Massage Professionals Article Archive

The fall equinox, September 22, 2005, announces the first day of autumn, when day and night are of equal length. The cooler temperatures and shortened daylight hours following the fall equinox signal the growing predominance of yin. This time of year, both animals and plants become more yin, turning inward to build up the stores of nutrients they will need to get them through the long winter. Trees store nutrients as sap, which descends down the tree, and animals store nutrients as fat, converting everything they eat into that which will protect them from the cold and be converted into energy when food sources are scarce.

Autumn brings on a time when our vital energy also becomes more yin, moving downward and inward, to be replenished, nourished and refined. As in nature, we also must prepare for the oncoming winter months by strengthening our immune system, the body’s defense against colds and flu, which are often brought on by the change in seasons.

The Metal Element

According to Chinese Five Element theory, each season is represented by an element in nature. The metal element is associated with autumn and represents the mineral ores and salts in the earth. Metal is formed and contained deep inside the earth, where high temperatures and pressures cause molecules in molten magma to separate into homogenous layers. Some layers cool quickly into volcanic basalts, while others condense gradually into minerals and ores. Others stack themselves in precise lattice-like structures to form crystals. This process of separation pushes away impurities and molecules of dissimilar composition, forming metals that are pure and distinct.

In the body, metal manifests as the organs and meridians of the lung (yin) and large intestine (yang). The lungs and large intestine, when healthy and in balance, absorb and transform food and oxygen, utilize the food and oxygen’s essence and release what is not needed. An internal weakness in the metal element can result in problems associated with these organs, such as breathing or elimination difficulties. According to Chinese medical theory, the lung and large intestine perform the following functions:

The Lungs

• The lungs purify the air that we breathe. During inhalation, the lungs extract the purest essences from the air and distribute them throughout the body while eliminating impurities through exhalation. Impaired function of this aspect of the lungs can result in breathing difficulties like asthma and general fatigue.

• The lungs defend the body from pathogenic invasion by distributing protective or defensive energy to the body’s surface. This is primarily accomplished through the opening and closing pores to maintain thermal regulation of the body. Dysfunction of this aspect of the lungs can lower immunity, resulting in colds and flu.

• The lungs keep the body dry by dispersing fluids. Fluids that accumulate in the body are dispersed through the skin’s pores as perspiration and through the bladder as urine. When the lungs fail to disperse excess fluids, dampness can accumulate, causing the mucus and phlegm associated with colds and flu.

• The energy of the lungs can be evaluated in the quality of the skin and body hair, be they moist or dry, elastic or limp, shining or dull, soft or rough.

The Large Intestine

• The large intestine separates solid wastes and impure essences and eliminates them in the form of feces.

• Dysfunctions in the large intestine can result in constipation, diarrhea or an inability to “let go” of situations or attitudes. Poor intestinal elimination may affect the skin, another area of the body governed by the metal element.

Acupressure

Tonify and strengthen the metal element through the lungs and large intestine by performing acupressure on Lung 1 and Large Intestine 4. View the previous article Ten Highly Effective Acupressure Points for application and location information.

Emotions and Autumn

As the energy descends during autumn, the lungs and large intestine can be affected on an emotional level. Grief, sadness and depression are possible manifestations of this energetic shift. Just as high temperatures and pressure within the earth transform molten magma into gold and other minerals, the sadness and grief within our lives must be transformed into learning experiences from which we grow our courage and wisdom.

In the action of letting go we face our grief and mourn our losses. Through our losses and honoring our grief we derive strength and the courage to persevere. Although emotionally painful, this process can bring many gifts, crystallizing the essence of what is most important to us. Grief reminds us of how much love we can feel, and there is no greater strength than this deeply humanizing experience. Transforming grief by releasing it keeps our metal element in a healthy state of balance.

Resolve, the gift that comes after grief, is the recognition of what we still have; it is the pure gold that is transformed from the ashes, the distilled essence of what we have and what we can never lose.

Keeping ourselves emotionally healthy can positively impact our physical health. Understanding the connection between physical and emotional health can help us seek courage, strength and clarity to embrace the natural process contained in the energies of autumn.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

As the daylight hours decrease and the weather becomes cooler, people generally spend more time indoors and at home, participating in more relaxed leisure activities. The lessening of physical activity has a profound effect on the lymphatic system and our immunity to colds and flu. Through inactivity, the immune system becomes sluggish and fails to adequately move stagnant fluid out of the tissues and into the lymphatic vessels and nodes where it can be purified by lymphocytes.

Lymphatic drainage massage (LDM) is an excellent means of assisting in this process. A massage therapist performing LDM moves his/her client’s skin in different directions: lengthwise, horizontally and diagonally. These movements, which stretch the microfilaments just below the skin that control the openings to the initial lymphatics, allow interstitial fluid to enter the lymphatic system while stimulating the lymph vessels to contract. Fluids are propelled forward through the lymph vessels and away from tissue areas where fluid has pooled from inactivity. LDM stimulates the lymphatic vessels to contract more frequently.

As the lymphatic fluid flow is enhanced, the body is put into a parasympathetic state, which slows the heart rate and breathing, relaxes muscles and allows organs to resume normal functioning. A deeper, more relaxed rhythm of breathing occurs during this massage and the therapist can work simultaneously with the client to perform specific breathing techniques that rejuvenate the lungs and increase the body’s defensive vital energy via the lungs.

Breathing Techniques

Inhalation nourishes every cell in our body, while the exhale eliminates byproducts and waste that no longer serve us. Every breath offers the opportunity to cleanse and purify the body. The two breathing techniques below can be done separately or combined to ensure maximum expansion of the lungs.

• Abdominal Breathing: Massage therapists can assist their clients with this exercise. Begin by breathing normally. Slowly direct the focus of breathing to the abdomen. Place your hand lightly on the client’s abdomen and ask them to inhale and expand the belly to push your hand upward. At this time, the diaphragm sinks downward, allowing the lungs to expand more fully. When exhaling, the shoulders drop, the chest sinks inward, the diaphragm rises and the belly should contract gently and easily. This action pushes the stale air out through the lungs. Do this exercise for at least three minutes.

• Yin/Yang Breathing: Make a loose fist with the index and middle fingers of the right hand, leaving the thumb and last two fingers extended. Using the ring and pinky fingers, gently close off the left nostril and breathe deeply in through the right. At the top of the inhalation, release the left nostril and close off the right one with your thumb. Exhale slowly and smoothly. At the inhalation, breathe in deeply through the uncovered left nostril. When complete, open the right nostril and close the left one again with the last two fingers, exhaling deeply and slowly through the right nostril. Do this exercise for two to four minutes.

Autumn Diet

Autumn offers an array of fruits and vegetables that can support the lungs and large intestine as well as our overall health. A week of juice cleansing in early autumn will provide a boost of energy and may eliminate any potential illnesses by flushing out excess toxins. Fresh fruit juices in the morning and vegetable juices in the afternoon or evening are ideal.

Since it is autumn, grapes are harvested and prove to be a fine cleanser, harmonizer and tonic for both the lungs and large intestine. Juice the dark grapes in a juicer with organic apples and pears or oranges, or eat them as a snack during the day. Balance the sweetness of the grapes by drinking a glass of lemon water.

Pungent foods penetrate the lung and large intestine, where they can be used in combination with other foods to affect various disorders in those organs. Eating warming pungent foods in moderate amounts such as garlic and onions, chili peppers, horseradish, fennel, anise, dill, mustard greens, cinnamon, nutmeg, basil, rosemary, scallions, cloves, ginger, black pepper and cayenne can disperse excess dampness in the lungs and large intestine. Cooling pungent foods like radishes, cabbage, marjoram, white pepper, parsnips and turnip roots can help balance excess heat in the lungs and large intestine.

Eating root vegetables in season can strengthen deficiencies and support the lungs and large intestine. Sweet potatoes, turnips, carrots, radishes, ginger, garlic and onions are plentiful in the autumn and help to consolidate the lower body energy so that it doesn’t become too dispersed. Baking and/or roasting foods like squash, pumpkin and meats help draw heat energy into the foods to keep our bodies warmer in the winter months.

Those foods that congest the large intestine are sweets (cookies, cakes, etc.), cheese, noodles and breads. To keep the large intestine healthy and balanced, eat ample foods that lubricate this organ such as nuts (pecans, brazil, walnuts), seeds (sunflower, pumpkin) and oils made from seeds (sunflower, sesame, olive). To support the large intestine, include soups that are made from the pungent food groups, roots and squash, which are also plentiful in the autumn.

Exercise and Meditation

Because the energies of nature are turning inward and becoming more yin, it is important to concentrate more on staying relaxed and loose. Stretching, calisthenics, yoga, tai chi and qigong all keep the body flexible and the energy moving during this season and can be done indoors during the cold months. Meditation is also valuable during the autumn to quiet the mind and regulate our breathing. Setting aside 15 to 30 minutes each morning to focus on abdominal and yin/yang breathing can contribute to strengthening of the body’s vital energy.

Change is a recurring process in nature and in our lives. Adapt to this change in season by taking advantage of lymphatic massage, acupressure, eating seasonal foods, exercising and meditating. These proactive lifestyle suggestions can support the immune system, the lungs and the large intestine helping to maintain our health and vitality during the autumn months.

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a very common disorder of the lateral proximal forearm. While it has an athletic sounding name, tennis elbow can affect anybody participating in an activity that places excessive and repetitive stress on the wrist extensors, flexors, supinators or pronators.

Tennis elbow can cause severe tenderness on the lateral side of the elbow. The affected area becomes painful during extension, flexion, supination or pronation of the wrist, or finger extension. The pain becomes more obvious if resistance is offered against one of these movements.

Massage therapists are often recruited to help during recovery from tennis elbow. Below are summarized lists of massage therapy protocols for this disorder by three prominent practitioners. Incorporating the methods used by others with your personal experience can be an excellent combination to create your own effective therapeutic routine.

According to Whitney Lowe, LMT, NCTMB, in the Assess & Address column in Issue 109 of Massage Magazine, choose your massage techniques for tennis elbow in these sequential steps:

1. Do compressive effleurage, general sweeping and cross fiber techniques to reduce tension and enhance tissue mobility.
2. Perform deep compression broadening strokes to the wrist extensor muscles. Compression broadening techniques enhance the ability of the fibers to spread and broaden as they go into concentric contraction.
3. Lengthen the tissue by using longitudinal stripping of the posterior forearm muscles.

Art Riggs, Certified Advanced Rolfer, CMT, in the book Deep Tissue Massage, offers the following guidance when treating someone with tennis elbow:

• Have the client lift his/her wrist against your resistance to determine the specific location of the strain pattern.
• Focus massage on the supinator muscle, as it is a common culprit of tennis elbow.
• Soften all of the arm muscles, including the lower triceps.
• Design a conservative stretching and strengthening program for your client. It is important to begin modestly and increase intensity of this program slowly.
• Instruct your client to refrain from the offending activity.
• Frequently apply ice to tender forearm muscles.

In the Institute for Integrative Healthcare Studies Sports Massage manual with James Mally, ND, additional suggestions for tennis elbow are given:

• Apply cross fiber technique to the extensor tendons near the lateral epicondyle of the humerus.
• Apply ice after the cross fiber friction massage for 10 to 15 minutes, until numb.
• Use Soft Tissue Release by pressing into tender spots along the extensor muscles while the client flexes his/her wrist and fingers.

While a massage therapist is just one professional that may be consulted to treat lateral epicondylitis, it can be an extremely effective choice. The information provided above is intended to give you some ideas so that you can formulate your own tennis elbow treatment plan.

There is a possibility that deep massage, stretching and strengthening of vulnerable tissue can perpetuate an injury, so proceed with caution. Caution entails having a full understanding of the disorder you approach, enlisting cryotherapy, communicating with your client, beginning conservatively (both in duration and intensity), advancing slowly and consulting with other healthcare professionals when needed.

Recommended Study
Sports Massage

Eating food is necessary to sustain life; however, eating the right foods will sustain your health. While many of us spend an enormous amount of time and expense on medical, pharmaceutical, herbal and alternative therapies for our ailments, the solution might be right at home in our kitchens.

The number of people looking for relief from their pain is staggering. According to a 2005 ABC News/USA Today/Stanford University Medical Center poll, 34 percent of Americans are in recurrent (on-again and off-again) pain and 19 percent are in chronic (lasting three months or more) pain. That’s a huge chunk of our population that is seeking every way possible to reduce their pain.

Inflammation is a significant component of the experience of pain. The body’s immune system initiates an inflammatory response when an injury occurs. In the case of an acute physical injury, this serves us well; by bringing the necessary cellular components to the injury so healing can occur. However, when it comes to chronic pain, inflammation perpetuates our experience of pain. Many pain relief modalities focus on reducing this chronic inflammation.

In addition to pain, inflammation is emerging in medical research as a predominant factor in a myriad of diseases from arthritis to heart disease to cancer. Measurable risk factors for disease-related inflammation includes elevated cholesterol, triglycerides and C reactive protein. Recent studies indicate that a measure of C reactive protein (which the body produces in response to inflammation) may be the strongest predictor of heart disease.

The foods that we eat have a direct connection to the functioning of our body. As our digestion breaks down what we eat, the building blocks of those foods are absorbed by different systems. When it comes to inflammation, certain foods aggravate it and others can prevent it. Jack Challem, author of The Inflammation Syndrome says, “…the body can become like a dry field of grass that is waiting for a match. Once the match lights, it’s hard to put out the fire.” In this context, Challem is referring to someone who eats a typical American diet, which is abundant in foods that aggravate inflammation.

According to Molly Siple, MS, RD, in the September 2005 magazine edition of Natural Health, foods that aggravate inflammation include:

1) Foods high in arachidonic acid. Examples include wheat, eggs, milk, yeast and meat.

2) Vegetable oils high in omega-6 fatty acids. Examples include sunflower oil, corn oil, peanut oil, soy oil, cottonseed oil and safflower oil.

3) Foods that cause spikes in blood sugar. Examples include sugar, refined white flour, fried potatoes and sugary beverages.

Foods that protect you from inflammation include:

1) Food that contains polyphenols, which dampen inflammation with phytochemicals. Examples include blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, cherries and green tea.

2) Quercetin containing foods. This flavanoid is also a natural anti-inflammatory. Examples include red grapes, red and yellow onions, garlic, broccoli and apples.

3) Antioxidants protect the body from free radicals, which can trigger inflammation. Examples of foods high in antioxidants are carrots, winter squash, bell peppers, tomatoes, spinach and kale.

4) Omega-3 fatty acids have significant anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3’s can inhibit natural inflammatory chemicals such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes. According to Andrew Weil, MD, “Inflammation is regulated by a group of hormones called prostaglandins. Some prostaglandins intensify the inflammatory response while others reduce it. Aspirin, ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs work on the prostaglandin system. The body makes prostaglandins from fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids tend to decrease inflammation while omega-6 fats and trans fats increase inflammation.” Examples of foods rich in omega-3’s are salmon, tuna, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, flaxseed oil, dark leafy greens and walnuts.

5) Oleic Acid contains omega-9 fatty acids, which supports the omega-3’s. Examples of foods rich in omega-9’s are almonds, macadamia nuts, canola oil and olive oil. Researchers at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia reported on olive oil in the September 1, 2005 issue of Nature. Their tests showed that a component of extra virgin olive oil, oleocanthal, inhibited cox-1 and cox-2 molecules associated with pain and inflammation, just as ibuprofen does.

6) Turmeric is an Indian spice that gives curry its color, and has a long history of use as an anti-inflammatory herb in many traditional medicines.

When choosing food, a general rule of thumb seems to be: the brighter the color the better. This is a broad statement, and doesn’t count fruits, vegetables or fish that have been artificially colored. Following the above dietary guidelines by avoiding foods that contribute to inflammation and including foods that prevent inflammation can make a dramatic impact on your health. Whether your concern is arthritis, diabetes, heart disease or cancer, you can reduce your reliance upon the medical community by eating for your health.

High blood pressure is rampant in our society. According to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, a subdivision of the Centers for Disease Control, about one in three American adults have high blood pressure. High blood pressure increases the risk for heart disease and stroke, both leading causes of death in the United States.

Hypertension is the more technical name to describe persistently elevated blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force of blood against the artery walls and the measure of that force is in the form of a fraction. The top number of a blood pressure is called the systolic pressure which measures the force of the heart’s active pumping action. The lower number of a blood pressure is called the diastolic pressure which measures the heart’s relaxing phase of pumping blood throughout the body. Hypertension can refer to elevated blood pressure readings in any combination: high systolic pressure, high diastolic pressure or high readings of both of these components. Hypertension is indicated when the blood pressure reading is consistently a number equal to, or exceeding, 140 over 90.

Once hypertension develops, it not only increases the risk for many diseases, but it also typically lasts a lifetime. For the person with high blood pressure, it is especially important to take action. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits is an effective first step in both preventing and controlling high blood pressure. If lifestyle changes alone are not effective in keeping blood pressure under control, it may be necessary to add blood pressure medications.

Antihypertensive drugs act to reduce blood pressure and pharmacological treatment of hypertension usually starts with beta blockers and diuretics. If these are not effective, a treatment plan usually continues with sympatholytic drugs including vasodilators, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or a combination of drugs.

There are some important things for a massage therapist to know when administering massage to someone on an ACE inhibitor. Examples of commonly prescribed ACE inhibitors are Prinivil, Zestril, Enalapril, Vasotec, Altace and Accupril. According to Jean Wible, RN, BSN, NCTMB, CHTP, author of Pharmacology for Massage Therapy, “The ACE inhibitors dilate the vessels; therefore, the effects of mechanical massage strokes on the blood vessels may be enhanced. Slightly increasing the rate of application and the use of tapotement may ease any problems that could arise, such as weakness or dizziness and fatigue. Because ACE inhibitors also affect the rate of excretion of sodium and water from the body, the use of systemic strokes that increase circulation (i.e., effleurage) is limited in duration.”

Hypotension is the main side effect of the ACE inhibitors that concerns the massage therapist. Here are some massage modifications that will help to prevent an extreme drop in blood pressure for clients on ACE inhibitors.

• Increase rate of application.
• Use tapotement.
• Limit the duration of effleurage.
• Stay with your clients as they sit up after a massage.

Hypertension automatically disqualifies a massage recipient from receiving deep abdominal work. According to Ruth Werner, LMP, NCTMB, author of A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, “Regardless of whether the client is on blood pressure medication, deep abdominal work is contraindicated for high blood pressure. This is because it is possible to accidentally trip the vasovagal reaction. Unintentionally overstimulating the vagus nerve can result in amplified parasympathetic reactions. This leads to systemic vasodilation and faintness from lack of blood to the brain. Another possibility is that the body would experience a sympathetic rebound effect. Ordinarily a vasovagal reaction is unpleasant but not dangerous — unless the blood vessels are not equipped to handle a rapid demand to dilate and constrict.”

As massage therapists represent an increasingly strong presence in healing, the importance of understanding the Three P’s continues to rise. We are learning that Physiology, Pathology and Pharmacology are all influenced by manual tissue manipulation. It is possible to modify a massage treatment to complement and balance the medication a client takes. This knowledge and subsequent modification in a therapist’s techniques will work not only to the client’s benefit, but also to advance the safety and efficacy of the massage profession.

Recommended Study
Advanced Anatomy & Pathology, Pharmacology for Massage

The human body is like a map with key points that, when pressed, can stimulate the body’s natural healing and self-curative abilities. Acupressure, the more than 5,000-year-old healing art of using the thumb and fingers to press on these key locations, is one of the most effective complementary modalities a massage therapist can employ. Acupressure can release muscular tension, promote circulation of both the blood and the body’s vital energy (Qi) and enable the body to relax deeply. By relieving stress, acupressure strengthens the body’s resistance to disease and promotes wellness.

The Qi of the body is produced in the internal organs and circulated through the body in the energy channel system known as meridians (pathways). The meridians are extensions of the 10 internal organs and contain specific acupressure points along each pathway. The points are sensitive to bioelectrical impulses in the body and conduct those impulses readily. Stimulation of these points with pressure releases endorphins. Endorphins are the neurochemicals that close the “gates” of the pain-signaling system. The closing of these gates prevents painful sensations from passing through the spinal cord to the brain.

Acupressure points can be located easily via anatomical landmarks that either lie underneath major muscle groups or near a bony structure. Points are located by proportional measurements called a “cun” — one cun is approximately equal to one thumb’s width. In order to assure accuracy, the width of the recipient’s thumb is the best determination of this measurement. After locating the point, the therapist stimulates it by pressing directly on the muscular knot of tension or directly into the hollow or indentation near the bone with the thumb or the fingers. Points that are painful when pressed are considered to be areas where excessive energy has accumulated. Points that welcome touch are considered to be areas of energy deficiency. Points are typically addressed bilaterally.

John Hickey, author of the Institute for Integrative Healthcare’s Shiatsu Anma Therapy program, gives the following instruction for applying specific pressing techniques to acupressure points:

“Ordinary pressure is considered tonifying to the point and can be used in excess or deficient energy conditions. Locate the point and with moderate pressure, gradually press directly into the point with the thumb at a 90-degree angle from the surface of the skin, hold for a few seconds and then release, gradually. To address points that feel painful or excessive, perform a stronger more dispersing technique using the tip of the thumb and applying a deeper, stronger pressure to break up the excessive and stagnant energy in the point. Hold the point until the excess energy is released. To address energy deficient points, and to encourage more Qi and blood to the area, use the flat part of the thumb, relax the hands, and use moderate pressure on the point to draw energy into the area.”

The Chinese names (translated into English) assigned to the acupressure points on the meridians can serve as a powerful meditation tool and can help establish the intention of your work. By pressing a point, silently repeating its name, breathing deeply and visualizing the point’s benefit, both you and your client can realize the full potential power held in each point.

There are hundreds of effective acupressure points that influence the functioning of the body. Ten of the most common and useful points to facilitate health are described below:

1. Lung 1, “Central Treasury”
Location: On the chest, 6 cun lateral from the midline, at the level of the first intercostal space, 1 cun below the lateral extremity of the clavicle.

• This is the collecting point for all the energy of the lungs.
• Helps the lung Qi to descend downward in the body to connect with the kidneys.
• Supports the lungs.
• Addresses acute coughs, asthma and a tight chest.
• Alleviates pain in the shoulder and upper back.

2. Large Intestine 4, “Union Valley”
Location: In the dorsal web space, between the first and second metacarpal bones, approximately level with the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone. Also – on the highest point of the bulge formed when the thumb is adducted.

• This is the command point for the face, mouth and head.
• Treats sinus congestion, allergies, headaches, sore throat, fever and toothaches.
• Strengthens the body’s defensive Qi and is helpful for colds, sneezing, runny nose and sore eyes.
• Alleviates pain in the shoulder and arm.
• Contraindicated during pregnancy.

3. Kidney 1, “Gushing Spring”
Location: On the sole of the foot, between the second and third metatarsal bones, one-third the distance from the webs of the toes to the heel.

• This is a very important point for grounding, connecting with the earth and rooting the energy downward.
• Helpful to calm someone who is in a disturbed state of restlessness or shock.
• Useful for headaches, anxiety, hypertension, diarrhea and insomnia.

4. Bladder 23, “Back Shu Point of the Kidney” or “Sea of Vitality”
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebrae, on the quadratus lumborum muscle.

• This point is a powerful place to strengthen both the yin and yang kidney energy.
• Helps strengthen the lower back and knees.
• Builds core energy.
• Helps the body replenish during times of personal transformation.
• Alleviates low back pain and fatigue.
• Fortifies the digestive organs and the immune system.

5. Liver 3, “Great Surge”Location: On the dorsum of the foot, between the first and second metatarsal bones, approximately 2 cun superior to the web margin.

• This point is the source point of the liver meridian.
• This is a thoroughfare for Qi activity.
• Releases pent up energy that causes anxiety, anger, irritability, tension headaches, depression and PMS.
• Liberates energy that is caged.
• Smoothes energy that is aggressive and edgy.
• Nourishes tendons and ligaments by alleviating tightness, tension and spasms.
• Particularly effective in conjunction with Large Intestine 4.

6. Gallbladder 30, “Jumping Circle” or “Jumping Round”
Location: In the gluteal region, 1/3 the way along a line drawn from the greater trochanter to the inferior end of the sacrum.

• Benefits the low back and all leg joints.
• Strengthens and comforts the low back and leg.
• Alleviates sciatic pain, hip pain and rheumatism.
• Relaxes tendons and restores joint mobility.

7. Heart 7, “Spirit Gate” or “Mind Door”
Location: On the transverse crease of the wrist, in the depression on the radial side of the insertion of the tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris into the pisiform bone.

• Calms the mind when overactive thinking is the culprit.
• Relieves insomnia due to overexcitement.
• Relaxes and eases anxiety.
• Reduces heart palpitations by regulating the heart and strengthening the spirit.

8. Small Intestine 11, “Celestial Gathering”Location: In the depression of the scapula half way between the left and right borders of the scapula and 1/3 the distance down from the spine of the scapula and the inferior angle of the scapula.

• Alleviates soreness of the shoulder and back.
• Reduces rigidity of the neck.
• Helps pain and numbness in the arm.
• Helps gather scattered or manic Qi in the body
• Sorts the real from the dream and the authentic from the inauthentic.

9. Spleen 6, “Three Yin Intersection”
Location: Three cun directly above the tip of the medial malleolus, less than a finger’s width posterior to the border of the tibia.

• This is the meeting point of the three yin channels (spleen, kidney and liver).
• Important for treatment of all gynecological, sexual, urinary, digestive and emotional imbalances.
• Nourishes and builds the blood.
• Use in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, headaches, menstrual cramps, abdominal distention/pain and diabetes.
• Contraindicated during pregnancy.

10. Stomach 36, “Leg Three Miles”
Location: Three cun below the inferior border of the patella, one finger width lateral to the edge of the tibia. There is a small notch next to the tibia at this point.

• Ancient physicians said working on this point could treat all diseases.
• Chinese foot soldiers used to halt every three miles and massage Stomach 36 for renewed energy.
• Restores and builds energy in the stomach and spleen.
• Strengthens the stomach and improves digestion.
• Indicated for all digestive disturbances including gas, bloating, nausea, diarrhea and constipation.
• Alleviates abdominal pain, distention, coldness and numbness in the legs.

The best way to learn more about these points is to begin practicing on yourself. Daily practice will result in noticing a slight pulse at the point. This pulsation is a good sign that circulation has increased. Start adding some of these highly effective points in with your massage routine, explaining to your clients what you are doing and why. Take care to avoid those points that are contraindicated during pregnancy on an expectant mother. The body’s vital energies concentrate inward during a treatment, so to maximize healing, be sure to keep your clients warm and advise them to stay warm following a session.

The body has many more effective acupressure points that can address different imbalances. There are specific points along either side of the spine which reflexively influence every organ in the body. Watch for a follow up article addressing these powerful points on the bladder meridian.

Recommended Study
Shiatsu Anma Therapy

References:
1. Carey, Donna and de Muynck, Marjorie. Acutonics: There’s No Place Like Ohm, Sound Healing, Oriental Medicine and the Cosmic Mysteries, Devachan Press, 2002.
2. Gach, Michale Reed. Acupressure’s Potent Points, Bantam Books, 1990.
3. Hickey, John. Shiatsu Anma Therapy, Institute for Integrative Healthcare Studies, 2005.
4. Lundberg, Paul. The Book of Shiatsu, Simon and Schuster, 2003.
5. Tedeschi, Marc. Essential Anatomy for Healing and Martial Arts, Weatherhill, 2000.
6. Xu, Xiangcai. Chinese Tui Na Massage, YMAA Publication Center, 2002.

Feng shui is the ancient Chinese art of arranging and placing objects in our environment. This thoughtful spatial layout facilitates optimal circulation of energy (Qi). Qi circulates throughout our body and imbalance occurs when that Qi becomes excessive, stagnant or deficient. The Asian worldview perceives our bodies as a microcosm of the universe, and thus, the same principles apply. It is this reasoning that forms the basis of feng shui, which acts to correct environmental imbalances due to overactive, stuck or insufficient Qi flow.

A majority of feng shui principles are extensions of common sense. Many people are sensitive to the flow of Qi outside of their bodies, and intuition guides them to favor areas with smooth and easy Qi flow. We have all experienced the difference between entering a room that feels awkward vs. entering a room that feels good. It is astonishing how some simple feng shui guidelines can transform the energy of a space, and result in positive implications for all of its occupants.

Following are seven feng shui tips to optimize the energetics of a massage practice:

1. Entrance Area: The space where someone first enters your practice is considered to be an auspicious place. Because one might pause here upon entering or leaving, they are affected by the Qi that flows through it. Entrance halls with no windows or doors, or enclosed in some way, can cause the Qi to stagnate. Strategically placed mirrors, a small water fountain or a ceiling fan can create the movement necessary to eliminate energetic stagnation.

2. Sharp Angles: According to Anne Mansfield, executive director of the International Feng Shui Guild based in Beaverton, Oregon, “In a wellness practice, you want to have soft edges, nothing sharp or pointed because you are dealing with people who are vulnerable and need to be treated gently.” Solutions to soften sharp or jutting angles include soft and comfortable seating, gentle lighting and plants or statues in front of those angles.

3. Water Fountain: This brings in the element of water and creates energetic movement. A water fountain in the actual treatment room may create too much activity to ensure a relaxing experience for the client. It can also influence activity in the bladder, and may interrupt a session with a trip or two to the restroom. Since the southeast corner is considered to be the “money area,” placement of a fountain here is said to bring in good luck and financial prosperity.

4. Ceiling Beams: Overhead beams generate negative energy that is directed downward. A beam over your massage recipient will place unseen pressure on that person. If a ceiling beam in the treatment room is unavoidable, properly hung bamboo flutes on the beam can lift that sense of oppression.

5. Massage Table Placement: Massage therapists typically work in small rooms. As such, there may not be many choices of how to position the massage table. Two standards of feng shui include preventing the feet or the head from being directly in front of the door. The client (when supine) should be able to see the door. If a person can’t see someone entering the room it may startle them, which interrupts relaxation. The worst position for a massage table is directly in front of the door with the client’s feet facing the door. This is called the "coffin position" because in ancient China the dead were laid with their feet toward the door for easier access to heaven. The "coffin position" drains away all of that individual’s good luck and energy.

6. Wall Color: While red is a desired color to bring fame and benefit a business’s reputation, avoid its use in the treatment room. The color red is energizing and can therefore prohibit a restful experience. Soft muted colors that appear in nature are the best bets to foster relaxation and healing.

7. Rocks: A bowl of smooth polished river rocks on the floor, under the massage table, is a simple way to encourage energetic grounding. Stones are yin in nature, and therefore connect us to the earth and bring us stability. When combined with the yang activity of massage, the rocks bring balance to a session and ground both the practitioner and the recipient.

If these seven tips don’t initiate the positive changes you may be seeking, think about hiring a professional feng shui consultant. These individuals have been trained in the complexities of environmental energy flow and are being increasingly commissioned to design buildings and remedy unsuccessful business locations. While bringing a feng shui expert into your practice may seem like a leap of faith, that leap can pay off both in your personal life and in your business life.