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November 2007
ACUPRESSURE
Yin and Yang
Surely you know the Chinese symbol for Yin and Yang: two teardrop shapes, one black, one white, united within a circle? The white teardrop, the “Yin,” stands for tranquillity and perfection. The black teardrop, the “Yang,” represents the active, the unfolding. Of course, you may also know that in Chinese philosophy Yin and Yang represent the energy centres between which nature and thereby the human body reside. Only if the two poles are in harmony with one another can the life energy Chi flow unhindered — only then are we healthy. Environmental influences, an unhealthy lifestyle or a lack of nutrients can disturb the harmony between Yin and Yang and thus induce a feeling of malaise or sickness. When this happens, practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine try to balance the two energies. To do this, the so-called acupressure points are either stimulated or calmed, for example, through a pressure massage, which is also called acupressure. We will reveal to you exactly what this involves and how you can improve your own flow of energy.
Circular
The name acupressure comes from the Latin worlds “acus”, meaning needle, and “pressus”, meaning pressure. The “needle” refers to a small point on the skin where the pressure must be applied. The main application for this Chinese healing method is the treatment of minor to medium levels of pain, such as headaches, toothaches, neck or shoulder pain. But it is also effective in treating nervousness, sleep disorders or nausea. The basis of this gentle therapy are the acupressure points or meridian points in your body through which your Chi or life energy flows. The 12 main meridians are divided into six Yang meridians (running from the top of the body to the bottom) and six Yin meridians (running from the bottom to the top). At certain points along these meridians, applied pressure re-stimulates the flow of energy and guides disease-attracting environmental energies out of the body. Before doing acupressure yourself, you should get as much information as you can from a therapist or from relevant books and literature (e.g. Jin Shin Do “A Complete Guide to Acupressure”). But you can also try out a few small exercises directly on yourself.
Do it yourself
This is how it works: Acupressure is done by applying targeted pressure with the tip of the index finger or thumb. Massage the acupoints in circular motions – hard pressure calms, soft pressure stimulates. If you suffer from headaches, try this out: Massage the muscle between the thumb and the index finger of the right hand using the thumb and index finger of your left hand for 1–2 minutes. Apply strong pressure without causing pain. Change sides and repeat this massage procedure for 15–30 minutes total for both sides. The acupressure point that relieves inner unrest or sleeplessness is located nearby. Turn the palm of your right hand up. The acupoint is located where your wrist bends and to the left of the tendon. Massage 30 to 60 seconds with powerful circular movements and then change sides. One more tip in closing: If you are overcome by an inconvenient leaden tiredness, massage the outsides of your ears and the ear lobes. After two minutes, you will greet the day considerably more alert again.
