Tag Archives: Chinese medicine

Anyone for Tennis Elbow?

Acupressure Points, Constipation, Digestion, Pain Relief, Point Location, Tennis Elbow, , , ,

1598R-10012948After the ethereal musings of the last posting where we opened to the Breath of Heaven, this time we come down to earth with an examination of a painful physical condition. Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis is a condition that causes soreness and pain in the outer part of the elbow. The term tennis elbow is actually a misnomer; while some cases do derive from playing the sport improperly, a more likely cause these days is from the repetitive stress of computer use, especially mousing. The condition could equally be called Mouser’s Elbow! Half of cases are not even caused by overexertion but by blows or injuries to the area.

The acupoint that most effectively addresses this condition is Large Intestine 11, Pool at the Crook. Sustained pressure on this point, located in the large hollow at the outer end of the elbow crease, will help to free congested Qi in this area.

Pool at the Crook has many other uses for a wide range of conditions. Because it is the tonification point of the Large Intestine meridian, it stimulates the organ and is therefore a powerful point for constipation and abdominal congestion. It clears heat from the body and so is useful in cases of fever and inflammation. It helps with skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and shingles. It can lower blood pressure, relieve toothache and treat pain in the shoulder, upper arm and forearm.

L.I. 11 strengthens the Metal Element and can be very grounding for a person who has his head in the clouds. It balances the Qi between Large Intestine and its partner meridian Lung.

So if someone you know has elbow pain from a tennis racquet or a mouse, or if they suffer from any of the above ailments, try dipping your finger into the pool at the crook of their elbow.

Location of Large Intestine 11

SAMSUNGPlace your left forearm so that it makes a right angle with your upper arm. This reveals a crease at the outer edge of the elbow. Place your right thumb into the large hollow at the end of this crease and apply sustained pressure for 2-3 minutes. Don’t use so much pressure that it hurts; you should remain relaxed. If the point is very blocked, it may take some time before you feel a sensation. Feel for an opening of the Qi which may be felt as a pulsing, a gentle throbbing, tingling, warmth or some other sensation. When you feel done, treat the right elbow. Even if a condition is only on one side of the body, it is good to treat the points on  both sides.

Acupressure – A Healthy Way to Relax

Pain Relief, Relaxation, , , , ,

acupressure-headMost of us look for ways to relax from the stress of our busy modern lives. Maybe it’s kicking back with a beer or glass of wine after a hard day’s work. Or perhaps it’s a game of golf or tennis, or a workout at the gym. Let me share another option that is not only relaxing but has many profound health benefits. These benefits include regulating blood pressure and heart rate, calming the nervous system, easing digestion, supporting the immune system, reducing pain levels and providing a feeling of overall well being. Such is the power of Acupressure.

One of the most frequent comments I hear from my clients after a session is about how relaxed they feel. They say things like, “Wow, I can’t remember the last time I felt this relaxed.” Or, “I feel so relaxed I don’t think I can get up off the table.” Here is a technique that can relax you more deeply and completely than beer, wine, golf or tennis.

Moving Energy

Five Element Acupressure is a form of bodywork that is based on Chinese medicine and influenced by Japanese Shiatsu. It can be done anywhere, anytime by anyone who has a few fingers. It is like acupuncture but uses finger pressure rather than needles to achieve movements of Qi energy in the body. When blockages in the Qi flow are removed, the effect is a balancing of the whole body energy system, producing improvements in health and functioning. It addresses both symptoms and the underlying causes of disease.

Studies have shown that stimulation of the acu-points releases endorphins (the body’s natural pain killers); reduces inflammation both locally and systemically; and regulates hormones and brain chemicals, assisting the body’s natural movement towards homeostasis or balance. Such studies explain what recipients of acu-therapies already know, that treatment makes you more relaxed because all the systems of the body are moving towards balance.

Acupressure is most potent in the hands (or fingers!) of a skilled practitioner. But what is exciting about this work is that even beginners can have really positive effects when treating others. What is more, you can even learn to use it on yourself.

Point the Way

I am excited to be starting this blog in order to share with you some of the most potent acupressure points, some powerful point combinations, as well as introducing you to the Five Elements of Chinese medicine which underlie this whole system of acupressure.

Feel free to leave your questions and comments. Let me know what interests you, what you find useful, what more you’d like to know. What you want will guide the direction that this blog will take. My aim is to blog at least twice a month, so keep checking back.

Learn how to press the relax button!