The blood and qi flow within the human body starts from the base of the spine, and follows along the spine upwards to the head, all the way to the lips, then it continues downward to the lower abdomen, cycling throughout the human body. Chinese Medicine doctors believe the universe is a large cycle, and that the human body corresponds to this thinking in that the human body contains a cycle as well; a smaller cycle in this case. The Taodao is an important spot along the course of this cycle.

First let me explain. There’s something called the Dumai, the Chinese name of which means the Governor Meridian, because the blood and qi flow of the entire body is managed here. The Dumai is located on the back, with its pressure points all located in an orderly fashion. The Taodao is located on the first vertebra down from the Dazhui Point.

Actually, in addition to regulating the blood and qi flow of the body, this point is also used for treating the lungs, especially chronic bronchitis. Rubbing the Taodao point can considerably improve the functions of the lungs. So, for sufferers of chronic bronchitis, or if you cough often, or your lungs just feel uncomfortable in general, why not try stimulating this pressure point?

While rubbing the point, you can lower your head, hold your head with one hand, then press the point with the thumb of your other hand. With the other four fingers pressed against your neck, use your thumb to rub the point. Be sure to press firmly, and rub slowly around one hundred times, and you will notice over time much improvement in the functioning of your lungs.

Now to today's Net Check. Crippling hospital bills, over zealous doctors, high priced medicines sound familiar? If healthcare is a hot topic in the U.S. it also is here in China. The latest healthcare controversy to erupt here is focused on the cost of prescription drugs. An here has revealed that medicines in one hospital were being sold to patients for nearly 10 times what it should have cost. One patient was charged more than 30 dollars for one prescription - when it should have set her back a little over four dollars. To put this in context, the average urban monthly salary here is around 600 dollars.

Now this isn't an isolated case. Hospitals often inflate the price of drugs so they can turn an easy profit. There have been numerous cases of pharmaceutical companies bribing doctors to prescribe their drugs. And there's an unwritten rule in many hospitals that doctors give ‘hong bao’ or under the table cash to ensure they get the best treatment.