There may be no need to buy expensive digestive enzyme supplements, because your own body will manufacture the required enzymes if you stimulate your 'digestive enzyme point'.

To find the correct spot, run your fingers down your breast bone from the central hollow at the base of your throat to where the bone ends and the bottom ribs attach to it. The DE point is located slightly to the left of the bottom of the breast bone, a centimetre or two along the lower edge of the bottom left hand side rib.
In someone whose enzyme production is under par, this spot may be slightly sensitive or sore, but rubbing it for thirty seconds or so will usually ease the soreness and will stimulate the body to produce its own digestive enzymes.

Some years ago, I became intolerant to digestive enzyme supplements, and a kinesiologist recommended this technique. Subsequent kinesiological testing established that, in my case, stimulating the DE point produces the same digestive effect as taking four high quality digestive enzyme capsules.
I have used the technique ever since, gently rubbing the DE point whenever I eat, and have found it produces excellent results. It has also saved me a small fortune in digestive enzyme supplements.
In addition to rubbing the DE point, I have found that occasionally massaging all the way along the lower edge of the bottom rib on both left and right sides of the front of the chest has a generally beneficial effect on my digestion, which is perhaps not surprising because the whole of this margin is linked to the small intestine. I often find tender spots along this margin, and a few minutes of gentle massage always eases these and improves my digestion.

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First Published in Sepember 2009

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