Accupressure is a scientifically proven science

Accupressure is a scientifically proven science

Precautions

·         Accupressure is a scientifically proven science, still if you want to practice it on your own, you need to first learn it from a Govt/ Registered/Recognised  Accupressure Therapy Centre.

·         Accupressure can be practised at home, but for bigger ailments, it needs to be done by a Accupressure Therapist only.

·         Those having ailments like kidney and heart problems, need to consult with their doctors before going for any kind of Treatment.

·         The Accupressure Treatment is a lengthy one and can take years to treat the ailment. Still its also one of the best practised treatments at home for all ages.

·         It is of utmost importance that the pregnant ladies discuss any kind of treatment before undergoing any treatment.

·         Accupressure is used for treating various ailments like depression, weight loss, asthma, high blood pressure, arthritis, sciatia

Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body's natural self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and the body's life force to aid healing. Acupuncture and acupressure use the same points, but acupuncture employs needles, while acupressure uses the gentle but firm pressure of hands (and even feet). There is a massive amount of scientific data that demonstrates why and how acupuncture is effective. But acupressure, the older of the two traditions, was neglected after the Chinese developed more technological methods for stimulating points with needles and electricity. Acupressure, however, continues to be the most effective method for self-treatment of tension-related ailments by using the power and sensitivity of the human hand.
Foremost among the advantages of acupressure's healing touch is that it is safe to do on yourself and others - even if you've never done it before - so long as you follow the instructions and pay attention to the cautions. There are no side effects from drugs, because there are no drugs. And the only equipment needed are your own two hands. You can practice acupressure therapy any time, anywhere.
My clinical experiences over the past eighteen years have shown me that acupressure can be effective in helping relieve headaches, eyestrain, sinus problems, neck pain, backaches, arthritis, muscle aches, and tension due to stress. I have also shown hundreds of my acupressure students, patients, and friends how to use acupressure to relieve ulcer pain, menstrual cramps, lower back aches, constipation, and indigestion. You can also use self-acupressure to relieve anxiety and to help you get to sleep at night.
Susan, a student of mine, was suffering from insomnia and occasional headaches for many years, as the result of a neck injury. 'I feel so tired and weary, nearly all the time, Michael," she said. "Can acupressure points help me?"
I showed her several potent points on her ankles and neck for headaches, as well as some upper-back stretching exercises for her insomnia. Susan reported to me two weeks later, glowing. "The treatment really worked! I've been sleeping uninterrupted and soundly through the night for the first time in fifteen years."
There are also great advantages to using acupressure as a way to balance the body and maintain good health. The healing touch of acupressure reduces tension, increases circulation, and enables the body to relax deeply. By relieving stress, acupressure strengthens resistance to disease and promotes wellness.
In acupressure, local symptoms are considered an expression of the condition of the body as a whole. A tension headache, for instance, may be rooted in the shoulder and neck area. Thus acupressure focuses on relieving pain and discomfort as well as on responding to tension before it develops into a "dis-ease" that is, before the constrictions and imbalances can do further damage. By using a combination of self-help methods such as trigger point stimulation, deep breathing, range-of-motion exercises, and relaxation techniques, you can improve your condition as well as feel more alive, healthy, and in harmony with your life.
Recently, Judy, one of my advanced acupressure students, complained about having night sweats. She was in the midst of making a serious decision about where to live, which also involved a relationship that was troubling her. I immediately noticed that her upper back was rounded by tension and discovered even more tension in her neck. I showed her the points for working on these areas. A month later, after using acupressure on herself twice a day, Judy reported that much of her upper back tension and a "ball" of deep anxiety had dissipated. She also felt clearer and more objective in dealing with her problems. Best of all, the night sweats that had made her miserable for two months were gone.
Alice, one of my elderly clients, had limited mobility in her neck with severe arthritic neck pain that radiated down her shoulders into her arms as well as up into her head. After her first acupressure session, she not only felt less discomfort but also had greater flexibility in her neck. For the first time in years, she was able to move her head freely without pain.
After several weeks Alice realized that she could help herself using the points underneath the base of her skull to relieve both her neck pain and stiffness. Recently she told me that whenever the pain "creeps up on her," she practices self-acupressure. It is possible that this increased mobility, in turn, prevents further deterioration.

What is Acupressure?

Acupressure is an ancient healing art developed in Asia over 5,000 years ago, using the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body's natural self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension, and promote the circulation of blood and the body's life force energy (Qi) to promote health and healing. Using the same points as Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupressure applies a comfortable range of pressure from gentle to firm. Acupressure is well integrated with other bodywork and energywork therapies, therapeutic touch, somatic work, healing imagery, energy psychology, and massage therapy. Acupressure is safe, non-toxic, and definitely habit forming. . .

Benefits of Learning Acupressure

The benefits of learning Acupressure can be summed up in the phrase “Awaken the Healing in Your Hands”. Acupressure can be used for your own Self Care, to relieve aches, pains, and other discomforts along with promoting greater health and wellness. Acupressure can be used as Shared Care, where you share your skills and healing energies with family, friends, elders, pets, and others in need (e.g. volunteering to help people living with chronic or life threatening diseases). With advanced study and dedication Acupressure can also be shared as Professional Care, where you use your skills to earn income attending to and teaching others. At the Acupressure Institute we teach and support our students to use their hands on healing energies in ways that work well for themselves and those they care for.

How Acupressure Works

Acupressure points (also called potent points) are places on the skin that are especially sensitive to bioelectrical impulses in the body and conduct those impulses readily. Traditionally, Asian cultures conceived of the points as junctures of special pathways that carried the human energy that the Chinese call chi and the Japanese call ki. Western scientists have also mapped out and proven the existence of this system of body points by using sensitive electrical devices. Stimulating these points with pressure, needles, or heat triggers the release of endorphins,  which are the neurochemicals that relieve pain. As a result, pain is blocked and the flow of blood and oxygen to the affected area is increased. This causes the muscles to relax and promotes healing. Because acupressure inhibits the pain signals sent to the brain through a mild, fairly painless stimulation, it has been described as closing the "gates" of the pain-signaling system, preventing painful sensations from passing through the spinal cord to the brain.1 Besides relieving pain, acupressure can help rebalance the body by dissolving tensions and stresses that keep it from functioning smoothly and that inhibit the immune system. Acupressure enables the body to adapt to environmental changes and resist illness. Tension tends to concentrate around acupressure points. When a muscle is chronically tense or in spasm, the muscle fibers contract due to the secretion of lactic acid caused by fatigue, trauma, stress, chemical imbalances, or poor circulation. For instance, when you are under a great deal of stress you may find you have difficulty breathing. Certain acupressure points relieve chest tension and enable you to breathe deeply. As a point is pressed, the muscle tension yields to the finger pressure, enabling the fibers to elongate and relax, blood to flow freely, and toxins to be released and eliminated. Increased circulation also brings more oxygen and other nutrients to affected areas. This increases the body's resistance to illness and promotes a longer, healthier, more vital life. When the blood and bioelectrical energy circulate properly, we have a greater sense of harmony. health, and well-being. 1  T. Tan Leng, Margaret Y. C. Tan, and Ilza Veith, Acupuncture Therapy - Current Chinese Practice (Philadelphia: Temple University, 1973).

Ways to Use Acupressure

Acupressure's potent points can be used to enhance many aspects of life. In addition to managing stress, you can use acupressure to relieve and prevent sports injuries. Sports massage has been widely used by athletes before and after Olympic events. Acupressure complements sports medicine treatments by using points and massage techniques to improve muscle tone and circulation and relieve neuromuscular problems. The Chinese have also used acupressure as a beauty treatment for thousands of years. You can use potent points to improve skin condition and tone and relax the facial muscles, which can lessen the appearance of wrinkles without drugs. Although acupressure is not a substitute for medical care, it is often an appropriate complementary treatment. It can, for instance, speed the healing of a broken bone once it has been set, or aid a cancer patient by helping to alleviate some of the associated pain and anxiety of the disease. Similarly, acupressure can be an effective adjunct to chiropractic treatment. By relaxing and toning the back muscles, acupressure makes the spinal adjustments easier and more effective, and the results last longer. In fact, the two therapies were originally practiced together in ancient China. Psychotherapy patients can derive benefits from acupressure by using it to heighten body awareness and deal with stress. When powerful emotions are free and unresolved, the body stores the resulting tension in the muscles. Acupressure can help restore emotional balance by releasing the accumulated tension caused by repressed feelings. An acupressure point actually has two identities and ways of working. When you stimulate a point in the same area where you feel pain or tension, it's called a local point. That same point can also relieve pain in a part of the body that is distant from the point, in which case it is called a trigger point. This triggering mechanism works through a human electrical channel called a meridian.  The meridians are pathways that connect the acupressure points to each other as well as to the internal organs. Just as blood vessels carry the blood that nourishes the body physically, the meridians are distinct channels that circulate electrical energy throughout the body. They are thought to be part of a master communications system of universal life energy, connecting the organs with all sensory, physiological, and emotional aspects of the body. This physical network of energy also contains key points that we can use to deepen our spiritual awareness as we heal ourselves, Because the stimulation of one point can send a healing message to other parts of the body, each acupressure point can benefit a variety of complaints and symptoms. Therefore, in the following chapters you will find a particular acupressure point used for a variety of problems. The highly effective acupressure point in the webbing between your thumb and index finger,1 for instance, is not only beneficial for relieving arthritic pain in the hand, but also benefits the colon and relieves problems in the facial area and the head, including headaches, toothaches, and sinus problems. Tonic points1 improve your condition and maintain general health. They strengthen the overall body system and fortify various internal organs and vital systems of the body.

How to Find a Point: Acupressure Point Names and Reference Numbers

You locate an acupressure point by referring to anatomical landmarks. To help you find them, all of the points in this book are illustrated with a description of these landmarks (such as bone indentations and protrusions). Some acupressure points lie underneath major muscle groups. While points near a bone structure usually lie in an indentation, muscular points lie within a muscular cord, band, or knot of tension. To stimulate the point, press directly on the cord or into the hollow. As acupressure evolved, each of the 365 points was named poetically, originally with a Chinese character. The imagery of its name offers insight into either a point's benefits or location. For instance, the name Hidden Clarity refers to the mental benefit of the point: It clears the mind. Shoulder's Corner refers to that point's location. The Three Mile Point earned its name because it gives a person an extra three miles of energy. Runners and hikers have used this famous point to increase stamina and endurance. Some of the names of the acupressure points also serve as a powerful meditation tool. By pressing a point and silently repeating its name while you visualize its benefit and breathe deeply, you can realize the full potential power that each point offers. As you hold the Sea of Vitality points in your lower back, breathe deeply and visualize each breath replenishing your deep reservoir of vitality. Use the power of your mind to strengthen and help heal your lower back. You can create affirmations with the names of the points -- powerful action statements that amplify a point's benefits. For example, hold the Letting Go points on the upper, outer chest with your fingertips. Breathe deeply. Imagine yourself letting go of tension, frustration, and stress. As you hold and breathe into these points, repeat to yourself that you are now letting go of all negativity and irritability. In addition to its name, each point was assigned an identification number to track its placement along the body. Point location numbers, such as St 3 or GI3 21, are a standard referencing system used by professional acupressurists and acupuncturists and so I use them as an additional label, too. These notations are explained in the Glossary, but you do not need to know or remember any of these numbers to practice the self-acupressure techniques in this book.Alternative  medicare- Accupressure is a scientifically proven science Precautions ·         Accupressure is a scientifically proven science, still if you want to practice it on your own, you need to first learn it from a Govt. Registered Accupressure Therapy Centre. ·         Accupressure can be practised at home, but for bigger ailments, it needs to be done by a Accupressure Therapist only. ·         Those having ailments like kidney and heart problems, need to consult with their doctors before going for any kind of Treatment. ·         The Accupressure Treatment is a lengthy one and can take years to treat the ailment. Still its also one of the best practised treatments at home for all ages. ·         It is of utmost importance that the pregnant ladies discuss any kind of treatment before undergoing any treatment. ·         Accupressure is used for treating various ailments like depression, weight loss, asthma, high blood pressure, arthritis, sciatia What is Acupressure? Acupressure is an ancient healing art developed in Asia over 5,000 years ago, using the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body's natural self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension, and promote the circulation of blood and the body's life force energy (Qi) to promote health and healing. Using the same points as Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupressure applies a comfortable range of pressure from gentle to firm. Acupressure is well integrated with other bodywork and energywork therapies, therapeutic touch, somatic work, healing imagery, energy psychology, and massage therapy. Acupressure is safe, non-toxic, and definitely habit forming. . . Benefits of Learning Acupressure The benefits of learning Acupressure can be summed up in the phrase “Awaken the Healing in Your Hands”. Acupressure can be used for your own Self Care, to relieve aches, pains, and other discomforts along with promoting greater health and wellness. Acupressure can be used as Shared Care, where you share your skills and healing energies with family, friends, elders, pets, and others in need (e.g. volunteering to help people living with chronic or life threatening diseases). With advanced study and dedication Acupressure can also be shared as Professional Care, where you use your skills to earn income attending to and teaching others. At the Acupressure Institute we teach and support our students to use their hands on healing energies in ways that work well for themselves and those they care for. How Acupressure Works      Acupressure points (also called potent points) are places on the skin that are especially sensitive to bioelectrical impulses in the body and conduct those impulses readily. Traditionally, Asian cultures conceived of the points as junctures of special pathways that carried the human energy that the Chinese call chi and the Japanese call ki. Western scientists have also mapped out and proven the existence of this system of body points by using sensitive electrical devices. Stimulating these points with pressure, needles, or heat triggers the release of endorphins,  which are the neurochemicals that relieve pain. As a result, pain is blocked and the flow of blood and oxygen to the affected area is increased. This causes the muscles to relax and promotes healing. Because acupressure inhibits the pain signals sent to the brain through a mild, fairly painless stimulation, it has been described as closing the "gates" of the pain-signaling system, preventing painful sensations from passing through the spinal cord to the brain.1 Besides relieving pain, acupressure can help rebalance the body by dissolving tensions and stresses that keep it from functioning smoothly and that inhibit the immune system. Acupressure enables the body to adapt to environmental changes and resist illness. Tension tends to concentrate around acupressure points. When a muscle is chronically tense or in spasm, the muscle fibers contract due to the secretion of lactic acid caused by fatigue, trauma, stress, chemical imbalances, or poor circulation. For instance, when you are under a great deal of stress you may find you have difficulty breathing. Certain acupressure points relieve chest tension and enable you to breathe deeply. As a point is pressed, the muscle tension yields to the finger pressure, enabling the fibers to elongate and relax, blood to flow freely, and toxins to be released and eliminated. Increased circulation also brings more oxygen and other nutrients to affected areas. This increases the body's resistance to illness and promotes a longer, healthier, more vital life. When the blood and bioelectrical energy circulate properly, we have a greater sense of harmony. health, and well-being. 1  T. Tan Leng, Margaret Y. C. Tan, and Ilza Veith, Acupuncture Therapy - Current Chinese Practice (Philadelphia: Temple University, 1973). Ways to Use Acupressure      Acupressure's potent points can be used to enhance many aspects of life. In addition to managing stress, you can use acupressure to relieve and prevent sports injuries. Sports massage has been widely used by athletes before and after Olympic events. Acupressure complements sports medicine treatments by using points and massage techniques to improve muscle tone and circulation and relieve neuromuscular problems. The Chinese have also used acupressure as a beauty treatment for thousands of years. You can use potent points to improve skin condition and tone and relax the facial muscles, which can lessen the appearance of wrinkles without drugs. Although acupressure is not a substitute for medical care, it is often an appropriate complementary treatment. It can, for instance, speed the healing of a broken bone once it has been set, or aid a cancer patient by helping to alleviate some of the associated pain and anxiety of the disease. Similarly, acupressure can be an effective adjunct to chiropractic treatment. By relaxing and toning the back muscles, acupressure makes the spinal adjustments easier and more effective, and the results last longer. In fact, the two therapies were originally practiced together in ancient China. Psychotherapy patients can derive benefits from acupressure by using it to heighten body awareness and deal with stress. When powerful emotions are free and unresolved, the body stores the resulting tension in the muscles. Acupressure can help restore emotional balance by releasing the accumulated tension caused by repressed feelings. An acupressure point actually has two identities and ways of working. When you stimulate a point in the same area where you feel pain or tension, it's called a local point. That same point can also relieve pain in a part of the body that is distant from the point, in which case it is called a trigger point. This triggering mechanism works through a human electrical channel called a meridian.  The meridians are pathways that connect the acupressure points to each other as well as to the internal organs. Just as blood vessels carry the blood that nourishes the body physically, the meridians are distinct channels that circulate electrical energy throughout the body. They are thought to be part of a master communications system of universal life energy, connecting the organs with all sensory, physiological, and emotional aspects of the body. This physical network of energy also contains key points that we can use to deepen our spiritual awareness as we heal ourselves, Because the stimulation of one point can send a healing message to other parts of the body, each acupressure point can benefit a variety of complaints and symptoms. Therefore, in the following chapters you will find a particular acupressure point used for a variety of problems. The highly effective acupressure point in the webbing between your thumb and index finger,1 for instance, is not only beneficial for relieving arthritic pain in the hand, but also benefits the colon and relieves problems in the facial area and the head, including headaches, toothaches, and sinus problems. Tonic points1 improve your condition and maintain general health. They strengthen the overall body system and fortify various internal organs and vital systems of the body. How to Find a Point: Acupressure Point Names and Reference Numbers      You locate an acupressure point by referring to anatomical landmarks. To help you find them, all of the points in this book are illustrated with a description of these landmarks (such as bone indentations and protrusions). Some acupressure points lie underneath major muscle groups. While points near a bone structure usually lie in an indentation, muscular points lie within a muscular cord, band, or knot of tension. To stimulate the point, press directly on the cord or into the hollow. As acupressure evolved, each of the 365 points was named poetically, originally with a Chinese character. The imagery of its name offers insight into either a point's benefits or location. For instance, the name Hidden Clarity refers to the mental benefit of the point: It clears the mind. Shoulder's Corner refers to that point's location. The Three Mile Point earned its name because it gives a person an extra three miles of energy. Runners and hikers have used this famous point to increase stamina and endurance. Some of the names of the acupressure points also serve as a powerful meditation tool. By pressing a point and silently repeating its name while you visualize its benefit and breathe deeply, you can realize the full potential power that each point offers. As you hold the Sea of Vitality points in your lower back, breathe deeply and visualize each breath replenishing your deep reservoir of vitality. Use the power of your mind to strengthen and help heal your lower back. You can create affirmations with the names of the points -- powerful action statements that amplify a point's benefits. For example, hold the Letting Go points on the upper, outer chest with your fingertips. Breathe deeply. Imagine yourself letting go of tension, frustration, and stress. As you hold and breathe into these points, repeat to yourself that you are now letting go of all negativity and irritability. In addition to its name, each point was assigned an identification number to track its placement along the body. Point location numbers, such as St 3 or GI3 21, are a standard referencing system used by professional acupressurists and acupuncturists and so I use them as an additional label, too. These notations are explained in the Glossary, but you do not need to know or remember any of these numbers to practice the self-acupressure techniques in this book. Excerpt taken from Acupressure's Potent Points © Copyright 1990 Michael Reed Gach & Bantam Books, All Rights Reserved Acupressure Healing Energy Work Spiritual Bodywork - Chakra Balancing: Channeling Chi Energy      Using the healing touch of acupressure can also be a practical way of deepening your spiritual life. By lightly touching the Third Eye Point, for instance, just above the bridge of the nose, for a couple of minutes, you can enhance your inner awareness. If you want to progress further, meditate on this point for five to ten minutes each day, and within a few weeks, you may notice that your intuition will begin to increase. Concentrating on the Third Eye Point can nourish your spiritual nature. Spirituality is not disembodied; the most powerful spiritual experiences are rooted in one's body. When I close my eyes and lightly touch the Third Eye Point, and completely focus my attention on that spot between my eyebrows, I heighten my sense of myself. I become intensely aware of how my body feels, how my breathing feels. As I sense the blood pulsing throughout my body, I experience the flow of life energy. And if I continue breathing deeply, sitting with my spine straight, I become aware of every part of my body at once - as a harmonious, unified presence. When I meditate, this often leads to a powerful sense of oneness with the world. Acupressure's potent power can heal us both physically and spiritually. The healing benefits of acupressure involve both the relaxation of the body and its positive effects on the mind. As tension is released, you not only feel good physically, but you also feel better emotionally and mentally. When your body relaxes, your mind relaxes as well, creating another state of consciousness. This expanded awareness leads to mental clarity and a healthier physical and emotional healing, dissolving the division between the mind and body. Excerpt taken from Acupressure's Potent Points © Copyright 1990 Michael Reed Gach & Bantam Books, All Rights Reserved Acupressure Breathing & Cautions      Breathing is the most profoundly effective tool known for purifying and revitalizing the body. When your breath is shallow, all your body's vital systems function at a minimum level. If your breath is long and deep, however, the respiratory system functions properly, and the body cells become fully oxygenated. Deep breathing helps the potent points release any pain or tension and encourages healing energy to flow throughout the body. As you practice the self-acupressure routines in this book and concentrate on breathing deeply into your abdomen, you will help your body heal itself and generate a great feeling of well-being. Concentrated breathing can especially help you better use a potent point that is painful. Close your eyes, focus your attention on the painful spot, breathe deeply, and imagine that you are breathing healing energy into the affected area as you hold the point gently. Inhale deeply into the abdomen, letting your belly expand. Feel the breath reach into the depths of the belly Exhale slowly, letting the energy that you drew in now circulate throughout your body. Do not use a massaging movement. Focus on breathing into the pain for three full minutes. Often, poor circulation is indicated by a point that is sore when pressed. By taking long, deep breaths and pressing gently for three minutes you will close the nervous system's pain gates and help the area heal. This breathing technique will enhance the healing benefits of all the acupressure routines in this book. Cautions to Consider Apply finger pressure in a slow, rhythmic manner to enable the layers of tissue and the internal organs to respond. Never press any area in an abrupt, forceful, or jarring way. Use the abdominal points cautiously, especially if you are ill. Avoid the abdominal area entirely if you have a life-threatening disease, especially intestinal cancer, tuberculosis, serious cardiac conditions, and leukemia. Avoid the abdominal area during pregnancy as well. Special care should be taken during pregnancy. Please refer to chapter 36 for further guidance. Lymph areas, such as the groin, the area of the throat just below the ears, and the outer breast near the armpits, are very sensitive These areas should be touched only lightly and not pressed. Do not work directly on a serious burn, an ulcerous condition, or an infection: for these conditions, medical care alone is indicated. Do not work directly on a recently formed scar. During the first month after an injury or operation, do not apply pressure directly on the affected site. However, gentle continuous holding a few inches away from the periphery of the injury will stimulate the area and help it heal. After an acupressure session, your body heat is lowered; thus your resistance to cold is also lower. Because the tensions have been released, your body's vital energies are concentrating inward to maximize healing. Your body will be more vulnerable, so be sure to wear extra clothing and keep warm when you finish an acupressure routine. Limitations of Acupressure Patients with life-threatening diseases and serious medical problems should always consult their doctor before using acupressure or other alternative therapies. It is important for the novice to use caution in any medical emergency situation, such as a stroke or heart attack, or for any serious medical condition, such as arteriosclerosis or an illness caused by bacteria. Nor is acupressure an appropriate sole treatment for cancer, contagious skin diseases, or sexually transmitted diseases. In conjunction with proper medical attention, however, gentle acupressure (safely away from the diseased area and the internal organs) can help soothe and relieve a patient's distress and pain. According to Dr. Serizawa, a Japanese physician, who regularly uses acupressure in his medical research and practice: The ailments from which [acupressure] can offer relief are numerous and include the following: symptoms of chilling; flushing; pain, and numbness; . . . headaches; heaviness in the head; dizziness; ringing in the ears; stiff shoulders arising from disorders of the autonomic nervous system; constipation; sluggishness; chills of the hands and feet; insomnia; malformations of the backbone frequent in middle age and producing pain in the shoulders, arms, and hands; pains in the back; pains in the knees experienced during standing or going up or down stairs.1 The following chapters provide you with ways to help yourself cope with these and other discomforts. But before you look up the specific ailments you want to know about, take a few minutes to answer the questions on the following form. Acupressure Diary Acupressure's effects can be subtle and while you may often experience immediate relief from stress and pain, sometimes it may take you a few weeks to notice a big change in your overall condition. In the meantime, you can use the form to the right to record your week-by-week progress. Note your body's responses to specific points and self-help techniques. Your account of which points you use, the techniques that help you most, and the time it took to achieve results can be a valuable record for learning about your body and becoming more aware of its needs. Keep track of the results of your self-acupressure practice to pay close attention to your progress and well-being. 1  Katsuske Serizawa, M.D., Tsubo: Vital Points for Oriental Therapy (Tokyo: Japan Publications, 1976), 38. Excerpt taken from Acupressure's Potent Points © Copyright 1990 Michael Reed Gach & Bantam Books, All Rights Reserved Accupressure for Backache Lie on your back with your legs up and your knees bent. Place your fingertips in the center of the crease behind each knee. Holding on to these points, gently rock your legs back and forth for one minute as you breathe deeply. When you're done let your feet rest flat on the floor, with your knees bent, and relax. Repeat this method 10 times a day to be relived of the pain. Accupressure for Migrane First of all message your hair thoroughly. Now place your thumb underneath the skull one either side of the spinal column. Tilt your head back slightly and press upward for 2 minutes while breathing deeply. The point where you are pressurizing is known as the Gates of Consciousness Point.  Important points and images Search Results o    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sizes"],"EVliAoFMlhRlAM:l":["/imgres?imgurl\x3dhttp://members.fortunecity.com/chenfamilytaiji/accpts.jpg\x26imgrefurl\x3dhttp://members.fortunecity.com/chenfamilytaiji/accupressure_points.html\x26usg\x3d__axkVVVFna6_bYJA02uUnts8vcD4\x3d\x26h\x3d700\x26w\x3d489\x26sz\x3d58\x26hl\x3den\x26start\x3d4\x26zoom\x3d1\x26tbnid\x3dEVliAoFMlhRlAM:\x26tbnh\x3d140\x26tbnw\x3d98\x26prev\x3d/images%3Fq%3Daccupressure%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DX%26biw%3D1007%26bih%3D437%26rlz%3D1W1ADFA_en%26tbs%3Disch:1\x26um\x3d1\x26itbs\x3d1","","","","188","269","Diagram of Certain Major \x3cb\x3eAccupressure\x3c/b\x3e Points. daigram \x3cb\x3eaccupressure\x3c/b\x3e 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sizes"],"U3ybIUUTbNLgnM:l":["/imgres?imgurl\x3dhttp://www.buy1or2.com/slimming/images/accupressure-torso6.jpg\x26imgrefurl\x3dhttp://www.buy1or2.com/slimming/\x26usg\x3d__NC3bcIk2TkIGfhFHAM8SDj30A7k\x3d\x26h\x3d400\x26w\x3d400\x26sz\x3d160\x26hl\x3den\x26start\x3d6\x26zoom\x3d1\x26tbnid\x3dU3ybIUUTbNLgnM:\x26tbnh\x3d124\x26tbnw\x3d124\x26prev\x3d/images%3Fq%3Daccupressure%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DX%26biw%3D1007%26bih%3D437%26rlz%3D1W1ADFA_en%26tbs%3Disch:1\x26um\x3d1\x26itbs\x3d1","","","","225","225","The nearest comparative product we\x26#39;ve identified is the Slendertone Flex Max 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sizes"],"4H4rVAljjGdPLM:l":["/imgres?imgurl\x3dhttp://500poundwoman.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/accupressure.jpg\x26imgrefurl\x3dhttp://500poundwoman.wordpress.com/2008/03/24/ancient-chinese-secret/\x26usg\x3d__MgeOXgfnu3lDSVJbibcEyVhseak\x3d\x26h\x3d974\x26w\x3d640\x26sz\x3d225\x26hl\x3den\x26start\x3d7\x26zoom\x3d1\x26tbnid\x3d4H4rVAljjGdPLM:\x26tbnh\x3d149\x26tbnw\x3d98\x26prev\x3d/images%3Fq%3Daccupressure%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DX%26biw%3D1007%26bih%3D437%26rlz%3D1W1ADFA_en%26tbs%3Disch:1\x26um\x3d1\x26itbs\x3d1","","","","182","277","The ancient chinese secret is that it\x26#39;s all about thought and body 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From day-to-day pressures to life's most significant trials, traumatic events cause the body to shut down and keep negative feelings "stuck," resulting in physical ailments and emotional imbalances. Acupressure, which uses the fingers to stimulate the same points targeted in acupuncture-releases this muscular tension and restores the flow of vital energy, making resolution possible. Top of Form Less Stress DVD Acupressure & Qi Gong Breathing Exercises Boost your immune system and increase your vitality Learn an easy Qi Gong routine that you can use anytime and anywhere. Discover how to use three potent acupressure points on yourself to further strengthen your energy system. The health benefits are tremendous. 30 minutes Stress Relief Learn Ways to Relieve Tension Now Living with Stress can exhaust your vital energy, effecting the quality of your life.  Stress causes shallow breathing, which can lead to irritability, frustration, and eventually chronic fatigue. Many people turn to unhealthy habits like smoking, overeating, and alcoholic drinking to counteract stress.  Instead, you can use Acupressure point therapy and Yoga Therapy to manage stress and enhance your life. Acupressure Therapy and Yoga therapy are an ancient healing arts developed in Asia over 5,000 years ago. Using the power and sensitivity of the hand instead of needles, acupressure points are effective in relieving stress-related ailments, in self-treatment and in preventive health care. Acupressure releases tension, increases circulation, reduces stress and pain and at the same time heightens well-being. Yoga Therapy uses full body postures which presses specific acupressure points, therapeutic yogic breathing, dietary therapy, healing visualizations and more to achieve well-being. Acupressure points use the fingers or various parts of the body to press key pressure points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities. When these trigger points are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and the body’s life force to aid healing. Acupressure releases tension, increases the circulation of blood, and heightens the body's vital life energy to aid healing. Acupuncture points and Acupressure points are identical; however Acupuncture employs needles, while Acupressure points use gentle but firm finger pressure. Acupressure points relieve pain, trauma, and burnout.  You can do it yourself, anytime, anywhere.  Acupressure strengthens resistance to disease and promotes wellness by relaxing the body and relieving stress. How does Acupressure Relieve Stress? Tension tends to concentrate around the acupressure points (also called pressure points, trigger points, or acupoints). When a muscle is in spasm or chronically tense, the muscle fibers contract due to the secretion of lactic acid caused by fatigue, trauma, stress factors, chemical imbalances, or poor circulation. As an Acupressure point is held, the muscle tension yields to the finger pressure, enabling the muscle fibers to elongate and relax, blood to flow freely, and toxins to be released and eliminated. Increased circulation from relieving stress also brings more oxygen and other nutrients to affected areas. This increases the body's resistance to illness and promotes a longer, healthier, more vital life. When the blood and bioelectrical energy circulate properly, there is a greater sense of harmony, health, and well-being. Free Acupressure Subscription Receive monthly Acupressure articles delivered to your inbox! We respect your email privacy Bridge Pose 1. Lie on your back. 2. Bend your knees so that the soles of your feet are flat on the floor. 3. Put your arms above your head on the floor and relax them. 4. Inhale, arching the pelvis up. Hold for several seconds. 5. Exhale as you slowly come down. Continue to inhale up and exhale down for one minute. 6. Relax on your back with your eye's closed for a few minutes. Acupressure Points Traditional Associations Triple Warmer 15 TW 15 Shoulder and neck pain, arm and elbow painful and cannot be raised, stiff neck. Gall Bladder 20 GB 20 Alternately hot and cold, eyes foggy, nervousness, painful shoulder, reumatism, stiff neck, upper parts of the body feel heavy or hot. Gall Bladder 21 GB 21 The major point where shoulder tension collects. Traditionally used to release stiff neck, regulate hyperthyroidism, and relieve rheumatism. Bladder 10 B 10 Head heavy, spasm of the neck muscles, limbs and body not coordinated, throat sore or swollen. Small Intestine 10 SI 10 Muscular pain, numbness, swelling or arthritis in the shoulder-scapula region. Benefits: fatigue, cold hands or feet, nervous exhaustion, irritability, shoulder pain or ache, excessive anger, hypertension, resistance to colds and flu. MEDITATION MEDITATION Meditation for Internal Nourishment 1. Sit comfortably with the spine straight, and close your eyes. 2. Apply Neck Lock by lifting the chest and pressing the chin lightly into the hol-low of the throat. 3. Connect the tips of the thumb and index finger of each hand, and rest the back of the hands on your knees. 4. Inhale deeply. Exhale, and at the end of the exhalation apply the Root and Diaphragm Locks for a few seconds by contracting your rectum, sex organs, abdomen, and diaphragm. 5. After a minute, discontinue the Root and Diaphragm Locks at the end of each exhalation. Simply meditate on breathing into the Hara (lower abdomen). 6. Continue for two more minutes. Be sure to keep your spine straight. Focus on your breath. Gently control your respiratory system, making each breath grow longer and deeper. Breathe out any tensions you feel restricting your lungs from moving fully and naturally. Feel your mind clear with each breath. Notice the resistance your mind creates: the barriers of judgment and analyzing that it comes up against. Take several deep breaths and let go of the barriers. Breathe deeply and gently, as if you are breathing love in. Hold the breath at the top of the exhalation, feeling its fullness. Exhale smoothly, feeling the goodness of the breath energy circulating throughout your body. If you meditate on the breath in this way as much as possible it will increase your effec-tiveness in life. You can do it any time, even when you're occupied with your daily activi-ties. Put your attention on your breath for a few moments and feel the benefits it provides. Acu-Yoga Postures That Benefit Specific Conditions       Although a holistic or whole-body approach is preferable, Acu-Yoga can also be practiced beneficially with a symptomatic orientation. This is because each pose stimulates specific points, meridians, and parts of the body traditionally associated with various conditions. These relationships are based upon centuries of observation and practice in the Far East. Although the symptomatic approach is limited it can be of value, often as a first step towards greater awareness of your body and its imbalances. Acu-Yoga enables you to do something for yourself, instead of always having to rely on others for information about your condition. The postures, breathing, and relaxation are a form of physical self-therapy that offers practical tools for enhancing one's health. The symptoms we have are messages, or signals our bodies send us, indicating that there are more extensive, underlying imbalances that need to be attended to. Acu-Yoga does not treat symptoms or disease, or claim to cure health problems. In fact, many times the points and poses may bring a symptom to a peak, as buried or repressed problems begin to surface.       As we develop greater awareness of our condition, of our symptoms, and of our strengths and weaknesses, we also gain an opportunity to discover original causes of im-balance. The symptom is only a starting point, a key or clue to what needs attention. Through the practice of Acu-Yoga you may discover what you need to change in your life in order to solve the root of the problem.       Acu-Yoga thus attempts to prevent illness from occurring, rather than treating it. Acu-Yoga is a holistic method of health maintenance, not a form of medicine. If you have an illness or disease, please seek medical attention from a qualified doctor.       Although this section is organized symptomatically, it contains valuable information on many aspects of Acu-Yoga that apply to everyone, not just those with the particular symptom. Therefore, it's a good idea to read through all the sections, even the ones that don't seem to apply to you. You will probably find something useful anyway. Each section includes a discussion of the topic, one or more Acu-Yoga exercises, and in some cases, other forms of self-treatment as well. The traditional associations are also included. A good method of practice is as follows: Selection of Exercises       First of all, find several topics that relate to your condition, using the Table of Contents as a reference guide. Footnotes and cross references within a section will lead you to other topics. Explore the exercises which work on the areas you need. Select several of your favorites, including techniques that give you the most release during deep relaxation. *Choose the four or five exercises that suit you best. *Practice these exercises two or three times a day for one week, establishing Acu-Yoga as a daily routine. Gradually increase the length of time spent in each posture. *Always follow your practice with 10 minutes of deep relaxation on your back with your eyes closed.                                  HYPERTENSION       Hypertension, the technical term for high blood pressure, can be caused by dietary im-balances or emotional stress. Various extremes or excesses of these factors can cause or contribute to hypertension.       Regarding dietary factors, there are tension-producing foods and tension-releasing foods. Eating a lot of salt, for example, has been shown to be directly related to high blood pressure. It hardens and constricts the arteries, impeding the blood flow. Thus, the heart must pump harder to circulate the blood through the restricted vessels. Salt tends to stiffen the muscles, creating muscular tensions which also hamper the blood flow. Meat, which contains both salt and animal fats, contributes to hypertension. Since virtually all packaged, canned, processed foods contain salt or white sugar (often both!), they should be avoided. These should be replaced by fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and various other natural foods. Emotional Aspects       When people are under a lot of pressure, either from internal or external conflicts, they get charged up for action. This is a normal physiological response that provides us with extra energy to handle a situation by automatically shifting our metabolism into a higher gear. These days we aren't facing the physical dangers that require this shift, but unfortunately, our bodies still automatically provide it. By constantly "revving our motors," emotional stress can wear us out. Since a state of high blood pressure is one element in the shift, it can become a chronic problem if we are constantly under a lot of stress, especially if we have difficulty letting go of these pressures.       Hypertension is a symptom, a manifestation of imbalances in the body. Whether dietary or emotional factors predominate, we must look deeply into ourselves and our lives, going beyond symptoms, and looking for causes. Hypertension can never be completely elimi-nated until the underlying cause is handled. Holistic health involves looking at ourselves as integrated wholes, and looking beyond symptoms for underlying causes, imbalances and patterns of weakness. In order to achieve radiant health, you must take responsibility to change whatever aspect of your life is causing your imbalances. This can involve changes in your diet, exercise, or work habits. It can mean getting individual help from practitioners of Holistic Health methods. It also requires you to work on yourself, through self-help methods such as meditation and Acu-Yoga. The following story illustrates all of these aspects of hypertension from a holistic perspective. I used to give Acupressure sessions to a successful and wealthy man who had a bad case of high blood pressure. One time, he relaxed so deeply that he fell asleep for a few minutes so that his session ended a little later than usual. However, he had a doctor's appointment soon after that, which he had neglected to tell me about. When he woke he realized he'd be late and started frantically rushing around to get ready.       The Acupressure session had lowered his blood pressure, but I was sure that it had soared back up again from all his rushing around. The next time I spoke with him I was surprised to hear that his doctor said that he had had a normal blood pressure reading for the first time in years. Blood pressure is one of the few medical tests that I had access to that could measure the benefits of Acupressure. Consequently, I had my client's wife take his blood pressure before and after the Acupressure session so that we could measure the difference. His systolic blood pressure was 162 mm before I worked on him-over 40 mm above normal, which is about 120 mm. After the one-hour session, it had dropped 38 mm to 124 mm. Even though Acupressure clearly lowered my client's blood pressure, it is only a limited temporary measure unless he looks into what is causing his condition, and begins to deal with that. For example, he had been drinking to "help himself relax." He decided to stop drinking for awhile because he thought he was going to have a heart attack if he didn't, and he was also learning new, constructive ways to relax through Acupressure. His hyper-tension actually vanished as soon as he stopped drinking.       In the following Acu-Yoga exercise, "Wing Lifting," points in the shoulders are stretched to release muscle tension and emotional uptightness that con-tribute to hypertension. Wing Lifting 1. Sit comfortably and clasp your hands behind your back with your palms facing each other. 2. Press your shoulders back so that your shoulder blades are pushed together. 3. Inhale, raise your shoulders up toward your ears, and let your head drop back. 4. Straighten your arms and lift them away from your buttocks. 5. Exhale, and come to the resting posi-tion, as in No. 1. 6. Repeat steps 2, 3, 4, 5 five times. Work up to repeating the exercise for one minute. 7. Let go of your arms and relax. Lightly shake your shoulders. Remind yourself to breathe slightly deeper than you usually breathe throughout the day. Top of Page                                 PELVIC TENSION       Pelvic tension is a very common condition since the pelvis is an area of the body which is exposed to a great deal of stress, and therefore easily accumulates tension. It is therefore important to practice techniques which help release tension from the pelvis, if you want to improve your strength, flexibility, and overall balance. Shock Absorber and Hinge       The pelvis connects the upper and lower body and supports the weight of the upper body on the legs. It also acts as a shock absorber for the spine, protecting the spine and upper body from the impact of the body weight, especially during walking and running.       It provides for a great range of body movement, with the overall posture of the body being determined by the position of the pelvis. Therefore, when the pelvis is pulled out of place or stagnated by tension, the whole body is affected. Conversely, if the posture of another part of the body is poor, the pelvis cannot properly do its job of distributing the body weight, and muscle strain and joint tension in the pelvic region can result.       There are many important muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, arteries, and lymph nodes in this area. Approximately 36 muscles attach to the pelvis; they act together to stabilize the pelvic girdle in relation to the spine. When all of the muscles, tendons, and so forth work together harmoniously, they contribute to the optimum condition of the body in general. However, because there is so much going on within this one area, it is all too common for there to be blockages, instead of balance. The Meridians       This situation is compounded by the fact that there are also many meridians which run through the relatively small groin area in the front of the pelvic girdle, namely the Stomach, Spleen, Kidney, and Liver Meridians. In some places these meridians are not only close together, but actually cross over each other. In addition, the Gall Bladder Meridian runs over the side of the pelvic area, and the Bladder Meridian runs through the back. Because of all this activity, tension can accumulate around key Acupressure points of these meridi-ans, especially in the area where the top of the thighbone is inserted into the hip socket of the pelvis. Blockages in the meridians can cause physical problems. Effects on Pelvic Organs       Tension in the pelvis directly affects the reproductive and digestive organs. When the muscles and meridians of the pelvic area are tense or stagnated the colon can become blocked, and the circulation of both blood and nervous system impulses to the genitals is reduced. For the sexual sensations to be as full as possible, the pelvic area must be flexible. The following are some of the conditions that can contribute to tension in the pelvis       Restrictive Clothing: Fashion strongly influences how we carry ourselves, which unfortunately is usually in an unhealthy way. For example, it is fashionable to appear slim, which can result in a lot of pelvic and abdominal tension, as people tighten their stomachs in an attempt to meet the fashion "ideal." Girdles were created for this very purpose. Tight pants and other tapered clothes, which are cut to bring out this slim look, add to the problem. The result is tension, decreased flexibility and mobility of the pelvis, and impaired functioning of the pelvic organs.       Poor Posture and Lack of Movements: The pelvis is designed to move in all directions. A sedentary life style in which sitting at desks, riding in cars, and waiting in lines is a common routine stagnates the body, since it does not have an opportunity to be fully moved and stretched. This lack of movement becomes a permanent pattern, tension builds, and the area becomes more and more tight and congested. Thus, the posture of the entire body is poor, the entire skeletal frame being thrown out of position. This is so common; look around and see how few people have fluid, strong posture, and how many have their knees locked, pelvises protruding backwards (producing a swayback), and shoulders hunched up.       Under the brunt of this bad posture the pelvis becomes rigid, almost locked into one position. This impairs circulation, weakens genital functioning, and can cause constipation, lumbago, sciatica, and impotency. It's easy to see that posture is important.       Chest and Shoulder Tension: There is a direct relationship between tension in upper and lower portions of the spine. When one is out of proper alignment, a strain is put on the other to compensate, so that you end up with tension and poor alignment in both areas. Since most people are more aware of their shoulder tension than their pelvic tension, it is important to work on the pelvis to cultivate an awareness of the tension stored there, and of whatever blocked or stagnated energies are present there. The depth of the breath is also a barometer for pelvic tension. The breathing cannot be full and deep if there is tension in the chest, or abdominal and pelvic areas. Emotional Association and Frustrations: The pelvis is also considered the gate of the abdomen, where we experience our "gut level" feelings. Abdominal tensions can block off these feelings, so that we tend to lose touch with our true needs and desires. Our emotions and their expressions are inhibited by tensions and repressions. This, of course, results in frustration, since no matter what we do, our deep needs remain unmet. Many people are stuck in this frustration, since the substitute "gratifications" they turn to in an attempt to relieve this frustration are destructive habits-such as smoking, drinking, or overeating, and eating non-nutritional foods solely for taste or sensation-which not only does not satisfy the person, but which weaken and toxify the body, making the true satisfaction of health and openness more and more elusive.       The flip side of this negative situation is one where pelvic tensions, and their associated emotions, are gradually released in a balanced way. Releasing pelvic ten-sion can enable a person to liberate him or herself from anxiety, worry, and fear, and to then more fully experience inner gratification, and to move forward in life. Sexual Repressions       Culturally we are taught to block the sexual feelings of our genitals. The "don't touch-bad boy/girl!" is hardly conductive to a healthy, relaxed pelvis, but parental admonitions needn't be so outspoken to have a powerful inhibiting effect. Difficult or stressful experiences in toilet training can have a similar result. This closing down of the natural mobility and feeling in the pelvic area is accomplished by tightening the muscles of the pelvic region, to dull and deaden sensation, repressing the sexual feelings.       A number of problems, such as impotency, lack of sexual drive, weak erection, premature ejaculation, vaginal infections, and menstrual cramps can eventually result from the im-balances caused by pelvic blockages. Even if the condition does not degenerate to this point, the reproductive organs can still be weakened by pelvic tension. In this case, orgasm often serves as a temporary release of stress.       When tension in the pelvic region is released, it is possible to experience a depth of feeling that was previously impossible; when this area is free, loose, and open, pleasurable sensations can circulate in a deep and satisfying way.       All of these various problems-restrictive clothing, poor posture and lack of movement, chest and shoulder tension, and emotional stresses, especially frustration and sexual repressions-add up to a cultural pattern of pelvic and abdominal tension that hinders the development of us all. It's a key area of blockage that's important to focus on when you're working to balance yourself as a whole. ·           ·           ·           ·           ·           ·           ·           ·           ·           ·           ·           ·           ·           ·           ·           ·           ·           ·           ·           ·           ·           ·           ·           ·           ·           ·           ·           ·           ·           ·         Immune System Boosting Acupressure Points & Methods for Strengthening Immunity      In a fast-paced world, it is easy to overwork yourself, take on too many commitments, and extend yourself to the point of exhaustion. This energy imbalance weakens the immune system. If we take care of ourselves by eating properly, getting enough rest and exercise, and practicing techniques that release tension and balance our bodies - then our resistance to illness is strong. If, on the other hand, we abuse our bodies, push ourselves too hard, eat poorly, don't exercise, and fail to release tension, our immune system weakens, and we are more prone to illness. Acupressure and deep breathing strengthen the immune system and can help you ward off disease. Everyday stresses accumulate inside our bodies, causing shoulder and neck tensions as well as anxieties that often make it hard to breathe. I use acupressure, deep breathing, and stretching exercises daily to counteract the common daily pressures in my life. We can only withstand a certain amount of stress. Each person has a different threshold, and each must determine for himself or herself how much is too much. When you cultivate an inner awareness of what's going on inside you, both emotionally and physically, you discover your optimum balance of activity and rest. Traditional Chinese medicine discovered that excesses of particular activities weaken the immune system by overstressing certain acupressure meridian pathways. (The following potent points are described in detail later in this chapter.) Excess standing damages the bladder and kidney meridians, which can cause fatigue and low backaches. To restore these meridians, stimulate the Sea of Vitality points (B 23 and B 47) by rubbing your lower back for one minute. Then hold Elegant Mansion (K 27) directly below your collarbone for another minute. Finally, hold the Bigger Stream (K 3) points on the insides of your ankles for one minute as you breathe deeply. Excess sitting can damage the stomach and spleen meridians, which can contribute to anemia or digestive disorders. Stimulate the Three Mile Points (St 36) on the outsides of your calves to benefit these meridians. Excess lying down can damage the large intestine and lung meridians, which can affect both respiration and elimination. For these meridians use Joining the Valley (Hoku, LI 4) in the valley between the thumb and forefinger and Crooked Pond (LI 11) on the upper edge of your elbow crease as directed on page 120. Excess use of your eyes (as in close desk work) or emotional stress can damage the small intestine and heart meridians, which can create emotional imbalances. The Sea of Tranquility (CV 17) on the center of your breastbone is an excellent point for balancing these meridians. Excess physical exertion can damage the gallbladder and liver meridians, which can cause cramps and spasms. Use Bigger Rushing (Lv 3) on the top of your feet to benefit these meridians. By using these acupressure points regularly, balancing your activities, and practicing deep breathing you can counteract stresses, prevent fatigue, and boost your immune system. Deep breathing exercises alone can greatly increase your energy level and boost your immune system (see page 123). Diet also plays an important role in building resistance to illness. When we eat processed, preserved, or devitalized foods, we weaken our immune system and our resistance because these foods have been stripped of necessary nutrients and fiber. Certain foods, such as miso soup, parsley, beans, tofu, sea vegetables, fresh vegetables, and lightly toasted sesame seeds can strengthen the immune system and reinforce the body's ability to protect itself. Acupressure Points for Strengthening the Immune System There is a particular acupressure point, Bearing Support (B 36), that governs resistance, especially resistance to colds and flu. It is located near the spine, off the tips of the shoulder blades. The Chinese book The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine says, wind and cold enter the pores of the skin" at this point.1 It, as well as other points in this area, helps to strengthen the immune system. Conversely, these points around the tips of the shoulder blades are the first to get blocked up just before an illness, especially a cold or flu, takes hold. The following acupressure points are effective for dealing with a condition that may be caused by a weak immune system. Elegant Mansion (K 27) reinforces immune system functioning by strengthening the respiratory system. Steady, firm pressure on the Sea Of Vitality points (B 23 and B 47) fortifies the immune system, rejuvenates the internal organs, and relieves pain associated with lower back problems. The Sea of Energy (CV 6) tones the abdominal muscles and intestines, and helps fortify the immune, urinary, and reproductive systems. Firm pressure on the Three Mile Point (St 36) immediately boosts the immune system with renewed energy. It helps tone and strengthen the major muscle groups, providing greater endurance. Bigger Stream (K 3) on the inside of the ankle helps balance the kidney meridian and strengthen the immune system. Bigger Rushing (Lv 3) and Crooked Pond (LI 11) are important points for relieving pain and strengthening the immune system. The Outer Gate point (TW 5) helps to balance the immune system and strengthen the whole body. Hoku (LI 4) is a famous decongestant and anti-inflammatory point; it relieves arthritic pain and strengthens the immune system. Last, and most important of all, the Sea of Tranquility (CV 17) governs the body's resistance to illness and decreases anxiety by regulating the thymus gland. Each of these important points benefits the immune system by enabling the internal organs to function at optimal levels. Potent Points for Boosting the Immune System Elegant Mansion (K 27) Location: In the depression directly below the protrusions of the collarbone. Benefits: Strengthens the immune system as well as relieves chest congestion, breathing difficulties, asthma, coughing, anxiety, and depression. Sea of Vitality (B 23 and B 47) Caution: Do not press on disintegrating discs or fractured or broken bones. If you have a weak back, a few minutes of stationary, light touching instead of pressure can be very healing. See your doctor first if you have any questions or need medical advice. Location: In the lower back, between the second and third lumbar vertebrae, two to four finger widths away from the spine at waist level. Benefits: Fortifies the immune system as well as relieves lower-back aches and fatigue. Sea of Energy (CV 6) Location: Two finger widths below the belly button, between it and the pubic bone. Benefits: Strengthens the condition of the immune system and the internal organs as well as relieves abdominal muscle pain, constipation, gas, and general weakness. Three Mile Point (St 36) Location: Four finger widths below the kneecap, one finger width to the outside of the shinbone. If you are on the correct spot, a muscle should flex as you move your foot up and down. Benefits: Strengthens the whole body, especially the immune system; tones the muscles and aids digestion as well as relieves fatigue. Bigger Stream (K3) Caution: This point should not be stimulated strongly after the third month of pregnancy. Location: Midway between the inside of the anklebone and the Achilles tendon in the back of the ankle. Benefits: Strengthens the immune system; relieves fatigue, swollen feet, and ankle pain. Bigger Rushing (Lv 3) Location: On the top of the foot, in the valley between the big toe and the second toe. Benefits: Boosts the immune system; relieves fainting, eye fatigue, headaches, and hangovers. Crooked Pond (LI 11) Location: On the upper edge of the elbow crease. Benefits: Relieves immune system weaknesses, fever, constipation, and elbow pain.   Outer Gate (TW 5) Location: Two and one-half finger widths above the center of the wrist crease on the outside of the forearm midway between the two bones (ulna and radius). Benefits: Relieves rheumatism, tendonitis, and wrist pain, and increases resistance to colds. Joining the Valley (LI 4) Caution: This point is forbidden for pregnant women because its stimulation can cause premature contractions in the uterus. Location: In the webbing between the thumb and index finger at the highest spot of the muscle when the thumb and index finger are brought close together. Benefits: Relieves arthritis, constipation, headaches, toothaches, shoulder pain, and labor pain. Sea of Tranquility (CV 17) Location: On the center of the breastbone three thumb widths up from the base of the bone. Benefits: Relieves anxiety, anguish, and depression; boosts the immune system and regulates the thymus gland. You do not have to use all of these points. 14 just one or two of them whenever you have a In hand can be effective. Potent Point Exercises Sit comfortably for this routine and loosen your clothing if necessary. Step 1 Firmly hold K 27: Place your middle fingers in the hollows directly below the protrusions of the collarbone just outside your upper breastbone. Breathe deeply as you hold for oneminute. Sit forward on the lip of your chair for the next exercise. Step 2 Briskly rub B 23 and B 47: Place the backs of your hands against your lower back. Rub up and down briskly for one minute, creating heat from the friction. This self-massage will stimulate both lower back points. Sit back comfortably and continue. Step 3 Firmly press CV 6: Place your fingertips in the center of your lower abdominal area, between your belly button and pubic bone. Gradually press one to two inches deep inside the lower abdomen. Close your eyes as you breathe deeply. Step 4 Briskly rub St 36: Place your right heel on the Three Mile point (St 36) of your left leg and briskly rub it up and down on the outside of your shinbone, just below your knee. After one minute, do the same on the other side. Step 5 Rub K 3 and then Lv 3: Place your right heel between your left inner anklebone and the Achilles tendon. After rubbing K 3 for thirty seconds, place your right heel in the juncture between the bones that attach to the large and second toes to rub Lv 3 for thirty seconds. Then switch sides to stimulate these two points on your other foot for thirty seconds each. Step 6 Briskly rub LI 11: With your arms bent in front of you and your palms down, place the palm side of your right fist on top of the elbow crease of your left hand. Briskly rub over the elbow joint with your palm for thirty seconds, creating heat with the friction. Then do the same on the other arm. Step 7 Rub TW 5 and then LI 4: Make a fist with your right hand and place it on the outside of your forearm, two finger widths from your wrist crease. Briskly rub TW 5 for thirty seconds. Then place your right fist on LI 4 (webbing between the thumb and index finger of your left hand). Use your knuckles to briskly rub the Hoku point for thirty seconds. Switch arms and stimulate these two points on the other side. Step 8 Repeat steps 1 and 2: This will further boost your immune system. Step 9 Press CV 17: Keeping your palms together, place the back of your thumbs firmly against your breastbone to press CV 17, at the level of your heart. Continue to keep your eyes closed and concentrate on breathing slow, even, deep breaths into your heart to completely dispel any anxiety. Use the following exercise A Breathing Exercise for the Immune System Focus on breathing deeply for two more minutes. Gently control your respiratory system, making each breath grow longer and deeper than the last one. Breathe out any tensions you feel restricting your lungs from moving fully and naturally. Feel your mind clear with each breath. Notice the resistance Your mind creates: the worries and judgments it comes up against. Take several deep breaths and dissolve these barriers. Breathe deeply and gently; remember, you are breathing in life itself. Hold the breath at the top of the exhalation for a moment, feeling its fullness. Then exhale smoothly, letting your hands drift down into your lap, and relax, feeling the vitality of the breath circulate throughout your body. Reference: 1  Felix Mann, Treatment of Disease by Acupuncture (London: William Heinemann Medical Books, Ltd., 1976), 32, 37.   Bottom of Form Excerpt taken from Acupressure's Potent Points © Copyright 1990 Michael Reed Gach & Bantam Books, All Rights Reserved