Spiritual Touch on

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Using the healing touch of acupressure can also be a practical way of deepening your spiritual life. By
lightly touching the Third Eye Point (GV 24.5) 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 while touching it lightly with your eyes closed, can nourish your
spiritual nature and increase intuition. Using this as a meditation practice, twice a week or more, will
develop your intuitive healing skills.

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.

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Acupressure Massage
Tuina Chinese Massage Techniques
Several different kinds of acupressure are currently practiced, although the same ancient
trigger points are used in all of them. Varying rhythms, pressures, and techniques create different
styles of acupressure, just as different forms of music use the same notes but combine them in
distinctive ways.

Shiatsu Massage, for instance, the most well-known style of acupressure, can be quite vigorous,
with firm pressure applied to each point for only three to five seconds. Another kind of
acupressure gently holds each point for a minute or more. Pressing with an intermittent, fast beat
is stimulating; a slower pressure creates a deeply relaxing effect on the body.

Use the following acupressure massage and Tuina (Tui Na) Massage techniques in your healing
work:
.
Firm pressure is the most fundamental technique. Use thumbs, fingers, palms, the side of the
hand, or knuckles to apply steady, stationary pressure. To relax an area or relieve pain, apply
pressure gradually and hold without any movement for several minutes at a time. One minute of
steady pressure (when applied gradually) calms and relaxes the nervous system, promoting
greater healing. To stimulate the area, apply pressure for only four or five seconds.

Slow motion kneading uses the thumbs and fingers along with the heels of the hands to squeeze
large muscle groups firmly The motion is similar to that of kneading a large mass of dough.
Simply lean the weight of your upper body into the muscle as you press to make it soft and
pliable. This relieves general stiffness, shoulder and neck tension, constipation, and spasms in
the calf muscles.

Brisk rubbing uses friction to stimulate the blood and lymph. Rub the skin lightly to relieve
chilling, swelling, and numbness by increasing circulation, as well as to benefit the nerves and
tone of the skin.

Quick tapping with fingertips stimulates muscles on unprotected, tender areas of the body such
as the face. For larger areas of the body, such as the back or buttocks, use a loose fist. This can
improve the functioning of nerves and sluggish muscles in the area.


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How to Apply Pressure to


Acupressure Points
Use prolonged finger pressure directly on the point; gradual, steady, penetrating pressure for
approximately three minutes is ideal. Each point will feel somewhat different when you press it; some
points feel tense, while others are often sore or ache when pressed. How much pressure to apply to any
point depends on how fit you are. A general guideline to follow is that the pressure should be firm enough
so that it "hurts good" - in other words, something between pleasant, firm pressure and outright pain.

The more developed the muscles are, the more pressure you should apply If you feel extreme (or
increasing) sensitivity or pain, gradually decrease the pressure until you find a balance between pain and
pleasure. Acupressure is not meant to increase your tolerance of pain, so do not think of it as a test of
endurance. Do not continue to press a point that is excruciatingly painful. Usually, however, if you firmly
hold the point long enough (up to 2 minutes using the middle finger with your index and ring fingers on
either side as support), the pain will diminish.

Note that sometimes when you hold a point, you'll feel pain in another part of your body This
phenomenon is called referred pain and indicates that those areas are related. You should press points in
these related areas as well to release blockages.

The middle finger is the longest and strongest of your fingers and is best suited for applying self-
acupressure. The thumb is strong, too, but often lacks sensitivity If you find that your hand is generally
weak or hurt s when you apply finger pressure, you can use the knuckles or your fist or other tools, such
as an avocado pit, a golf ball, or a pencil eraser.

Although you may be tempted to massage or rub the entire area, it is best just to hold the point steadily
with direct finger pressure. The rule of thumb is to apply slow, firm pressure on the point at a 90 degree
angle from the surface of the skin. If you are pulling the skin, then the angle of pressure is incorrect.
Consciously and gradually direct the pressure into the center of the part of the body you are working on.
It's important to apply and release finger pressure gradually because this allows the tissues time to
respond, promoting healing. The better your concentration as you move your fingers slowly into and out
of the point, the more effective the treatment will be.

After repeated acupressure sessions using different degrees of pressure, you will begin to feel a pulse at
the point. This pulsation is a good sign - it means that circulation has increased. Pay attention to the type
of pulse you feel. If it's very faint or throbbing, hold the point longer until the pulse balances.

If your hand gets tired, slowly withdraw pressure from the point, gently shake out your hand, and take a
few deep breaths. When you're ready, go back to the point and gradually apply pressure until you reach
the depth where it hurts good. Again, press directly on painful site (which often moves, so follow and stay
with it) until you feel a clear, regular pulse or until the pain diminishes. Then slowly decrease the finger
pressure, ending with about twenty seconds of light touch.

When you have located the point and your fingers are comfortably positioned right on the spot gradually
lean your weight toward the point to apply the pressure. If you're pressing a point on your foot, for
instance, bend your leg and apply pressure by slowly leaning forward . Using the weight of your upper
body (and not just your hands) enables you to apply firm pressure without strain. Direct the pressure
perpendicularly to the surface of the skin as you take several long, slow, deep breaths. Hold for a few
minutes until you feel a regular pulse or until the soreness at the point decreases. Then gradually release
the pressure, finishing with a soothing touch.

Each body - and each area of the body - requires a different amount of pressure. If it hurts a great deal
when you apply pressure on a point, then use light touch instead of pressure. The calves, the face, and
genital areas are sensitive. The back, buttocks, and shoulders, especially if the musculature is developed,
usually need deeper, firmer pressure. Because certain areas of the body, such as the back and
shoulders, are hard to reach, I will recommend using Acu-Yoga1 postures, which involve leaning against
the floor to apply the proper amount of pressure to the points.

To achieve the full benefit of self-acupressure, you should choose a comfortable, private environment that
lends itself to deep relaxation. You can use acupressure at work, however, if you can take a ten-minute
break. Choose whatever position you find most comfortable - either sitting or lying down. As you press
points in different areas, feel free to reposition your body so that your muscles can relax completely. (See
"Guidance for Deep Relaxation," at the beginning of Part 11.)

Ideally, you should wear comfortable clothing. Tight collars, belts, pants, or shoes can obstruct circulation.
I recommend wearing natural fibers that breathe, such as cotton or wool blends. Also, it's a good idea to
keep your fingernails trimmed fairly short to prevent any discomfort or injury to the skin.

Avoid practicing acupressure right before a big meal or on a full stomach. Wait until at least an hour after
eating a light meal and even longer after eating a heavy meal. Practicing a complete acupressure routine
when your stomach is full can inhibit the flow of blood and may cause nausea. However, simply pressing
one or two points to relieve indigestion or hiccups is perfectly safe.

Avoid iced drinks (especially during the winter months), because extreme cold generally weakens your
system and can counteract the benefits of acupressure. A cup of hot herbal tea would be good after an
acupressure session along with a period of deep relaxation.

For optimal results, you should perform the acupressure routines daily, whether you are using
acupressure to maintain your health or to help relieve an ailment. If you are using acupressure for the
latter reason, continue using these same points even after you've obtained relief. This can prevent
recurrence. If you cannot practice every day, treating yourself to acupressure two or three times a week
can still be effective.

Limit your self acupressure sessions to an hour at the most. When you begin practicing acupressure, you
may find that you are most comfortable holding a point for two to three minutes. You may find that you
can gradually over two to three months - work up to holding points longer, but do not hold any one point
longer than ten minutes. And do not work any single area of the body, such as the abdominal area or the
face, for longer that 15 minutes. The effects of acupressure can be quite strong. If you work too long, too
much energy is released and complications, such as nausea and headaches, can occur.

1 For further self-help information, see Michael Reed Gach's Acu-Yoga (Tokyo: Japan Publications,
1981), 121-247

Acupressure Precautions

Professional Practice Procedures
and Breathing Guidelines


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 acupressure points release any pain or tension and encourages healing energy
to flow throughout the body. As you practice self-acupressure 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.
Pregnancy - special care should be taken during pregnancy.
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.
Burns & infections: Do not work directly on a serious burn, an ulcerous condition, or an infection: for these
conditions, medical care alone is indicated.
Scars and injuries: 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.

Acupressure Contraindications

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.


An 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.

ratingshttp://www.acupressure.com/applications/shiatsu_therapy.htm
Shiatsu Therapy
Stimulates Acupressure Points




Shiatsu is the traditional therapeutic form of massage using deep penetrating pressure to
stimulate acupressure points, the same points used in acupuncture. Releasing these healing
points opens the channels of energy and blood circulation to nourish the internal organs, glands,
muscles, nerves, and vital centers of the body. Shiatsu uses thumbs, fingers, palms, the side of
the hand, or knuckles to apply steady, firm pressure for increasing the healing benefits.

Shiatsu Forms -
Shiatsu Therapy Methods
There are many different ways to give Shiatsu treatments. Varying rhythms, pressures, and
techniques create the different styles of Shiatsu Therapy, such as Zen Shiatsu or Masunaga
Shiatsu, Ashiatsu, Barefoot Shiatsu, Ohashiatsu, and Macrobiotic Shiatsu. The diversity of
Shiatsu forms is similar to the different forms of music. Each style uses the same notes but
combines them in distinctive ways. Shiatsu, for instance, the most well known style of
acupressure, can be quite vigorous, with firm pressure applied to each point for only three to five
seconds.

A professional Shiatsu Practitioner will be able to individualize each treatment based on a
persons condition. This sensitivity is achieved through the practice of giving Shiatsu treatments
and learning how to harmonize the yin and yang forces within the body. Deep relaxation is the key
for obtaining the maximum benefits from Shiatsu Therapy. How the recipient treats him or herself
after the treatment is what heals the body. To receive the maximum benefits, completely relax for
an hour after a Shiatsu treatment.


To learn more about Shiatsu Therapy,
Click on the following topics:
Zen Shiatsu DVD: Learn how to give a complete shiatsu treatment for structural integration and
muscular tension relief. This one hour DVD guides you on how to work from head to toe, front,
side and back.

Acupressure Home Study Discounted Pack:includes Acupressure's Potent Points book,
Acupressure Point and Meridian Flashcards, Introduction to Acupressure, Basic & Intermediate
and Advanced booklets, Acupressure Workbook.

Acupressure for Stress Relief DVD: A Guided Self-Healing for Easing Headaches, Shoulder &
Neck Tension in 20 minutes. Narrated by Michael Reed Gach, Ph.D.

Stress-Less DVD: Acupressure & Qi Gong Breathing Exercises that boost the immune system,
counteract addiction, and support recovery from surgery, trauma, chronic fatigue, depression,
and stressful, difficult times.

Stress Relief CD: provides guidance to counteract stress. Learn self-acupressure, deep breathing
exercises, and gentle stretches to feel more relaxed and enhance the quality of your life in as little
as ten minutes a day.