Tag Archives: Endorphins

A dyslexic guy walks into a bra

Anxiety, Depression, Digestion, Heart problems, Insomnia, Joy, Psycho-emotional, , , , , , , , ,

I’m a sucker for the snappy one liner and this one from George Carlin is a cracker. And this is just the tip of the funny bone. From puns to pies in the face, the parrot sketch to shaggy dog stories, from stand-up to the Groucho put-down, there are countless things that make us giggle, snicker, titter, chuckle and plain laugh out loud.

A good sense of humour is a great asset and support on the rocky road of life. Dating sites are full of people looking for a partner with a GSOH, presumably someone who will laugh at their jokes.

Laughter is not confined to the arena of joke-telling. Experiencing something unexpected can produce laughter. We can laugh spontaneously, feeling the joy of simply being alive. Laughter is the sound of joy bubbling out of the heart.

There are medical benefits too. Neurophysiology indicates that laughter is linked with the activation of the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain that produces endorphins.  The old adage that laughter is the best medicine is being borne out by modern science.

There are many Fire points that can help us to access this lighter side of life. It is interesting to note that the first point of the Heart meridian lies tucked in the armpit, one of the classic places to be tickled. Another is Heart Protector 8 in the palm of the hand which we looked at earlier in the summer. I once had a series of acupuncture treatments  that included this point and every time it was needled I went into fits of giggling that had me and my acupuncturist in stitches.

Another important point that can help to access the laughter of the Heart and its many other qualities is the Heart Protector point Daling – Great Mound. When there is lack of joy or deep sadness, this point is helpful, for it calms the shen, spirit of the Heart. Indeed it is a good point for any emotional stress including anxiety, hysteria, grief, fear, fright and panic. When there is a feeling of vulnerability or insecurity, or a person is suffering relationship trauma, Daling is called for.

At the physical level, Great Mound regulates the Heart and relaxes the chest. It treats palpitations caused by fright, intercostal pain, eczema and other skin conditions arising from heat. It settles the stomach and intestines. Locally it can treat tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.

The classic text, TheSpiritual Pivot, described the Heart Protector as the channel that pertains to the Heart, so Daling was originally indicated as the source point of the Heart rather than Shenmen, Heart 7 which we looked at earlier. Therefore this is a powerful portal to the Heart and its qualities of joy, contentment, radiance, equanimity, love and laughter.

By the way, did you hear the one about…

 

Location of Heart Protector 7

HP 7

 

 

The point lies in the very centre of the wrist crease on the front of the arm. It lies between the tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis.

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!