Category Archives: Point Location

The Breath of Heaven

Acupressure Points, Breathing, Point Location, Vitality, , , ,

Deep breathWe continue our autumnal amble through the points of the Metal Element, this time pausing to examine the first point of the Lung meridian, Middle Palace. Most acupuncture point location books begin with this point as the first in the great cycle of all the points. This is because the ancients believed that when a newborn takes its first breath in life, the Heavenly Qi enters the body at this point. It represents the beginning of life.

This connection between the Lungs, the breath and heaven continues throughout our life. For with each breath we take, we inhale not only air, but also heavenly Qi. It is thought that while most of our Qi intake is gained through food, 30% comes from the breath. Middle Palace is a useful point for helping to open up the chest, making it easier to collect this free source of energy.

Lung 1 helps with any breathing difficulties such as asthma, coughing, wheezing, nasal congestion and throat obstruction. By opening the chest, it eases chest pain and allows a more upright stance. An open chest helps us to be open to all that the world has to offer us. It supports us to let come what may, to breathe in the world in all its richness. Last time we saw that Large Intestine 4 helps us to let go of that which no longer serves. Lung 1 helps us to take new things into the space thus created.

One of the things that causes congestion at this point is the suppression of emotions. To hold in emotions, there is necessarily a constriction in the breathing. Over time this can produce tightness in the upper chest. Treating Lung 1 with either static pressure or vigorous massage can help to loosen such constrictions and let the emotions come forth for expression. Grief is the particular emotion of the Lung and there are sometimes tears stored away in this point. It is supportive of those who are grieving.

At the level of spirit, this point can help to reconnect a person with his spiritual nature. It helps him to see the quality and value in his life. It provides access to inspiration, that which is both the taking in of a breath and the divine spark that makes the spirit soar.

Chest1Location of Lung 1

Lung 1 is located on the outside of the upper chest. Firstly find the large hollow directly under the outer third of the collar bone. This is known as the delto-pectoral triangle. From here, go down by a thumb’s width and move slightly further out on the side of the chest. Roll around till you find an area of sensitivity. This sensitivity may be subtle or strong. Hold the point for 2-3 minutes, first on the left side, then on the right. Tune into it as you also pay attention to your breathing. Notice whether there is a change in the sensation. Notice if there is a change in your breathing. Notice if there is a change in your emotions.

Letting go of letting go

Acupressure Points, Constipation, Five Elements, Pain Relief, Point Location, Relaxation, , , , ,

Falling petalsPerhaps the best known acupressure point is Large Intestine 4 (Joining Valley), the point in the webbing  between the thumb and index finger. Many people know this as a good point for easing headaches. But this powerful point is also good for constipation, releasing toxins, stress and emotional tension. These are all conditions that involve tightening and hanging on, where there is an inability to let go, relax and be free. This can be a physical holding on in the colon, tension in the belly, arms, neck, face and jaw. Or it may be an emotional holding that includes difficulty expressing emotions like anger and grief, resulting in an inner turmoil.

Letting go of these things is not as simple as it may sound. Friends may advise you, “Just let go”, as if it were as simple as taking off a coat or setting down a suitcase. The problem is that our holding on is not of this kind. Rather it is borne of long standing habits, patterns, attitudes and beliefs. Letting go is not something you actually do. In fact it happens when there is no doing. Letting go is surrender, acceptance. It is being present with what is here now in this moment. Being in the now is the antidote to holding on to memories of the past or projections of the future.

Large Intestine 4 is one of the points of the Metal Element. Metal is at its most obvious in autumn, our current season here in the southern hemisphere. Autumn teaches us about letting go. Nature is gradually shedding her foliage and daylight hours as she prepares to go within for the winter. This downward moving energy of Metal supports us in contacting the qualities of this Element: acceptance, allowing and surrender.

I invite you to spend some time sitting quietly with this point. By doing so you will be holding hands with yourself in a quiet, contemplative pose. You will be bringing yourself back to yourself in the present moment. It will support you in letting go of all those things that are no longer helpful to you, no longer in service of your well being.

LI 4Location of Large Intestine 4

If you tuck your thumb into the side of your hand, a crease is made. At the end of that crease is a bulge. Press your opposite thumb into the muscle at the highest point of the bulge. Press towards the hand. Roll around until you find a sensitive area. Hold this with steady pressure for a few minutes or until the sensitivity decreases. Hold the left side first, then the right. Bring all your attention to the physical sensations and any feelings that may arise.