穴
Acupuncture Points
穴
(xue), or the Acupuncture Point, means a “cave.”
Acu- Points are often located in cave-like indentations and
intersections on the body, such as between bone and muscle, a bony
foramen (crevice) or notch, or where two muscles meet.
Acupuncture is very precise
and elegant. We insert fine needles right into the Point.
Acupuncturists in the USA spend 3-6 years in a Master’s level
program for licensure, studying both Chinese and Western medicine.
Acupressure is more broad,
using either hands or other tools to apply pressure to Acu- Points.
This can be a helpful adjunct therapy, when you can’t come in for
acupuncture treatment, or to continue treatment at home.
Holograms
In Chinese
medicine, the ear, foot, abdomen, hands, and face are all holographic
representations of the entire body. The body’s health and areas of
imbalance are reflected onto these holographic areas.
- Press just above the central point between your eyebrows.
- Remind yourself, “Calm. Center. I am here. I am home.”
-
Close your eyes. Listen to
your breath. Find spacious rootedness within yourself, then open your
eyes, and release the Point.
- Return, as needed.
内觀
Inner Pass
(nei guan, Pc6)
- Slide your thumb 2-3 inches from your inner wrist crease toward
your body
- Regulate your internal response to external circumstances:
- Rest: sleep well. Calm mind.
- Digest: eat well. Calm belly.
- Calm your thoughts and gentle your actions.
合谷
Joining Valley
(he gu, LI4)
- Press your thumb into the tiger’s mouth between your opposite
thumb and forefinger, that meaty area between the worlds of primate
manual dexterity and human agile opposable thumbs. Find a tender
area, and linger. Press down, zone in, observe.
- Release racing thoughts, agitated heart, and anxious frettings. Let
go. Open up. Welcome spacious beauty. Breathe in the fresh air of
clear mind, and simple yet profound gratitude.
足三里
Leg Three Mile (zu
san li, ST36)
- Follow the outer indentation under your knee cap down 2-3 inches,
resting at a tender spot between your tibia and calf muscle.
- Moxa here, for internal resilience to external stimuli
- A strong Earth, or a smooth digestive system, supports the healthy
kingdom of your body, mind, and Spirit.
