Why Five Elements Acupressure? *
* Read my personal/experiential answer here.
Acupressure is an ancient Asian healing art that uses fingers (mostly) to press specific points (acu-points, 0.5 mm x 0.5 mm, with decreased electrical resistance) on the skin to stimulate, unblock and rebalance the flow of energy. They are the same points used with acupuncture (needles) but acupressure feels the point at about the size of a dime (fingertip).
When points are stimulated/pressed, this activates the body’s natural ability to heal as:
- endorphins are released (thus, immediate pain relief),
- muscular tension lessens, blood flow increases, and toxins are released, and
- Qi (energy flow) is rebalanced.
Why is Qi so important?
When the main emotions (anger, grief, worry, over-joy, fear) are intense, chronic, repressed and not fully acknowledged (minimized, rationalized), they cause imbalances in the body’s qi (energy). The change in qi results in changes in a person’s demeanor (mood, actions, personality) and in the functioning of the corresponding organs/systems. Subtle signs and more obvious symptoms of disease will appear indicating this imbalance.
Working with the acupoints along the meridians (where the qi travels) can help unblock and balance the root causes of physical, emotional and mental/cognitive issues. [Just as EMDR gets to root cognitions!]
Usually clients will have a main issue yet it is the cluster of symptoms that present a more holistic representation of what is going on. For example, I have worked with these presenting issues:
i. tinnitus, knee pain, lumbar pain, eye issues, stress
ii. anxiety, lumber pain, waking throughout the night
iii. eczema, occasional knee pain, allergen sensitivity
iv. 1-sided hip/neck pain, lumbar pain, irritability, the ‘blahs’, hemorrhoids
v. stress, lack of direction/fun, muscle aches, wrist/hand pain
vi. gastrointestinal bloating, constipation, worry/stress, hemorrhoids
I say ‘presenting,’ because as symptoms lessen or clear up, underlying ones emerge, often at a more emotional or psychological level (e.g., anger, loss, realizations and insights, wanting to change patterns, set boundaries). The process is unique to each person and the unfolding can be quite profound.
On a physiological level … How exactly are the organs affected? In a nutshell – on a metabolic/chemical level!
A meta-review study examining changes in metabolomic biomarkers before and after acupuncture for various diseases and symptoms found a total of 226 metabolites showed significant changes, with 14 common molecules along metabolic pathways altered (glutamine, androsterone glucuronide, choline, citric acid, decanoylcarnitine, estrone, glutathione, glycine, hypoxanthine, lactic acid, pyruvic acid, serine, proline, and sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine). [Recognize some of these?]
What about acupressure results? From the clients I have worked with to date, I am in awe of the weekly changes and shifts that occur. It is a TEAM approach with the acupressure aiding the client’s healing nature. Follow this link to more research.
Interesting to note: it is the emotions that cause the dis-ease in both the person’s demeanor AND the body. Chinese Medicine, Louise Hay, Carolyn Myss, Bruce Lipton, Gabor Mate, Jung ET AL know this – the biopsychoemotional spiritual connection – which is similar to the term psychoneuroimmunology. This is why I am so excited to offer this treatment option!
To learn more about Five Element Acupressure go here and on Acupressure go here.
What to Expect with Acupressure Sessions?
Sessions would deal with your specific cluster of symptom(s) – be it physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual. E.g., lower back pain, headaches, indigestion, weird rash, fatigue, the ‘blahs’, frustration, loss of direction/motivation. An intake form would be completed prior to the 1st session. Although these are NOT counselling sessions, I bring my psychotherapeutic experience and wisdom to the session, aiding the client to make solid mind-body-psyche connections, deepening the acupressure healing and insights. Separate counselling sessions can be arranged to complement any issue that arise during acupressure sessions.
Initial Session: Includes a 15 min. pre-session phone/Zoom or email intake to thoroughly discuss your issues/concerns + 90 min. session which includes a quick (10 min. max) review of issues/Q&A, 50-60 min. table-time, with a wrap-up including self acu-points found on you for at-home use (handouts given). $130 $100 (for both intake + session)
3-Session Start-Up Package: Includes 90 min Initial Session + 2 (75 min) Follow-Up Sessions $380 value $350
Yang Plan: Every 7th session is complimentary (booked within a year, excluding ‘offer’ sessions)
Follow-up sessions will be either 55 or 75 min. depending on the ‘pattern’ required.
The 2nd & 3rd sessions are typically longer (70-75 min) as more points are used with these patterns. As sessions progress, fewer (yet deeper/potent) points are generally used which result in less time on the table. We will clearly discuss length of session at the time of booking as treatment/needs unfold.
55 min. $100 75 min. $125
Sessions initially occur weekly (for best results). Three sessions are a good starting point – for both you and your body to get used to the treatment and to give psyche a chance to show up. When a level of wellness is achieved, it is recommended that someone returns monthly (as needed) or seasonally (for Elemental tune-ups!).
The client is fully clothed (socks off as needed), lying on their back the entire time. I do not play music or use any lotions/scents. Light-weight, minimal-seamed clothing is recommended.
Seasonal/Elemental Tune-Ups: 75 min. $125 now $100
Call (250-937-1738) or email to arrange a complimentary 15-minute phone, Zoom or in-person consultation.
When you work with me, a supportive and therapeutic team exists which proceeds in an effective, insightful, curious and guiding way. Our work encourages your inner wisdom to enter the sessions and to be honoured.
Either you will go through this door or you will not go through. If you go through there is always the risk of remembering your name.
– Adrienne Rich
