by 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). Thus, it lessens the need for the practitioner to be on the exact spot/angle. You may or may not feel the point (as some points are numb or ‘armoured’).
When points are stimulated/pressed, this activates the body’s natural ability to heal as:
- endorphins are released (thus, pain relief),
- muscular tension lessens, blood flow increases, and toxins are released, and
- rebalances the Qi (energy flow).
Additionally, Five Elements Acupressure uses a 2 acupoint holding technique which helps the brain “let go” of tension/pain at the points. As the point opens or releases, you may feel a softening at the point, temperature changes (both warmer and colder), and even a pulsing.
What’s so important about this energy flow? Asian cultures believe that all disease is caused by Yin/Yang imbalances (stagnant, blocked, deficient) of the body/mind/spirit.
This energy imbalance can show up in other areas of our selves and conversely, other areas can affect the energy (thus, the holistic and interdependent nature of our being).
*** For me, there are 4 connecting/overlapping aspects of a person:
Mental – thoughts, including negative self-talk and beliefs (about the world/life/self), stress
Emotional – feelings, moods, triggers, intentions, connections (with self/others/spiritual)
Physical/Somatic – body tension/injury/pain, nutrition/water, sleep, movement/exercise
Energy – qi or chi, life force
Often, one these areas is the source or root of the issue (whether it is a headache, depression, making a tough decision, or stuck energy), and yet they all impact each other. Psychotherapy addresses the mental, emotional and can tap into the body via feelings (specifically, EMDR). Acupressure addresses the energy and physical (emotional, too) aspects. Thus, I am pleased to be able to offer clients this dual-modality approach to healing = psychotherapy + acupressure!
The application of touch to the body causes the body, mind and spirit (psyche) to relax. This brings the opportunity for the layers (some at, some just below or some even deeper) to loosen and emerge.
Some KEY CONCEPTS:
Wei Wu Wei is the Taoist philosophy which states treatment is given by:
- Using the least number of acupoints,
- Using the least amount of time, and
- Using moderate pressure (harder/deeper is not better!)
We aim for a ‘good pain’ sensation. Sometimes, you will feel numb or nothing at the point, while other points will be more sensitive.
The Law of Cure (you may be familiar with this from Hering’s Law of Homeopathy) relates to the process or direction of healing that someone goes through with acupressure. Healing may be noticed/occurs in these ways:
- From above to below – A clearing of symptoms from the head down. E.g. shoulder arthritis is cleared before the knees
- From inside to outside– Suppressed symptoms may need to ‘come to the surface’ before they clear. g., relief of asthma (internal/lung) lessens yet eczema (outer/skin) worsens
- In reverse order to how the symptoms appeared. The last symptom to appear may be the 1st to reappear. Thus, as treatment continues, early symptoms (we thought had long gone!) may reappear (along with their psychoemotional material) for a short period of time.
- From most important to least important organ. Life-threatening issues will heal prior to lesser issues.
