel more in sync with your own body.
TCM expert Shihhsiang Hung reviewed this article for accuracy and clarity.
Originally published in Epoch Times on 15 June 2025
