Acupressure Points for Boosting the immune system

In a fast-paced world, it is easy to overwork yourself, take on too many commitments, and extend yourself to the point of exhaustion. This energy imbalance weakens the immune system. If we take care of ourselves by eating properly, getting enough rest and exercise, and practicing techniques that release tension and balance our bodies - then our resistance to illness is strong. If, on the other hand, we abuse our bodies, push ourselves too hard, eat poorly, don't exercise, and fail to release tension, our immune system weakens, and we are more prone to illness. Acupressure and deep breathing strengthen the immune system and can help you ward off disease.

Everyday stresses accumulate inside our bodies, causing shoulder and neck tensions as well as anxieties that often make it hard to breathe. I use acupressure, deep breathing, and stretching exercises daily to counteract the common daily pressures in my life.

We can only withstand a certain amount of stress. Each person has a different threshold, and each must determine for himself or herself how much is too much. When you cultivate an inner awareness of what's going on inside you, both emotionally and physically, you discover your optimum balance of activity and rest.

Traditional Chinese medicine discovered that excesses of particular activities weaken the immune system by overstressing certain acupressure meridian pathways. (The following potent points are described in detail later in this chapter.)

* Excess standing damages the bladder and kidney meridians, which can cause fatigue and low backaches. To restore these meridians, stimulate the Sea of Vitality points (B 23 and B 47) by rubbing your lower back for one minute. Then hold Elegant Mansion (K 27) directly below your collarbone for another minute. Finally, hold the Bigger Stream (K 3) points on the insides of your ankles for one minute as you breathe deeply.
* Excess sitting can damage the stomach and spleen meridians, which can contribute to anemia or digestive disorders. Stimulate the Three Mile Points (St 36) on the outsides of your calves to benefit these meridians.
* Excess lying down can damage the large intestine and lung meridians, which can affect both respiration and elimination. For these meridians use Joining the Valley (Hoku, LI 4) in the valley between the thumb and forefinger and Crooked Pond (LI 11) on the upper edge of your elbow crease as directed on page 120.
* Excess use of your eyes (as in close desk work) or emotional stress can damage the small intestine and heart meridians, which can create emotional imbalances. The Sea of Tranquility (CV 17) on the center of your breastbone is an excellent point for balancing these meridians.
* Excess physical exertion can damage the gallbladder and liver meridians, which can cause cramps and spasms. Use Bigger Rushing (Lv 3) on the top of your feet to benefit these meridians.

By using these acupressure points regularly, balancing your activities, and practicing deep breathing you can counteract stresses, prevent fatigue, and boost your immune system. Deep breathing exercises alone can greatly increase your energy level and boost your immune system (see page 123).

Diet also plays an important role in building resistance to illness. When we eat processed, preserved, or devitalized foods, we weaken our immune system and our resistance because these foods have been stripped of necessary nutrients and fiber. Certain foods, such as miso soup, parsley, beans, tofu, sea vegetables, fresh vegetables, and lightly toasted sesame seeds can strengthen the immune system and reinforce the body's ability to protect itself.

Acupressure Points for Strengthening the Immune System

There is a particular acupressure point, Bearing Support (B 36), that governs resistance, especially resistance to colds and flu. It is located near the spine, off the tips of the graphic shoulder blades. The Chinese book The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine says, wind and cold enter the pores of the skin" at this point.1 It, as well as other points in this area, helps to strengthen the immune system. Conversely, these points around the tips of the shoulder blades are the first to get blocked up just before an illness, especially a cold or flu, takes hold.



The following acupressure points are effective for dealing with a condition that may be caused by a weak immune system. Elegant Mansion (K 27) reinforces immune system functioning by strengthening the respiratory system. Steady, firm pressure on the Sea Of Vitality points (B 23 and B 47) fortifies the immune system, rejuvenates the internal organs, and relieves pain associated with lower back problems. The Sea of Energy (CV 6) tones the abdominal muscles and intestines, and helps fortify the immune, urinary, and reproductive systems. Firm pressure on the Three Mile Point (St 36) immediately boosts the immune system with renewed energy. It helps tone and strengthen the major muscle groups, providing greater endurance. Bigger Stream (K 3) on the inside of the ankle helps balance the kidney meridian and strengthen the immune system. Bigger Rushing (Lv 3) and Crooked Pond (LI 11),ire important points for relieving pain and strengthening the immune system. The Outer Gate point (TW 5) helps to balance the immune system and strengthen the whole body. Hoku (LI 4) is a famous decongestant and anti-inflammatory point; it relieves arthritic pain and strengthens the immune system Last, and most important of all, the Sea of Tranquility (CV 17) governs the body's resistance to illness and decreases anxiety by regulating the thymus gland. Each of these important points benefits the immune system by enabling the internal organs to function at optimal levels.

Potent Points for Boosting the Immune System

Elegant Mansion (K 27)

Location: In the depression directly below the protrusions of the collarbone.

Benefits: Strengthens the immune system as well as relieves chest congestion, breathing difficulties, asthma, coughing, anxiety, and depression.



Sea of Vitality (B 23 and B 47)

Caution: Do not press on disintegrating discs or fractured or broken bones. If you have a weak back, a few minutes of stationary, light touching instead of pressure can be very healing. See your doctor first if you have any questions or need medical advice.
graphic

Location: In the lower back, between the second and third lumbar vertebrae, two to four finger widths away from the spine at waist level.

Benefits: Fortifies the immune system as well as relieves lower-back aches and fatigue.



Sea of Energy (CV 6



Location: Two finger widths below the belly button, between it and the pubic bone.

Benefits: Strengthens the condition of the immune system and the internal organs as well as relieves abdominal muscle pain, constipation, gas, and general weakness.



Three Mile Point (St 36)

Location: Four finger widths below the kneecap, one finger width to the outside of the shinbone. If you are on the correct spot, a muscle should flex as you move your foot up and down.

Benefits: Strengthens the whole body, especially the immune system; tones the muscles and aids digestion as well as relieves fatigue.



Bigger Stream (K3)

Caution: This point should not be stimulated strongly after the third month of pregnancy.

Location: Midway between the inside of the anklebone and the Achilles tendon in the back of the ankle.

Benefits: Strengthens the immune system; relieves fatigue, swollen feet, and ankle pain.



Bigger Rushing (Lv 3)

Location: On the top of the foot, in the valley between the big toe and the second toe.

Benefits: Boosts the immune system; relieves fainting, eye fatigue, headaches, and hangovers.



Crooked Pond (LI 11)

Location: On the upper edge of the elbow crease.

Benefits: Relieves immune system weaknesses, fever, constipation, and elbow pain.

graphic



Outer Gate (TW 5)

Location: Two and one-half finger widths above the center of the wrist crease on the outside of the forearm midway between the two bones (ulna and radius).

Benefits: Relieves rheumatism, tendonitis, and wrist pain, and increases resistance to colds.



Joining the Valley (Hoku) (LI 4)

Caution: This point is forbidden for pregnant women because its stimulation can cause premature contractions in the uterus.

Location: In the webbing between the thumb and index finger at the highest spot of the muscle when the thumb and index finger are brought close together.

Benefits: Relieves arthritis, constipation, headaches, toothaches, shoulder pain, and labor pain.



Sea of Tranquility (CV 17)

Location: On the center of the breastbone three thumb widths up from the base of the bone.

Benefits: Relieves anxiety, anguish, and depression; boosts the immune system and regulates the thymus gland.

You do not have to use all of these points. 14 just one or two of them whenever you have a In hand can be effective.

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Meridian Therapy

A main problem in healing is the balancing of the energy flows. Usually, this balancing occurs unrecognised as a by-product of other successful treatments. However, healing can be initiated and accelerated by deliberately treating the meridians with the express purpose of balancing.

A useful method for this is to follow the outline of a meridian (see the Meridian Chart below), with one finger or with several fingers held closely together. Following a meridian in the normal flow direction is strengthening, while tracing in the opposite direction will weaken and sedate the meridian. The results of these tracings may be checked with muscle testing.

In order to perform a meridian tracement, pause with your fingers for a moment at the starting-point; then follow the meridian in a quiet, fluent motion. The fingers should be close to the body. They may touch the skin or clothing but do not actually need to touch. It is enough to remain within about 5 cm of the actual course of the meridian.

Start by energising your hands. If you are experienced in working with energies you may just do that with your imagination, otherwise shake your hands for about ten seconds and during the actual tracing try to feel or imagine feeling energy streaming out of the tips of your fingers. Related meridians on both sides may be traced simultaneously. In repeated tracings move the hands back to the starting-point in a wide sweep to avoid following the meridian in the reverse direction. At the end of each tracement lightly flick the fingers to remove any accumulated negative energy.

You may trace all the main meridians once or several times daily, or you may concentrate on the meridians most in need of improvement. Important meridians may be traced repeatedly during the day for 20 times or more. The strengthening effect may be increased if after several tracings you do a muscle-tensing exercise, Taking a deep breath while tensing your whole body and then relaxing it during exhalation.

The meridian system allows us to understand why many disease symptoms appear in certain body parts when the originating cause is a weak or inflamed organ in another location. The diagrams show only the surface courses of the meridians; inside the body each one is connected to its associated organ. In this way the deranged energy pattern of an organ is easily transmitted to other body parts along the course of the meridian.

Diseases of the ear, migraine and hip problems can now be seen energy-wise to be associated with the gall bladder. Arthritis of the hip, therefore, is often a gall bladder problem, while arthritis of the shoulders may have its cause in the intestines. Gout, affecting the big toes, stems from the liver, while swollen ankles are related to the kidneys. See the enclosed Table of Meridian-Disease Relationships.

Furthermore, each organ-meridian system has a two-hour period of maximum activity, and a period of minimum activity 12 hours later. An inflamed organ is often more painful during its active period, while a weak system should not be stressed during low periods.

In acupuncture books you may find different names for two of the meridians. The circulation meridian is also called the pericardium meridian, while the gland meridian may be called the triple-warmer meridian.

While pulse diagnosis is the expert Chinese way of determining the energy balance of the meridians, you may often be able to judge by the kind of diseases or symptoms present. Generally, overacidity, pain and inflammation along the course of a meridian or in its target organ call for sedation, while coldness and weakness call for stimulation.

According to Chinese teachings, some interesting characteristics are associated with the meridians of the kidneys and liver. Weak kidney meridians are indicated by a lack of will and sexual impulse, and furthermore by negativity, unease, timidity and impatience. In the case of an overactive kidney meridian, on the other hand, the energy level is abnormally high and you cannot stop working.

The liver is similar. A weak meridian shows itself in dizziness, a clumsy walk, easily tiring eyes and a short temper. An overactive liver meridian causes excessive excitability, crying moods and a compulsion to continue working.

According to Chinese traditions, the main organs and their meridians are also associated with different emotions. An excessive amount of these emotions can damage the associated organs, while a disease of these organs may, in time, lead to excessive displays of these emotions.

Accordingly, anger is associated with the liver; excessive laughter and gayness, but also fright, with the heart; worry and emotional tension with the spleen and pancreas; grief, sorrow and negativity with the lungs; and fear and timidity with weak kidneys.

Thank you for health-science-spirit.com

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Heat exhaustion

When we get hot, perspiration forms and evaporates. This pulls heat out of the body and maintains normal body temperature, The sweat also carries fair amounts of salts with it which are important for the body. A deficiency of these salts causes weakness and sometimes severe cramps.
Heat exhaustion occurs when someone has perspired heavily after long exertion or on a very hot day. The body will then lose an excessive amount of water and salts. In this condition body temperature will normally rise only slightly. The person feels faint, exhausted, and sometimes nauseated. The skin is moist and looks pale. The pulse becomes fast and feeble. Cramps may develop.

Treatment:

Get the person into a cool place and have him or her lie down. Loosen any tight clothing and raise the feet. Slightly salty drinks such as twig tea with soy sauce or water boiled with salted plums (umeboshi), are very good. Recovery should be soon.

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Shock

Loss of blood is the cause of shock. One who has suffered injury and hemorrhages is at risk of shock. The loss of blood results in a weakened heartbeat and an inadequate supply of oxygen and other chemicals to all the tissues. It is the brain, heart, and lungs which particularly suffer. A person in shock is pale, cold, sweating, and has a fast, weak pulse. He or she also feels faint, is nauseated, and thirsty. To prevent shock lay the person on his or her side in the recovery position. Keep warm; do not provide anything to eat or drink. Alcohol can be dangerous as it can dilate the blood vessels and draw blood away from inside the body. Cigarettes are also harmful at this time as they reduce the oxygen capacity of the blood and reduce the blood supply to the heart. When the victim appears more stable, twig tea with one teaspoon of tamari soy sauce is helpful.

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Fainting and acupressure

Fainting

If the person is feeling faint, dizzy, or seasick, and is still conscious, help him or her to lie down at once. Raise the legs, loosen tight clothing, and put a cover on the person. Encourage him or her to relax and to breathe

slow, deep breaths. Have the person continue to lie down until proper face color returns. Shiatsu on acupoint (GV 26) above the center of the upper lip is helpful.

If twig tea with a teaspoon of soy sauce is available, let the per­son drink this.

An effective self-treatment is to open the mouth, then use the thumb to strongly press the roof of the mouth while the person ex­hales. This immediately affects the brain.

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unconsciousness and acupressure

Unconsciousness

A primary aim of first aid for someone who is unconscious is to protect the victim from choking. The individual's own tongue, along with blood, saliva, or vomit, are the things which block the windpipe and stop breathing. You can avoid the risk of suffocation by bending the person's head back and pulling his or her jaw forward. This simple movement prevents the relaxed tongue from blocking air to the windpipe. You can also put the person in the recovery position. It is safe, comfortable, and relaxing. In this posi¬tion the injured person can breathe freely, and fluids such as blood or vomit can escape from the mouth, lessening the risk of choking.
Shiatsu

With the victim laying on his or her back, you can pick up the head and rotate it lightly from side to side making an adjustment. Also you can press the center of the sole of the foot (KD1) with the thumb very strongly. Pressing the acupoint (GV 26) above the cen¬ter of the upper lip is helpful. These will help recover consciousness.

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Emotional troubles such as frustration

emotional troubles such as frustration

Adjustments in the diet should be made so that refined sugars are not included. Regular parent/child playing, such as doing a shiatsu treatment together, will bring a sense of security to the child and a bonding with the parents. Parents can help their children by encouraging them to honestly express themselves.


Emotional and Mental Conditions
Traditional natural healing has always linked the body and mind together. It is felt that physical problems will create mental or emotional states and that prolonged negative emotions can adverse¬ly affect the internal organs. Our emotions are reflections of our mental state and are produced by various stimulations in the envi¬ronment. These include one's job, relationships, and thoughts about oneself. Generally, emotions have a changing nature. They come and go. However, if the emotions are very intense and persistent or the individual is hypersensitive to the stimulations, they may result in a deep change of outlook on life and lead to disease.
The following chart shows the internal organs and the emo¬tional and mental states connected with these organs. To effectively treat the problem, a combination of the macrobiotic diet and treating specific areas with shiatsu can be done. For example, someone suf¬fering from depression should specifically have the lung, large in¬testine, and liver areas treated. (See appropriate treatment section in this book for details). Also breathing, either as an exercise or in the form of long walks, will alleviate the depressed attitude.
The aim of treatment is to remove physical rigidity thus mak¬ing the body flexible. This in turn will relieve mental rigidity. If you are overly sensitive or have any mental problem, try to use your body more. Movement will make you feel more balanced.


Emotional and Mental Conditions


Area of Treatment
Heart Heart
Liver, Lung and Large Intestine Heart and Liver Liver and Heart
Liver Liver and Gall Bladder
Stomach
Pancreas and Spleen Pancreas and Spleen
Kidney Kidney and Stomach

Conditon
Hyperactivity/Excitability
Hysteria
Depression
Mental Instability Insomnia
Anger Irritability
Worry
Poor Memory
Inability to Concentrate
Lack of Confidence
Fear





To use the above chart effectively first determine which emotional state the receiver experiences most often. Match up the corresponding physical areas, located directly across from the emotions list. Treat the physical area with shiatsu and other appropri¬ate techniques described in the respective sections found in this book. Additionally, help the receiver to understand the source of the emotional trouble through counseling and discussion. Macrobiotic and Oriental medicine see the body and mind as insepar¬able. "The Body and Mind are not two." This simple approach is quite effective

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