Dear readers and friends,
Today I will begin a series of articles on acupressure, given the vast and complex subject I will not dwell on the theory so much, only what is strictly necessary to be able to use this marvelous therapeutic technique. Obviously you will not become experts in the sector but you can cure some small ailments. For those interested there are many courses on this subject in the news ether.
What are meridians
According to Eastern medical tradition, there are 380,000 meridians that flow through the human body. They are energy channels, paths through which the vital force flows incessantly throughout the body, permeating it.
The complex meridian system
We are used to considering the body from a physical point of view only, considering it as a set of nerve bundles, arteries, veins, lymphatic vessels, muscles and bones. However, according to Shiatsu (massage of Japanese origin) and Chinese medicine, this constitutes only a part of what is a more complex system, formed by a less evident communication network and which has been the field of application of oriental medicine for many centuries: the meridian system .
They flow in our body both on the surface and in the depths moving between the muscles, nerve bundles and joints connecting with the internal organs. They flow like underground streams, gushing to the surface at certain points in the body. All their paths are connected to each other. The activity of the meridians is constant and ends with the death of the body.
Masunaga's meridians map
Shizuto Masunaga, in order to make Shiatsu an increasingly complete system with a scientific value, used the knowledge acquired up to then on the energy meridians as a field of study and practice, extending this knowledge and defining his own map, which will then be used as a model by all Shiatsu scholars of the Masunaga school. Masunaga's map is a valid aid for the practitioner to orient himself in finding the meridians during the massage. It is then up to the practitioner to find out, thanks to his own sensitivity, the paths with which the vital energy flows.
Meridian maps
In the culture of Traditional Chinese Medicine, each organ is associated with a meridian, with functions, with emotions, seasons, colours, flavours, planets, numbers and other symbols, capable of allowing the recognition of the individual in its own context.
The laws of energy follow the basic principle of the rule: "As Above, So Below".
This maxim, explains the master Cristian Sinisi, means that everything that is in the Macrocosm (universe), we can find it in the Microcosm (man), if the terms of comparison change, and the macrocosm becomes Man, the microcosm would be any part of the individual (foot, hand, tongue, wrist, face, etc. etc.), each part reflects the whole, exactly like a very small cell, it contains all the information to recreate the individual (DNA). This is the explanation of why there are various forms of reflexology: foot and hand reflexology, auricular therapy, morphology, physiognomy, kinesiology (to name just a few), are systems that detect the whole in the small (Microcosm) (Macrocosm).
Circadian cycle
The Circadian Cycle or "Nictemeral Cycle" is the Path that runs Qi within the 12 main channels (Jing Mai) in the human body during the 24 hours of the day. In Traditional Chinese Medicine 1 hour of the daily day is equivalent to 2 hours of our Western hours, thus we will have 12 hours instead of the classic 24 hours. Thus there will be 12 hours associated with the 12 main meridians, where in each of these 12 hours the energy will be more present in one of the interested channels. So we will have: from 3/5 The greatest flow on Polmone. from 5/7 Large Intestine. from 7/9 Stomach. from 9/11 Spleen. from 11/13 Heart. from 13/15 Small Intestine. from 15/15 Urinary Bladder. from 17/19 Rene. from 7pm to 9pm Minister of the Heart. from 21/23 Triple heater. from 23/1 Gall Bladder. from 1/3 Liver.
Among other things, during Shiatsu or Acupuncture therapeutic practice, once the unbalanced channel has been identified, it should be treated in the permitted hours of its maximum energy efficiency in order to obtain a better thaumaturgical result. (See Table below)
The 12 meridians are grouped within the 5 movements so we will have:
METAL MOVEMENT: Lung - Large Intestine. |
EARTH MOVEMENT: Spleen - Stomach. |
FIRE MOVEMENT: Heart - Small Int. - Minister of Heart - Triple warmer. |
WATER MOVEMENT: Kidneys - Urinary Bladder. |
WOOD MOVEMENT: Liver - Gall Bladder. |
In each of these movements we recognize a Yin aspect and a Yang aspect. Yin-associated meridians run throughout the body in Yin areas such as the abdomen, chest, inner arms and legs. They have a physical counterpart linked to organs. While the Meridians associated with Yang run along the body in Yang areas such as the face, head, back, outside of the legs and arms, and have a counterpart linked to the viscera.
The table below summarizes all this explanation in a much more understandable framework:
TIME OF MAXIMUM ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF THE MERIDIANS DURING THE 24 HOURS OF THE DAY
Hours | Now Chinese | Organ / Bowels | Chinese name |
3 - 5 | yin | Lung | Shou Tai Yin |
5 - 7 | Mao | Large intestine | Shou Yang Ming |
7 - 9 | chen | Stomach | Zu Yang Ming |
9 -11 | Yes | Spleen | Zu Tai Yin |
11 -13 | Wu' | Heart | Shou Shao Yin |
13 -15 | Wei | Small intestine | Shou Taiyang |
15 -17 | Shen | Urinary bladder | Zu Taiyang |
17 - 19 | You | Kidney | Zu Shao Yin |
19 - 21 | Xu | Minister Heart | Shou Jue Yin |
21 - 23 | you have | Triple Heater | Shou Shaoyang |
23 - 1 | Zi | Gallbladder | Zu Shaoyang |
1 - 3 | Chou | Liver | Zu Jue Yin |
What is Acupressure ?
Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses the fingers to gradually press key healing points along the surface of the body . It was developed in Asia over 5,000 years ago. The pressure applied to the acupressure points helps stimulate the body's natural self-healing abilities.
The therapy helps release muscle tension, promote circulation of blood and energy or life force of the body to aid in healing. Using the strength and sensitivity of the hand, acupressure therapy is effective in the relief of stress-related ailments and is ideal for self-treatment and preventative health care due to its unique ability to boost the immune system. Acupressure therapy relieves stress, builds resistance to disease, and promotes an overall sense of well-being.
Acupressure therapy can be used to relieve pain, increase energy levels, detoxify the body for greater health, beauty, tone face and back muscles.
Long known for its ability to relieve physical pain, the ancient healing art of acupressure can also ease the trauma and emotional pain created by the daily pressures and trials of our lives.
Emotional stress can cause the body to shut down and get "stuck" to negative feelings. A buildup of these stressors can cause the body to contract its muscles and harden like protective armor to protect your inner self. For example, when something scares you or someone nervous treats you inappropriately, your neck and shoulders may immediately tense in response. This tension prevents energy from flowing freely in your body and this can lead to various physical and emotional imbalances. If these tensions and the resulting emotional afflictions are not addressed, the problems can remain buried and then reappear at a later time, when they are triggered again by some new stress.
Acupressure therapy has an advantage in that it works directly with the body to relieve physical ailments, muscle tension, and the emotional imbalances associated with them .
How to Apply Pressure to Acupressure Points
The access to the point must be gradual and the pressure must be maintained for a certain time, ideally for 3 minutes during which you enter the point, you gradually start to increase the pressure until you reach the strongest after at least 45 seconds, maximum 1 minute. Maintain this level of pressure and gradually release it over the last 45 to 30 seconds. You must therefore proceed gradually whether you use your finger (therefore in the case of acupressure) or opt to use a tool (such as a wooden stick).
Each dot may react differently, both to other dots and from person to person. Not necessarily all of them will hurt, but indeed it is probable that, on some, you will feel neither pain nor discomfort (even if you press them hard), while others will be your "weak points". Each person is unique, however, and where you may feel pain, I may feel nothing, and still someone else may feel a lot. The pressure must be constant and not a massage, it must be perpendicular to each point . Therefore, a 90° angle must be formed between the finger that is pressing and the surface on which you are working.
If you will feel pain in another part of your body, this phenomenon is called pain reflex and it indicates that those areas are related, you should press points in these related areas as well to help release the blockages.
If you find that your hand is generally weak or hurts when you apply pressure with your finger, you can use your knuckle or fist or other tools, such as an avocado joint, golf ball, or pencil eraser. While it may be tempting to massage or scrub the entire area, it's best to just hold the spot constantly with direct finger pressure.
The rule of thumb is to apply slow, firm pressure to the spot at a 90-degree angle to the skin's surface. If you are pulling on the skin, the angle of pressure is incorrect. Consciously and gradually direct the pressure to the center of the body part you are working on. It is important to apply and release finger pressure gradually because this allows the tissues time to respond, thus promoting healing.
The better your concentration as you slowly move your fingers in and out of the stitches, the more effective the treatment will be. After repeated acupressure sessions with varying degrees of pressure, you will begin to feel a pulse in the point. This pulsation is a good sign – it means that the circulation at that spot has increased. Every body and every area of the body requires a different amount of pressure. If it hurts a lot when you apply pressure to a spot, use a light touch. The calves, face and genital areas are sensitive. Your back, buttocks and shoulders, especially if you develop muscle, usually need deeper, firmer pressure.
To get the full benefits of acupressure, you should choose a safe environment that lends itself to deep relaxation. Ideally, you should wear comfortable clothing. Tight collars, belts or shoes can block circulation. It's good practice to keep your nails trimmed short enough to prevent any discomfort or injury to your skin while working.
Avoid practicing acupressure before a large meal or on a full stomach. Wait at least an hour after eating a light meal and even longer after eating a heavy meal. Practicing a full acupressure routine when your stomach is full inhibits blood flow to your digestive organs and can cause nausea. However, simply applying pressure to one or two points to relieve indigestion or hiccups is perfectly safe.
Avoid ice cold drinks, especially during the winter months due to the extreme cold which generally weakens the system and can counteract the benefits of acupressure. A cup of hot herbal tea would be good after an acupressure session followed by a period of deep relaxation.
For best results it is necessary to perform an acupressure routine daily , whether you are using acupressure to maintain your health or to relieve an ailment. If you use acupressure for the latter reason, continue using these same points even after you get relief. This can prevent recurrence. If you can't practice every day, indulging in acupressure two to three times a week can still be very effective in promoting health and wellness.
Self acupressure
Limit self- acupressure sessions to one hour or less . Do not hold any point longer than ten minutes and do not work any single area of the body such as the abdominal area or face for longer than 15 minutes. The effects of acupressure can be quite strong, so if you work too long, there is too much energy and releases and complications such as nausea and headaches can occur. Tension tends to be concentrated around acupressure points (also referred to as acupoints). When a muscle is in spasm or chronically tense, the muscle fibers contract due to lactic acid secretion caused by fatigue, trauma, stress, chemical imbalances, or poor circulation.
When an acupressure point is treated , muscle tension yields to finger pressure which allows the muscle fibers to stretch and relax. This helps blood flow freely and toxins are released and eliminated. By increasing circulation it also brings more oxygen and other nutrients to the affected areas. This increases the body's resistance to disease and promotes a longer, healthier, more vital life. When blood and bioelectrical energy can circulate properly, there is a greater sense of harmony, health and well-being.
With the hope that you enjoyed this article, I give you an appointment for the following articles where we will begin to discover the various meridians and the points to be treated.
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