Indigestion, also known as ‘upset stomach’ or dyspepsia, is discomfort or a burning feeling in the upper abdomen, often accompanied by nausea, abdominal bloating, belching, and sometimes vomiting. Some people also use the term indigestion to describe the symptom of heartburn. During ‘Chuseok’, Korean Thanksgiving day, a lot of people have problems with indigestion because many of the foods are greasy and made from meat, which are uneasy on the stomach. Koreans have several home remedies for indigestion. Even though they seem unusual to foreigners, many Koreans really use these tips. Let’s take a look.

Pricking your Thumb
This remedy is usually employed for severe indigestion. If you feel like the food is stuck somewhere just above your stomach, mostly from when you eat a little too fast, you can do this. The remedy itself is really easy. Sanitize a needle either by burning the tip or washing it with alcohol. Tie your thumb with string or a rubber band to constrict the blood flow. Then prick a little flesh on the corner of the thumb where it meets the fingernail. Press and let a drop of blood out. The end result should look like the picture below. (figure. 1) Then within 15 minutes you can feel that your stomach is free from indigestion. But how does this work? Oriental medicine practitioners have an explanation based on the reparative power of the body, and how the bodily functions are replicated on a person's hand, which stimulates the stomach. Feel free to try out this remedy, but the safe thing to do is to visit the doctor.

Press the Point between the Thumb and Index Finger
The biggest advantage of acupressure techniques is that they are home remedies that do not require any medical supervision. It is easy for everyone. From Oriental medicine, press the point between the thumb and index finger to help with indigestion. This point is connected to your internal part.  At first use the thumb and forefinger of your opposite hand, squeeze this area until you feel a mild discomfort. Continue to hold that pressure for 20 ? 30 seconds and then release. (figure. 2)

Rub the Abdomen in a Clockwise Direction
Abdominal massage, also known as a ‘tummy massage’ or stomach massage is performed because it can stimulate certain hormones and also improve the digestive process. Abdominal massages are performed using gentle pressure, and involve applying gentle circular motions under the chest and clockwise around the center of the stomach. When performed regularly, you will notice an increase in bowel movements and an improved posture as your stomach muscles contract and relax. Not only can a regular abdominal massage improve digestion, but it can also help to reduce stress, balance the hormones and encourage the natural elimination process.

In taking of Plum and Kiwi
Plums help to relief indigestion. They contain organic acids which kill germs in the intestines, speed up intestinal movement to act as a laxative. The easiest way to take advantage from plums is to make a tea. You can buy plum syrup or tea bags in a market. Also if you have kiwis in your home, they are a good natural medicine for digestion. These little fruits contain, not only a full daily dose of fiber but also a healthy amount of probiotics, and enzymes. All of these methods are crucial to maintaining proper digestion.