Tag Archives: Metal Element

Battle of the Bulge

Constipation, Detoxification, Low back pain, Pain Relief, Psycho-emotional, , , , , ,

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAA common problem of the spine is the bulging disc that occurs when the cushioning disc of connective tissue between two vertebrae bulges out, causing inflammation and putting pressure on the nerves that emanate from the spine. A more serious development is a herniated disc which sees a tearing of the outer layer of the disc. 95% of spinal disc herniation cases occur in the lower lumbar region at L4-L5 or L5-S1. Interestingly, the first of these positions is the location of a point on the Bladder meridian that relates to the Large Intestine.

Dachangshu – Large Intestine Shu can be of great benefit to those suffering from these disc protrusions and other painful conditions of the lumbar region. It is also useful in treating sciatica which originates in the lumbar region and radiates along the pathway of the sciatic nerve, through the buttocks, down the back of the leg and sometimes into the calf and foot.

As the shu point of the Large Intestine, Dachangshu exerts a strong influence over the organ as well as the functions of the official. When there is stagnation in the intestines, there can be a build up of waste material resulting in constipation, causing the abdomen to distend and bulge. This in turn creates abdominal discomfort and pain, and sometimes noisy gurgling of the intestines known as borborygmus.

On the other hand, the intestines may be loose, producing loose stools and diarrhoea. When waste moves too quickly through the Large Intestine, water and important minerals cannot be reclaimed and are lost. The Large Intestine shu point is helpful in treating conditions at both ends of this constipation – diarrhoea spectrum as well as treating rectal and anal prolapse.

The outer shu points are the points that treat the psycho-emotional dimension. As there is no outer shu point for the Large Intestine, this inner shu point can serve. Where a person is emotionally constipated, holding on to things, people, ideas or beliefs that are no longer of value, or even toxic, Dachangshu can assist in the process of letting go. Alternatively, when a person is unable to retain what is valuable and needed to live a healthy life, and lets go of or throws away things and people that are of value, this point is called for.

Location of Bladder 25

BL 25Located 1.5 cun lateral to the spine at the level of the junction of the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae, the point is tucked into the space above the sacrum and inside the ileum. Apply direct pressure. For treatment of lumber pain, press both BL 25 points and apply lateral pressure, thereby spreading the tissues of the low back. This treats the acu-points and releases the fascia of the region.

 

This is an extract from John’s forthcoming book on the Five Elements to be published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers www.jkp.com

Smell the Roses

Breathing difficulty, Psycho-emotional, Sinusitis, Smell, , , ,

With the arrival of autumn, season of the Metal Element, we return to our exploration of the acu-points of that Element. Here we take a look at a point that embodies the sense of Metal, namely that of smell.

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Smell the RosesOf all the senses, the sense of smell is the most instinctual, the closest to our animal nature. It is closely connected to survival. It tells us when we are in the presence of something dangerous or toxic like gas, harmful chemicals or smoke. Smell also helps us to ascertain whether food is good or bad for us, whether it is fresh or has gone off. And it informs us when something or someone is familiar and trusted. Notice how animals use their noses to gather information about all these things.

When the nose is blocked, not only do we lose the sense of smell, but we can feel somewhat cut off from the world. Breathing becomes more difficult and we are less able to draw in the Heavenly Qi with our breath, less able to breathe in all that life has to offer.

Smell is the sense of the Metal Element. One of the teachings of Metal is to treasure the moment, to be present with all that is here now and to value who you are and what you have. This means breathing in and appreciating the beauty and sweetness of life.

Yingxiang – Welcome Fragrance, the exit point of the Large Intestine meridian, supports us in this endeavour. Fragrance is not simply an odour, but an essence. A healthy Metal distinguishes that which is essential and lets it in.

Qi moves from Welcome Fragrance to the entry point of Stomach meridian, Receiving Tears. Welcome Fragrance reminds us that Stomach is an Earth meridian and fragrant is the odour of the Earth Element. At the same time, Receiving Tears echoes the grief that is the emotion of the Metal. The connection between Large Intestine and Stomach meridians is a significant one. According to the six channel theory, the two are seen as a single channel called yangming. The free flow of Qi between LI 20 and ST 1 is important. A block here, known as an entry-exit block can produce a serious impediment to treatment.

Yingxiang is the most significant local point for treating all nasal conditions: loss of smell, difficulty breathing, sneezing, nasal congestion and discharge, sinusitis, hay fever, nosebleed and nasal polyps.

It also exerts an influence throughout the face, treating conditions such as red eyes, facial paralysis, tic, trigeminal neuralgia, swelling and itching of the face, pain and swelling in the lips and deviation of the mouth.

Welcome Fragrance invites you to stop for a moment, take time to smell the roses, inhale and appreciate this unique, never to be repeated moment of your life

LI 20Location of Large Intestine 20

The point is located in a notch at the side of the nose, at the mid-point of the bulb of the nose. Press towards the sides of the nose. Pressing the points and stretching them away from each other to open the nostrils is also an effective way to treat the points.

 

This is an extract from John’s forthcoming book on the Five Elements to be published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers www.jkp.com