For the Health of Our Stomach

OVERVIEW

The stomach is a vital part of the digestive system. It is J-shaped, located in the upper abdomen, on the left side, beneath the diaphragm.

Food is swallowed from the mouth, passes through the esophagus, and then enters the stomach through the cardiac orifice. (The cardiac orifice, also called the gastroesophageal junction or cardiac sphincter, is the opening where the esophagus connects to the stomach. It's named "cardiac" not because of any relation to the heart, but because of its location near the heart. This sphincter helps prevent stomach acid and food from flowing back up into the esophagus.)

The stomach temporarily stores food and uses muscular contractions to churn and mix it with gastric juices (containing hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes), breaking the food down into a semi-liquid mixture called chyme. 

This chyme then passes through the pyloric sphincter into the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. 

In the small intestine, most nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream to nourish the body. 

The remaining undigested food moves into the large intestine for further processing and eventual elimination.

STRUCTURE

The stomach is an organ with a complex and sturdy connective system.

From the inside out, our stomach has 4 main layers:

1. The mucosa layer: This innermost layer contains gastric glands that secrete digestive substances, such as gastric acid and enzymes, protective mucus, and some hormones. It also plays a minor role in absorption.

2. The submucosa layer: Made up of connective tissue, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves, this layer supports the mucosa and provides it with nutrients and a means of communication with other organs.

3. The muscularis externa layer:

This muscle layer is responsible for the stomach's mechanical digestion and movement. It has three parts, each running in different directions:

• Inner oblique layer: This layer is unique to the stomach and helps churn food, mixing it with digestive juices to break it down more efficiently.
• Middle circular layer: The muscles in this layer form rings around the stomach. Near the exit of the stomach (the pylorus), these muscles thicken to form the pyloric sphincter, which controls the passage of food from the stomach into the small intestine.
• Outer longitudinal layer: These muscles run lengthwise along the stomach. When contracted, they help push food toward the exit of the stomach.

All three muscle layers work together to mix food with digestive juices and gradually move it through the stomach, aiding in digestion and the preparation of food for further digestion in the small intestine.

4. The serosa layer: This outermost layer is a serous membrane that covers the stomach. It provides a smooth surface and helps reduce friction with surrounding organs, allowing for the stomach's movement within the abdominal cavity.

FUNCTIONS

The stomach has three main functions:
1. Temporarily store food.
2. Contract, churn and mix food with gastric juices.
3. Digest food into a semi-liquid substance called chyme, preparing it for subsequent nutrient absorption in the small intestine.

COMMON STOMACH DISEASES & SYMPTOMS

Stomach ulcers: 

Stomach ulcers are open sores in the stomach lining, most commonly caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria or long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen. H. pylori bacteria weaken the stomach's protective mucus lining, making it more vulnerable to damage from stomach acid, while NSAIDs can irritate or damage the lining. Symptoms include burning abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and potentially vomit or bloody stools. In some cases, ulcers may be asymptomatic.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD):

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and potential damage to the esophageal lining. This can lead to significant discomfort and, if left untreated, may cause esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus) and esophageal ulcers.

GERD can also contribute to other complications, such as esophageal stricture, dental problems from acid exposure, and respiratory issues like chronic cough.

Stomach bleeding (gastric hemorrhage): 
Stomach bleeding can range from slow, chronic blood loss to rapid, acute hemorrhage. Depending on the severity, symptoms may include vomiting blood, black stools, or bright red blood in the stools. Other signs include fatigue, weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, and abdominal pain. Common causes include peptic ulcers (the most frequent cause), gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining), esophageal varices (dilated veins of the esophagus), tumors, and medication side effects, particularly from NSAIDs, which can irritate the stomach lining. If left untreated, stomach bleeding can lead to complications such as anemia, shock, or even death, making prompt medical attention critical.

Stomach cancer: This is the most severe stomach disease. Abnormal cells growing out of control typically develops over many years, often beginning with precancerous changes in the stomach lining and eventually spreading throughout the stomach and potentially to other organs. This gradual progression is one reason why stomach cancer is often diagnosed at later stages. Symptoms include persistent stomach pain, bloating, loss of appetite, vomiting blood, black stools, and rapid weight loss. Early stomach cancer, however, often produces no symptoms or only vague discomfort. 

POSSIBLE CAUSES OF STOMACH DISORDERS

1. Frequent stress

   When people are stressed for a long time, especially from working too much, they often have stomach problems. Stress doesn't directly cause stomach ulcers (those usually come from a bacteria called H. pylori or from taking certain pain medicines for a long time), but it can make ulcers feel worse. 

   Being stressed a lot can also make you feel tired, not want to eat, and weak. Stress can cause stomach pain, make you feel bloated, or make you feel sick to your stomach. It can also change how fast your digestion works, sometimes causing constipation or diarrhea.  

   If you don't deal with stress, it can lead to more serious digestive problems like acid reflux or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). 

   Stress might also make you do unhealthy things like drink more alcohol or smoke, which can hurt your stomach too. 
   

2. Excessive alcohol consumption

   Drinking too much alcohol can hurt your stomach's inside lining. This can make it red, sore, and swollen. While alcohol doesn't directly cause ulcers, it can make existing ones feel worse and heal slower. 

   Chronic heavy drinking can lead to a number of complications, including internal bleeding and weakened stomach defenses, and it can increase stomach acid production, worsening irritation and inflammation.
   

3. Excessive use of medication
   

   Using too many medications, especially pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen (NSAIDs), can harm your stomach. These drugs reduce the amount of prostaglandins, which are fatty acids that help protect the stomach lining by lowering acid and increasing mucus. Without enough prostaglandins, the stomach walls can become inflamed or develop ulcers without symptoms.

   Over time, NSAIDs can lead to stomach bleeding which can be life-threatening, especially for older people or those who already have stomach issues.

4. Unhealthy eating habits

   Habits such as irregular eating times, consuming improperly cooked or unclean food, prolonged hunger, overeating, and excessive intake of sour, spicy, or hot foods can irritate the stomach lining and cause stomach pain. Stress or anxiety during meals, rushed eating, and multitasking while eating can also lead to digestive discomfort. Chronic continuation of these habits increases the risk of gastritis.

THE STOMACH MERIDIAN ACCORDING TO TRADITIONAL EASTERN MEDICINE

In the Five Element Theory of Traditional Eastern Medicine, the Stomach (Yang) is associated with the Earth element, and its Yin counterpart is the Spleen.

As part of the Twelve Primary Meridians, the Stomach Meridian follows the Leg Yang Ming (Yang Brightness) pathway.

This meridian extends from acupoints on the head, passes through the torso, and runs down the outer leg, concluding at the second toe (also known as the index toe).

To support stomach health, in addition to routine full-body exercises, special attention should be given to the abdomen, legs, and feet.

HEALTHY HABITS FOR A STRONG STOMACH

To protect and maintain a healthy stomach, adopting certain habits can be helpful:

1. Eat a balanced, varied diet that includes adequate servings of fruits and vegetables. 
2. When eating, avoid worrying or overthinking. Focus on your meal and try not to multitask.
3. Eat properly cooked food, drink clean water, and practice good food hygiene.
4. Limit or avoid fried foods, oily dishes, and foods that are overly spicy, hot, or sour (acidic).
5. Maintain regular meal times, eat slowly, chew your food well, and avoid swallowing too quickly.
6. Avoid letting yourself get too hungry, and try not to overeat.
7. Try not to do any heavy work right after eating.
8. Do not eat a large meal right before going to bed; it's best to leave at least three hours between eating and sleeping.
9. Maintain a healthy weight, avoid being too underweight or obese.
10. Avoid using medications at random, especially NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and other painkillers. Follow the guidance of a doctor or qualified healthcare professional.
11. It's best to refrain from drinking alcohol.
12. Avoid smoking.
13. Try to avoid overworking, excessive physical labor, and high stress levels.
14. Avoid staying up too late. If work requires staying up late, make sure to get enough rest and sleep.
15. Exercise regularly and practice chi kung (qigong) properly, consistently, and sufficiently.
16. Practice letting go—less anger and resentment, more understanding and love.
17. Avoid unnecessary troubles, lighten your stress, and choose to live joyfully and positively.

 - Ly Binh Son, USA (Traditional Eastern Medicine Practitioner & Aesthetic Chi Kung Founder)

Supporting the Health of Spleen Zang (Spleen & Pancreas)

According to Traditional Eastern Medicine, the human body has six fu and five zang organs.

The six fu include Gallbladder, Stomach, Triple Burner, Small Intestine, Large Intestine, and Urinary Bladder.

The five zang include Heart, Spleen, Lung, Kidney, and Liver.

Zang-fu organs are not exactly corresponding to our anatomical structures, so their names are often capitalized for clarity. 

Zang organs are considered yin, while fu organs are considered yang.

The Spleen zang is associated with the Earth element. It includes the spleen and pancreas. The Spleen zang can also relate to part of the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) and some functions of the adrenal glands and thyroid glands, as well as other organs.

According to Traditional Eastern Medicine, the openings in the human body are
called orifices. The two eyes, two ears, two nostrils, and mouth (including the lips and tongue) are the seven orifices on the face. The conditions of the five zang organs are manifested externally through the seven orifices, a concept known as "opening orifices." 

The opening orifice of the Spleen zang is the lips. If the lips are naturally reddish-pink, the Spleen zang is healthy. When the Spleen zang is on the weak side, the lips tend to be pale.

 

 

In the Twelve Principal Meridians, the Spleen zang belongs to the Leg Major Yin (Tai Yin) Spleen Meridian.

(Tai refers to the deeper part of the legs and feet. Yin refers to the inner side of the legs and feet.) 

For that reason, besides working out all parts of the body, to improve the health of the Spleen zang we can pay special attention to exercises involving the legs and feet.

 

OUR SPLEEN

The spleen is a solid, slightly elongated oval-shaped organ with a reddish-brown color, located in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen. It's positioned on the left side of the stomach, below the diaphragm, and typically measures around 12 cm in length and weighs about 150-200 grams. The spleen is nestled between the 9th and 11th ribs.

One of the spleen’s important functions is to filter blood and regulate the number of blood cells in the circulatory system.

While the spleen does not directly digest food, it works in conjunction with the stomach and other organs to complete the tasks of digesting, absorbing, and transporting nutrients. Thus, when the spleen is not functioning properly, it can lead to digestive issues such as loss of appetite, fatigue, weakness, and diarrhea.

The spleen also works with the kidneys and lungs. Hence, when the spleen is weak, it is possible to see conditions such as ascites (fluid build-up in the abdomen); fluid from cells spilling into the extremities
causing edema, or down to the large intestine causing diarrhea.

The spleen is part of the lymphatic system, its structure similar to that of a large lymph node.

The spleen plays a crucial role in the immune system, fighting against pathogens by storing and activating various types of white blood cells, helping to identify, capture, and destroy harmful foreign cells in the body.

If the spleen is severely damaged or diseased, surgical removal may be necessary. We can live without a spleen, though other organs only partially replace its functions. People without spleens remain vulnerable to some types of infections.

 OUR PANCREAS

Location, Shape & Size:

The pancreas is located in the upper abdominal area, behind the stomach, surrounded by the spleen, liver, and small intestine.

The pancreas has a long, tapered shape, averaging about 6-10 inches (15-25 cm), and consists of three main sections: head, body, and tail.

The head of the pancreas is wider than its tail and lies along the curve of the duodenum (the first section of the small intestine). The tail is thinner, extending towards the left side of the abdomen.

Functions:

*The pancreas plays a crucial role in digestion and metabolism. 

The pancreas contains exocrine glands, which produce digestive enzymes that help break down food. 

The pancreas secretes pancreatic juice daily, filled with digestive enzymes such as lipase (for breaking down fats), protease (for breaking down proteins), and amylase (for breaking down carbohydrates).

The main pancreatic duct typically joins with the common bile duct, and they collectively drain into the duodenum. This combined flow of pancreatic enzymes and bile helps in the digestion and absorption of nutrients.

*The pancreas is an important endocrine organ that plays a decisive role in maintaining blood glucose stability.

 

The pancreas contains pancreatic islets (also called islets of Langerhans), which house key hormone-producing cells, including beta cells (which produce insulin to lower blood sugar), alpha cells (which produce glucagon to raise blood sugar), delta cells (which produce somatostatin to regulate the secretion of insulin and glucagon), and PP cells (which produce pancreatic polypeptide to help regulate pancreatic functions). 

 

When blood glucose levels rise (e.g., after eating), pancreatic beta cells release insulin to help reduce glucose in the bloodstream by promoting:  1. the uptake of glucose by cells (especially muscle and fat cells), 2. the storage of glucose as glycogen in the liver and muscles, and 3. the inhibition of glucose production in the liver.

 

When blood glucose levels fall (e.g., between meals or during fasting),  pancreatic alpha cells release glucagon to raise blood glucose levels by stimulating the liver to: 1. break down glycogen into glucose, and 2. convert non-carbohydrate sources (like amino acids) into glucose. 

Pancreatic Disorders:

*When the pancreas is unable to function properly, it can lead to disruptions in blood sugar regulation, resulting in either hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).

If the pancreas produces too much insulin, blood sugar levels can drop too low (hypoglycemia). 

If the pancreas produces too much glucagon (though this is less common as a primary cause of hyperglycemia than insulin issues), it can contribute to elevated blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia).

Type 1 Diabetes: The body is unable to produce insulin, leading to numerous complications.

Type 2 Diabetes: The pancreas still produces insulin, but the body's cells become resistant to its effects (insulin resistance), meaning insulin is less effective at lowering blood glucose levels. Over time, the pancreas may also lose its ability to produce sufficient insulin.

*A severely weakened or damaged pancreas can lead to pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) or, in some cases, increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatitis causes acute abdominal pain that can last for several days. If left untreated, acute pancreatitis can progress to chronic pancreatitis, which is characterized by long-term discomfort, ongoing damage to the pancreas, and an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer:

• Body weakness: This can manifest as fatigue and overall lack of energy.
• Unexplained weight loss: Significant weight loss without any dietary changes is a concerning sign.
• Nausea and vomiting: These digestive issues are common in pancreatic cancer.
• Loss of appetite: Reduced interest in food is often experienced.
• Frequent upper abdominal pain: This pain can be persistent and may radiate to the back.
• Grey-colored stools: This can indicate a problem with bile flow, which is often disrupted in pancreatic cancer.

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer usually don't appear until the disease is already advanced.

Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer:

• Family history of pancreatic cancer
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Overweight or obesity
• Diabetes, especially type 2
  
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Diet (high in red and processed meats, high in animal fats, low in fruits and vegetables)
• Advanced age (more common in older adults)
• Gender (slightly more common in men)
• Certain genetic syndromes (Lynch syndrome, BRCA mutations)
• Workplace exposure to certain chemicals
  

 

FOR THE HEALTH OF SPLEEN ZANG
As mentioned, the Spleen zang is a functional system rather than just the organ itself. It plays a crucial role in digestion, transforming food into nutrients and energy (chi or qi), and transporting these throughout the body. It also governs the muscles and limbs. Therefore, maintaining Spleen zang health is vital for overall well-being.

To help the Spleen zang (which includes the spleen and pancreas) be healthy, we can follow these basic principles:

• Exercise regularly; practice chi kung properly, consistently, and adequately. This emphasizes the importance of correct technique, regular practice, and sufficient duration/intensity of exercise or chi kung.
  
• Stretch your spine.
• Do not smoke.
• Refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages.
• Drink enough water every day. 
• Eat a healthy diet with sufficient vegetables, roots, and fruits, that is a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
• Limit excessive saturated fats. This refers to unhealthy fats found in processed foods, red meat, and some dairy products.
• Limit fried and charred grilled foods. These cooking methods can create harmful compounds and often involve high amounts of unhealthy fats.
• Maintain a stable weight (neither underweight nor overweight).
• Learn to manage your stress effectively and embrace joy in simple moments.

By following these guidelines, you may be able to support and improve the health of your Spleen zang.

The information above is for general knowledge and does not constitute medical advice.
If you suspect you may have medical issues, be sure to consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

All the best,

Ly Binh Son, USA

Link: http://www.lybinhsonofficial.com/2025/01/supporting-health-of-spleen-zang-spleen.html

Our Lungs & The Respiratory System

 

 OVERVIEW OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

The respiratory system consists of the nose, mouth, throat, pharynx, larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe), lungs, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli, and respiratory muscles.

Most human cells require oxygen to function.

The primary function of the respiratory system is to facilitate the exchange of gases: the intake of oxygen and the elimination of carbon dioxide. In other words, the respiratory system brings in oxygen from the air and releases carbon dioxide (a waste product) from the body.

The respiratory system also helps regulate blood pH by removing carbon dioxide, maintaining the acid-base balance in the body. 

It filters harmful particles and germs from the air we breathe to safeguard us from infections. 

It allows us to speak and sing by vibrating the vocal cords as air passes through the larynx (voice box). 

It helps us detect smells by moving air with odor molecules past the olfactory receptors in the nasal cavity.

The respiratory system warms and moistens the air we breathe in, protecting the delicate tissues of the respiratory tract and ensuring that the air is at a suitable temperature and humidity level when it reaches the lungs. 

The respiratory system's responsibilities are varied and crucial. It is an excellent and hard-working team member, deserving of much appreciation!

RESPIRATORY TRACT

The respiratory tract is commonly divided into 2 sections: upper and lower.

The upper respiratory tract includes the nose, mouth, sinuses, pharynx, and larynx.

The lower respiratory tract includes the trachea, lungs, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli (air sacs).

The division between upper and lower respiratory tract is typically considered to be at the level of the vocal cords in the larynx. Everything above is upper, and everything below is lower.

The respiratory tract brings air from the outside through the nose or mouth to the alveoli in the lungs, where the exchange between oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs. 

ABOUT THE LUNGS

The lungs are the largest organ of the respiratory system. The lungs are very important, affecting human health and life.

The lungs are located in the chest cavity, below the neck, and above the diaphragm.

The lungs have a very intricate and complex structure, helping to maintain life for the body.

The lungs have a light, soft, spongy, elastic structure & are enclosed in a thin membrane sac (called the pleura).

Each person typically has 2 lungs.

Each lung is made up of lobes.

The right lung has 3 lobes.

The left lung has 2 lobes (due to the space occupied by the heart).

On average, an adult lung weighs about 0.6 kg (1.3 pounds), with the left lung being smaller than the right lung.

The lungs are about 23 cm (9 inches) long, and when fully expanded can be 27 cm (nearly 11 inches) long.

Generally speaking, a newborn's lungs have about 30 million alveoli. Adult lungs have about 300 million alveoli and can hold about 6 liters of air.

SOME SYMPTOMS OF RESPIRATORY DISEASES 

Common symptoms to recognize respiratory diseases: 

• Cough, possibly with phlegm 
• Runny nose, nasal congestion 
• Fever, possibly accompanied by wheezing 
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest tightness

COMMON RESPIRATORY DISEASES

    •    Pneumonia (inflammation of the lung)   
    •    Bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchial tube)
    •    Pleurisy (inflammation of the pleura)
    •    Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
    •    Lung cancer
    •    Pneumoconiosis (lung disease caused by inhaling dust)
    •    Pulmonary edema (fluid accumulation in the lungs)
    •    Pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lung tissue)
    •    Pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lung)
    •    Respiratory distress/failure syndrome
    •    Asthma
    •    Pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs)
    •    Sarcoidosis (a disease that forms abnormal lumps of tissue called granulomas)

TREATMENT 

Acute illnesses require immediate modern medical care with equipment and technology to help doctors quickly diagnose and timely treat sudden onset conditions.

Whereas Traditional Eastern Medicine, an ancient medical system, treats chronic illnesses over the long term, helping to stabilize the internal organs, balancing yin and yang, aiding patients to improve their health and prevent recurrence of chronic diseases, with as few side effects as possible.

THE LUNGS & RESPIRATORY SYSTEM ACCORDING TO TRADITIONAL EASTERN MEDICINE 

*Pneumonia 

The main cause is due to true chi (zhen qi) deficiency and internal organ dysfunction, allowing external negative chi (xie qi) to invade deep inside the body and bring about illness.

*Acute upper respiratory inflammation & Acute bronchitis 

According to Traditional Eastern Medicine, the main cause can be Wind-Cold and/or Wind-Heat. Wind, Cold, and Heat in traditional medicine are among the six pernicious influences believed to lead to illnesses.

*When the internal organs are too weak, resulting in a loss of balance between yin and yang, chronic illnesses can occur. For example, in the case of asthma, where chi (qi) ascends more than it descends, breathing becomes rapid and difficult, with sounds emitted from the throat. According to Traditional Eastern Medicine, the main cause of asthma is weak Spleen (including the Pancreas), Kidneys, and Lungs.

WAYS TO PREVENT RESPIRATORY & LUNG DISEASES 

• Don't smoke 
• Don't drink alcohol 
• Don't stay up late 
• Eat a balanced diet 
• Live positively, reduce stress 
• Avoid breathing air that is too hot or too cold 
• Regularly exercise correctly, consistently, and sufficiently 
• Pay attention to stretching the upper thoracic spine area (T2) 
• Practice chi kung, circulate chi (qi) throughout the body, paying attention to both arms (Arm's Major Yin Lung Meridian). The meridian pathway runs from the bronchial tube, across under the armpit, along the inner side of the arm, to the tip of the thumb. The function of the Lung Zang (solid, yin organ) is to receive clean chi and expel unclean chi from the body.

 - Ly Binh Son, USA

 

 Watch on Youtube: Health Tip #43

The Human Hand

The human hand is a sophisticated system with incredibly marvelous and valuable functions.

Our hands enable us to perform countless daily tasks, such as grasping, touching, using, and manipulating anything requiring them. 

Each hand has 27 bones:

• 14 finger bones (phalanges)
• 5 metacarpal bones in the palm
• 8 carpal bones in the wrist

Besides the 27 bones, each of our hands has 27 joints, 34 muscles, over 100 ligaments and tendons, numerous blood vessels, nerves, and soft tissues.

In Traditional Eastern Medicine:

The human body has 12 main meridians. On the arm and hand alone, there are 6 main meridians, namely the heart meridian, lung meridian, pericardium meridian, small intestine meridian, large intestine meridian, and triple burner meridian.

Our hands have a very high concentration of acupressure points (acupoints): on the fingers, palm, and back of the hand. These acupoints are connected to the entire head, neck, shoulders, and the six viscera and five organs (important organs inside the body).

The acupoints on the hand are also connected to the nervous system, the true chi (qi) system, and the blood system.

Stimulating the acupoints can help prevent the onset of many conditions or support their treatment.

Stimulating acupressure points on your hands a few times a day can help improve cardiovascular health, lung chi (lung qi), and relieve headaches and other ailments.

In a way we can consider the hand as our second heart.

Taking care of your hands is also taking care of your health.

 - Ly Binh Son, USA

 

📺 Watch on Youtube:

The Human Hand - Part 1

The Human Hand - Part 2

 

Small & Large Intestines: Impact on Health and How to Care

The gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) is a crucial part of our digestive system. It is a long, tube-like structure that extends from the mouth to the anus.

In the human body, the main components of the GI tract include the small intestine and the large intestine, located in the lower abdomen.

Operating based on muscular movements, our small and large intestines complete the digestive process, absorb essential nutrients from food and beverages, and aid in waste elimination. They significantly impact human health.

Food and beverages, after passing through the stomach, move into the small intestine and then into the large intestine.

✅ The small intestine is a tube-like organ, averaging about 6-7 meters (20-23 feet) in length. It is the longest section of our digestive tract. The small intestine's absorptive area is about 250 square meters - around the size of a tennis court! Most of the digestive process occurs in the small intestine.

The small intestine, connected to the stomach through the pyloric sphincter, is divided into three sections, with varying lengths depending on each individual:

• - Duodenum is the first part and shortest segment of the small intestine, measured approximately 25-30 cm (10-12 inches). 
•  
• The duodenum receives food and beverages from the stomach, utilizing bile (produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder) and digestive juices from the pancreas to process food.
•  
• - Jejunum is the middle part of the small intestine and measured about 2.5 meters (8 feet).
• - Ileum is the last part of the small intestine and approximately 3-4 meters (10-13 feet) in length.

The jejunum and ileum absorb the majority of nutrients directly into the bloodstream to supply the entire body.

✅ The large intestine, also tube-shaped but larger than the small intestine, averages about 1.5 meters (5 feet) in length. Composed of muscles and tissues, the large intestine provides favorable conditions for digestion.

The large intestine completes the digestion process by absorbing water and remaining nutrients, transforming waste into feces for excretion. 

The large intestine includes the cecum (where the appendix is attached), ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, & sigmoid colon, rectum, and anal canal.

Solid waste (called stool) is stored in the rectum until its elimination from the body through the anus.

✅ According to my understanding of traditional Eastern medicine as taught by my grandfathers, there are three key aspects concerning the intestine.

1. First, longevity resides in the abdomen. In the abdominal region, if the process of digesting food and drinks is good, the absorption of essential nutrients is efficient, and the elimination of waste is effective, then good health contributes to a long life (longevity).

2. Second, the intestines are our second brain. 

 Any emotion of joy, anger, love, or hatred that causes us to be excessively stressed often leads to abdominal pain.

When we are stressed, the heart and lungs do not function normally, and the chi (vital energy) and blood circulation as well become disrupted.

According to the Yin-Yang theory in traditional Eastern medicine, yin and yang affect and support each other:

• - Heart (yang) - Small intestine (yin)

•  

  - Lungs (yang) - Large intestine (yin)

   
  When the heart and lungs (chi and blood circulation) are disrupted, that also causes disturbance and instability in the small and large intestines, resulting in abdominal pain.

3. Third, Parkinson's disease primarily originates from the intestines.

If our dietary habits are unhygienic and inadequate (for example, not eating enough vegetables, fruits, and fiber)... toxins and wastes in the intestinal walls will not be properly eliminated, leading to their re-absorption into the blood. These, in turn, travel to the brain, eventually damaging vital parts of the brain and resulting in various neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease.

✅ When abnormal digestion occurs, it usually means that there's some intestinal dysfunction, and symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, and increased flatulence are often manifested.

We need to pay attention, find out the causes of these symptoms, and figure out ways to address the root causes to stop the symptoms.

Common causes include:

• -Food or drink poisoning
• -Not eating enough vegetables, fruits, fiber
• -Lack of good bacteria to balance gut microbiome
• -Taking certain drugs that disrupt intestinal functions
• -Excessive stress
• -Intestinal infections
• -Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• -Ulcerative colitis 
• -Colorectal cancer

Before the condition gets worse, consult a doctor or healthcare professionals.

✅ There are preventive measures to help support proper digestion, absorption, and elimination in the intestinal tract.

Depending on your own health conditions, try to:

• - Consume easily digestible and clean food & drinks.
• - Eat slowly.  
• - Have regular meals with a sufficient amount of suitable vegetables and fruits.
• - Drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day, about 2 liters on average (depending on body weight and weather). The small intestine receives an average of 9 liters of liquid every day (food broken down in the stomach turns into a liquid and moves down to the small intestine). 
• - Regularly get enough sleep and rest.
• - Live joyfully, think positively, let go of unnecessary worries, avoid excessive stress.
• - Exercise properly, regularly, and sufficiently.
• - Pay attention to stretching the lower back (lumbar region) from L3 to S1.
• - Use the palm to massage the abdomen clockwise in circular motion, starting from the belly button as the center, going from smaller to larger circles. Depending on your health condition, each time you can massage 9, 18, or 27 circles, and do it multiple times during the day.

The above information is what I know and practice to maintain my own health. I wish you abundant health, which in turn brings more joy and happiness to your life.

- Ly Binh Son, USA