Post-Meal Activities for Better Health

1. Enjoying Music After Meals - Aiding Digestion

Music is not just an art; it can maintain health, prolong life, and even cure illnesses. An ancient text, "Shou Shi Bao Yuan," states, "The spleen enjoys music; hearing it aids digestion." Similarly, Taoism has the saying, "The spleen grinds food to music." Both convey the same idea: music aids digestion. Gentle, light music can regulate the body's digestion and absorption functions through the central nervous system as a benign stimulus. Thus, appreciating soft, lively, delightful music after meals is highly beneficial.

2. Rubbing the Abdomen After Eating - Eliminating Ailments

The renowned Tang Dynasty physician Sun Simiao advised rubbing the abdomen with hands after meals and walking slowly for 100-200 steps. Rubbing the abdomen post-meal eliminates various diseases by promoting gastrointestinal motility and abdominal blood circulation, enhancing gut function. It also acts as a benign stimulus, entering the brain through nerves, aiding central nervous system regulation and benefiting fitness and disease prevention. Method: Centered on the palm and navel, gently massage clockwise and counterclockwise for 20 circles each, waiting at least half an hour after meals.

3. Slow Walking After Meals - Beneficial to Health

"She Yang Zhen Zhong Fang" records that walking slowly after meals is good for people. It promotes gastrointestinal motility, aiding in digestive juice secretion and food absorption, benefiting overall health. Avoid immediate, fast, or vigorous walking post-meal, as it can adversely affect health. Optimal timing for walks and other activities is half an hour later.

4. Rinsing the Mouth After Eating - Enhancing Appetite

Ancient physician Zhang Zhongjing noted that rinsing the mouth after meals keeps teeth strong and breath fragrant. It maintains oral moisture, cleans teeth, stimulates taste buds, enhances taste function, and prevents oral and dental diseases. Good oral and dental health stimulates appetite and aids digestion. Note: Modern science discourages immediate brushing post-meal due to damaging tooth enamel. Dentists suggest drinking a small glass of milk or rinsing with milk to protect teeth.

5. What to Eat After Meals for Good Health

• Bananas after Barbecue: Barbecue foods produce carcinogens. Bananas can inhibit carcinogenesis to some extent, protecting the gastrointestinal tract.
• Celery Juice after Greasy Meals: High-fiber celery juice helps eliminate some fat.
• Yogurt after Hot Pot: Protects the gastrointestinal mucosa from spicy, hot soup.
• Fruit after Instant Noodles: Compensates for vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
• Ginger and Brown Sugar Water after Crab: Warms the stomach, promotes digestion, and alleviates discomfort.

Additional Reading: What Not to Do After Meals

• Drinking Strong Tea: Inhibits digestion. Avoid immediately post-meal; prefer water or light tea half to one hour later.
• Bathing: Delays until at least an hour after meals to prevent circulatory issues and discomfort.
• Sleeping: Weakens digestion and may lead to insufficient brain blood supply, especially for the elderly or those with cardiovascular conditions. Wait 2-3 hours or nap half an hour after lunch.