What do problems with coordination, learning, digestion, ileocecal valve (ICV) induced toxicity, food allergies, and SIBO (Small Intestional Bacterial Overgrowth) all have in common? Well, aside from the fact that everything in the body is connected and influences everything else, some new studies indicate that dan tian may be a key factor in all of these.

Dan tian is a key energy storage area in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and has been used therapeutically for hundreds of years. My friend and mentor, Dr. Walter Schmitt, has observed for years that small intestine problems will cause imbalances between the right and left brain. There have also been numerous studies demonstrating that “leaky gut” will cause “leaky brain” and that many of the same neurotransmitters (brain communication chemicals) are produced and have effects in the brain and the small intestine.

A study published in “The American Journal of Chinese Medicine” in 2006 found that focusing on the lower dan tian stimulated both insular cortexes of the brain (areas involved in receiving information from our internal organs) and had a balancing effect. Dr Schmitt took this study and found some great applications that show promise in helping with food allergies, SIBO, ileocecal valve toxicity and neurological disorganization which can result in coordination and learning problems.

I’ve been using this technique in my practice for the last two months with impressive results. I’ve found that it will correct ICV problems and also the low hydrochloric acid production in the stomach that often triggers ICV problems. I also find that many inhibited digestive organ related muscles such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, tensor fascia lata (knee support muscles), latissimus dorsi and pectoralis (shoulder support muscles) will show dramatic increases in strength after the dan tian technique treatment.

While the dan tian technique is not the magic answer to every problem, it is great step toward better health. The best part is that you can do a simplified version at home to get many of the benefits listed above!

Here’s how:

  1. Find dan tian. It’s 2-3 inches below your belly button or about half way between your belly button and pubic bone and abour 1 1/2 inches deep
  2. Place your fingertips over dan tian
    1. females, place right fingers on dan tian and left fingers on top of the right fingers
    2. males, place left fingers on dan tian and right fingers on top of the left fingers
  3. Focus your attention about 1 1/2 inches below your fingertips, dan tian
    1. keep your attention there for a minimum of 60 seconds
  4. After the 60 second focus on dan tian, leave your bottom hand over dan tian and, with your other hand, tap just below your nose in the middle of your upper lip for 30 seconds at about 2 taps/second.
  5. This can be done lying down, sitting or standing.
  6. For best effect, repeat 3 – 6 times/day. This may sound like a lot but we’re only talking about 1.5 minutes for each treatment

So, that’s the dan tain (or at least a dan tian) technique. I’ve been getting great results with it in the office, especially when combined with all the other powerful healing protocols we use in the treatment room. I’d love to hear your feedback as well as any questions you may have. You can contact me at: drhogg@drhogg.com.

Dr. Hogg