Tag Archives: Water Element

Regeneration Mountain

Achilles tendon, Headache, Low back pain, Neck pain, Relaxation, Urination, , , ,

In the nether regions of Australia winter is already spreading its cold blanket across the land. We therefore turn our attention once more to points of the Water Element.

Kunlun Mountain – Bladder 60

* Forbidden during pregnancy

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAChinese mythology relates that after the cataclysm of a great flood, the only human survivors were a brother and sister who landed on Kunlun Mountain, rising above the floodwaters. Here they began the repopulation of the world. The two siblings of the story symbolise the primordial yin and yang, while Kunlun represents the central axis of all creation, uniting heaven and earth.

In the human body, this axis of yin and yang is reflected in the fundamental balance between Fire, the great yang, and Water, the great yin. The acu-point Kunlun – Kunlun Mountain, the Fire point of the Bladder meridian, provides a means of harmonising the Fire and Water Elements and therefore the yin/yang balance of the body.

When a person feels the cold, there is a contraction of the muscles, but there can also be a tightening of the mind, emotional withdrawal and an evaporation of compassion for others. When the Water freezes in this way and the Fire is doused, Kunlun is a good point for warming both body and soul.

The distal points of meridians are known for their effects on the whole length of the channel, and this point is particularly strong in its influence upon the whole length of the Bladder meridian. For example, it is well known for relieving chronic back pain, especially in the lumbar region. It combines well with any of the back-shu points where pain is located. It is also effective in treating pain in the shoulders, neck and head, especially the occipital region at the back of the head.

Kunlun has a strong descending action, pulling down yang from the upper body, hence its effectiveness for head, neck and back pain. Similarly it treats conditions of the head such as heat in the head, swelling and pain in the eyes, nosebleed and toothache. By causing yang to descend it has a calming and settling influence on the mind. Because of its descending action it helps to promote labour and is therefore to be avoided during pregnancy.

Another of its functions as a Fire point is in clearing heat from the body. When there is heat in the bladder itself, for example burning urination or bladder infection, this point is helpful.

Kunlun combines well with K 3 which is its mirror point on the inside of the ankle. This pair brings to mind the flood story in which the brother and sister come together to regenerate the world. Treating the yang of BL 60 with the yin of K 3 is a powerful way to enhance the jing or essence.

When you feel inundated by the waters of life, too exhausted to move, Kunlun can raise you to the mountain where a fresh, wider perspective is available and the power of regeneration is possible.

 

2.4Location of Bladder 60

The anatomical mountain is the outer ankle bone. The point lies in the hollow midway between the tip of the lateral malleolus (outer ankle bone) and the back of the Achilles tendon.

Transition from Water to Wood

Acupressure Points, Gall Bladder pain, Low back pain, Pain Relief, Point Location, Urination, , , , , ,

Transition to springAfter the last few very cold days here in South Australia, you may be wondering what planet I’m on as I talk about the seasonal change from winter to spring. According to the ancient Chinese solar calendar, spring starts at the beginning of February in the northern hemisphere, which means the beginning of August here in the antipodes. August 5th is a cross quarter day, marking the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. The ancients called this “Establishment of Spring Qi.” From this date, the days begin to lengthen rapidly, temperatures rise and there is an overall quickening in nature.

If you tune into your own body, you may notice that you too are responding to this speeding up. You may perceive it as a feeling of get-up-and-go, a sudden desire to dust off the hiking boots, clean the mountain bike, or get started on spring cleaning. For some it may appear as a restlessness that can only be managed by movement. This is the Wood energy of spring making itself felt in you.

This is a great time to make plans and start new projects, for the ambient Wood energy will support you in your endeavours. It’s a bit like a surfer catching a wave. If you catch the first waves of Wood in August, they will add power to your arm as you implement your new plans.

But take care not to rush too quickly to action. Wood energy can be jerky and erratic and many people suffer tendon and ligament strains in spring as a result of jumping into motion too quickly after a winter of inaction. Make sure you stretch your body before starting physical activity. If you are starting a new project, ensure your plans are sound before you launch into your endeavour.

There is an acupoint which can be very supportive of this transition from Water to Wood. Gall Bladder 25, Capital Gate, lies on the side/back of the body at the end of the twelfth rib. While it is a point on the Gall Bladder meridian (Wood), it is also the mu or alarm point of the Kidney (Water). Therefore it influences both Elements, helps to smooth the movement of Water to Wood and can ease our passage from winter to spring

Capital Gate relaxes the sinews and can get you going, stimulating the will to move into action. The point also helps with low back pain, spinal weakness, feeling the cold, lower abdominal cramp or distension, kidney complaints and difficult urination. It is known to support the free flow of Qi in the area after gall bladder removal.

So if it feels like your get-up-and-go got up and went during the winter, support yourself in the early spring with Capital Gate.

 

Location of Gall Bladder 25

 

GB25GB 25 is located a the free end of the twelfth rib. Place your thumbs on your lower back around the level of your waist. Press upwards with your thumbs until you feel the bottom ribs. Follow the ribs down and outwards to the sides of the body until you can feel the ends of the ribs. You are still on the back of your body, but almost to the side. The point is often tender to the touch. Apply sustained pressure for two to three minutes or until the point relaxes and the Qi flows.