The Channels and pressure points

Acupressure For Common Ailments
by Chris Jarmey

(Page 2 of 2)

The Channels, also known as Meridians, are the pathways through the body along which Qi flows. There are 12 major Channels, each linked to the function of a particular Organ, plus two extra Channels that run up the torso and head on the front and back (see pp. 22-23). The pathways run in a circuitous route through and around the body. They rise at intervals toward the surface, and dip deeper into the body, leading to the Organs. The Channels also have wider connections that create a network throughout the body, and they are each paired with another Channel. One of the pair has Yin characteristics; the other, Yang (see pp. 16-17). The chart opposite summarizes the main functions of the Organs and presents the Organs and Channels in their pairs, showing which are Yin and which are Yang.

Pressure points
The pressure points, or acupoints, are the gateways to the Channels. Here the Qi in a Channel comes close to the skin and can be manipulated using acupressure. The locations of the pressure points used in this book are illustrated on pages 22-23 and described in the treatment plans in Part Two, and in the Summary of points (pp. 89-91).

The shape of these pressure points (or "tsubos", as they are also known), should not be thought of in physical terms: it can only be described in terms of Energy. Imagine them shaped like a vase, with a neck and mouth narrower than the base. The Japanese character for a pressure point (left) illustrates this shape.

The techniques for applying pressure to the pressure points, to tonify, disperse, or calm the Qi in the Channels, are described on page 29.

Major acupressure points

There are more than 660 pressure points, of which 365 are located on the major Channels illustrated on pages 22-23. You will find 97 of these points demonstrated in Part Two, Treating common ailments. The 12 pressure points shown on the following four pages, however, are the most commonly used in the book. They have very strong and far-reaching connections within the Channel network, which makes them particularly powerful. Therefore pressure applied to these points has long-lasting effects. How to apply pressure is described on page 29.

To help you locate the major pressure points, the illustrations below show the positions of the underlying bone structures. If you use these illustrations in conjunction with those of the major Channels (pp. 22-23), you should find it easy to feel your way into the major pressure points.

Caution Never use LI4 and Sp6 during pregnancy. They can cause miscarriage.

Preparing to treat

For effective acupressure treatment you and your recipient should both feel comfortable and relaxed. If you are tense, your recipient will feel it and become tense also.

To relax, concentrate on relaxing your belly, feeling its normal expansion and contraction as you breathe naturally. When your belly is relaxed, other tensions in your body disappear.

Both practitioner and recipient should wear loose clothing (see p. 5 and p. 9). The recipient should lie on a mat on the floor (see p. 9).

TECHNIQUES FOR STIMULATING THE PRESSURE POINTS

There are three techniques for stimulating the pressure points — tonifying, dispersing, and calming — and these are described below. They all work to restore the equilibrium and strengthen the flow of Qi.

The general rule is: tonify weak Qi, disperse blocked or "stagnant" Qi, and calm overactive Qi. The treatment plans in Part Two tell you whether to tonify, calm, or disperse in each case. To find the pressure points, follow the instructions on each page of treatment. You can also refer to the Summary of points on pages 88-91 and the illustrations of the major points on pages 24-27.

Keep your arms relaxed and lean into the points to apply pressure. The points you treat may be sensitive, but the treatment should not be painful. Be guided by your recipient in how much pressure you apply.

You should treat the recommended points on the right and left sides of the body, to gain the full benefit of the treatment. For local complaints, for example, injuries to a specific part of the body, concentrate mainly on the affected side.

For chronic (long-term) conditions, treat the points every other day. For acute (short-term) conditions, treat them twice daily. Continue the treatments until the symptoms have disappeared.

Herbs and oils

Simple preparations of herbs and oils can complement and augment your acupressure treatment. Traditional Chinese treatment often includes Chinese herbs. The herbs and oils recommended in this book are those used in Western herbalism and more readily available in the West. Specific herbs and oils are recommended for each treatment in Part Two of this book.

How to use
Both the herbs and oils can be used in baths and compresses. In addition, you can use herbs to make teas and poultices, and use oils in massage and inhalations. Instructions for their preparation are given opposite. Oils should not be taken internally. Compresses and poultices will help heal both external injuries and internal disorders: apply them to the affected area for periods of 15-20 minutes. Repeat this once daily for long-term conditions, or twice a day for short-term problems. Herb teas are particularly good for internal problems. All the herbs recommended in this book are safe to be drunk as teas. If a particular blend of herbs tastes unpleasant, try omitting some from the mixture. Herb or oil bath preparations, used for 15-20 minutes once or twice daily, can be helpful for both internal and external problems.

Where treatment with smelling salts is recommended, test the pungency of the mixture yourself first by smelling it. Old salts may become too pungent to hold close: hold them about 5cm (2in) away from the recipient.

Use herbs and oils with respect; their effects can be as powerful as any other medicine. Consult a qualified practitioner before giving herbs and oils to children. Additional cautions are given for the use of certain herbs and oils during pregnancy, as they can cause miscarriage. You will find the cautions clearly stated each time the herbs and oils are recommended for use.

Herbs

You can use dried herbs as teas, baths, compresses, or poultices. These treatments are all mild and are simple and safe to prepare. Where herbs are indicated, mix equal quantities of up to four of the herbs recommended.

Oils

You can use essential oils for massage, inhalation, and in baths and compresses. Never use neat essential oils. They should always be diluted in a base oil for massage, or in water for baths, compresses and inhalations. For massage, mix 5-10 drops of each essential oil (up to 4 oils maximum) with 50ml (2floz) of base oil. Wheatgerm, avocado, sweet almond, and sunflower oils are good bases. The base oil should be 100% pure and unrefined. Mix only 50ml (2floz) at a time; the oil will keep for one to two months if stored in a dark, cold place.

Channel-opening techniques

You can enhance your acupressure treatment by "opening" the Channel you are about to treat — bringing it closer to the body surface. To do this, first look at the treatment plan to see which Channels to work on.

To open a Channel, you as "giver" need to ask the recipient to adopt the appropriate position, as shown below and on the following three pages. Some Channels are best opened by moving the arm (see below) and others respond best to moving the leg. Place your hands as illustrated, to provide a firm support in the position.

Opening the Channels in this way makes the points easier to work on and more sensitive to treatment. Many of these techniques also slightly stretch the tissues through which the Channels pass, which helps to unblock and smooth the flow of Qi. If the recipient is comfortable in the given position he/she can remain in it while you treat the acupoints. If not, just holding the position for two to three seconds Before moving into a more comfortable one for treatment will help to open up the Channel and make your treatment more effective.

When you are working on more than one Channel in a treatment, you can either open the Channels first, then treat all the points, or open one Channel at a-time, and work only on that Channel point before starting on the second, and so on. Do what is most convenient and most comfortable for both of you.

ARM POSITIONS
All the Channels on pages 32 and 33 are best opened with an arm movement, because they are most easily accessible in the arm. For the arm positions, keep your hand firmly but gently on the recipient's shoulder, to encourage him/her to let go of tension in the arms and relax into the treatment.

LEG POSITIONS
The Spleen, Liver, Kidney, Bladder, Gall Bladder, and Stomach Channels are all best opened by using a leg position.

If moving the leg also lifts the pelvis, hold your hand gently against the recipient's hip to keep the pelvis on the floor. Otherwise, just rest your hand on the belly for support.

Copyright © 1991 by Gaia Books Ltd, London and Stroud

About the Author

Founder and Director of the European Shiatsu School, Chris Jarmey has been teaching shiatsu since 1974. He was the first person to practice shiatsu in the British National Health Service, and has taught extensively in the United States, Europe. and the Far East. His medical qualifications include training in physiotherapy.