View
1
Download
0
Category
Preview:
Citation preview
t a b l e o f c o n t e n t st a b l e o f c o n t e n t sChapter 1: What is shiatsu? ....................................................................................1
Chapter 2: origins of shiatsu .................................................................................5
Chapter 3: Vital life force – cHI ...........................................................................9
Chapter 4: tools, techniques & tenets ................................................................13
Chapter 5: Measuring acupoints..........................................................................21
Chapter 6: Japanese full-body shiatsu (step-by-step) .......................................25
• back stretches...................................................................................26
• Posterior Head & neck ...................................................................28
• shoulders & back.............................................................................30
• Hips & buttocks ...............................................................................32
• Posterior legs & feet ......................................................................33
• anterior legs & feet .......................................................................36
• arms & Hands .................................................................................40
• Head, face, scalp & neck ...............................................................44
• chest & abdomen............................................................................52
Chapter 7: Meridians, acupoints & Medicinal Indications................................56
• lung ..................................................................................................58
• large Intestine .................................................................................62
• stomach ............................................................................................66
• spleen................................................................................................72
• Heart .................................................................................................76
• small Intestine..................................................................................80
• Urinary bladder ...............................................................................84
• Kidney...............................................................................................92
• Pericardium ......................................................................................96
• triple Warmer.................................................................................100
• Gall bladder....................................................................................104
• liver ................................................................................................110
• conception Vessel ..........................................................................114
• Governing Vessel............................................................................116
Chapter 8: extraordinary Points ........................................................................119
Appendix A: facial Diagnosis.................................................................................131
Appendix B: tongue Diagnosis ..............................................................................133
Appendix C: abdominal Diagnosis .......................................................................135
Appendix D: back Diagnosis...................................................................................137
Appendix E: Pulse Diagnosis .................................................................................139
First Aid Points ........................................................................................................140
hiatsu is a holistic method of health care
dating back thousands of years. it involves pressure and
strokes applied to oriental acupoints to balance the body’s
energy, which promotes a self-healing process.
it is a blend of the traditional chinese medicine of massotherapy
(massage) and philosophy brought to Japan many years ago.
according to ancient chinese philosophy, tao (pronounced doW)
is the “way of nature” — nature being composed of two opposite, yet
complimentary forces, that of yin & yang — the dark and the light.
some characteristics of yin and yang are: passive/active, receptive/
assertive, intuitive/analytical, right brain/left brain, flaccid/rigid,
water/fire, cold/hot, etc. it is the play between the yin & yang, the
ebb and flow between these two aspects of nature that creates chi,
qi, (or ki as the Japanese call it); the “vital life force.”
this vital energy — ki — flows in connected pathways called
meridians throughout the body. these meridians link and nourish
the major organs. twelve meridians correspond to twelve organs
or organ systems, each having yin or yang qualities. the ancients
considered that solid organs, those that store the essential materials,
had yin qualities. hollow organs, those that carry on the actions
of digesting, transporting, and excreting, belonged to yang.
What is Shiatsu?
SThe word “tao”
is made up of
two Chinese characters:
one represents
movement,
while the other
represents head.
Combined,
they symbolize
a person’s true direction,
or philosophy.
To Taoists,
it was the
”way of nature”.
1
the yin meridians are the: heart, pericardium (heart protector), liver,
spleen, lung and kidney. the yang meridians are the: gallbladder,
stomach, large intestine, small intestine, urinary bladder, and sanjiao (also
called triple warmer or 3 burner: it incorporating respiration, digestion,
and elimination). in addition to the twelve organ meridians, there
are two more pathways: the conception and Governing Vessels
which are reserves for yin and yang energy, respectively.
the yin and yang meridians of the body are said to have been
formed when people crawled on all fours. Because the earth is yin
in relation to heaven, the yin meridians run up the front and inside
body surfaces — those surfaces that were closer to the ground.
conversely, because heaven is yang in relation to the earth,
the yang meridians run down the back and outside body
surfaces — those surfaces that were closer to heaven.
each meridian connects to another, so all the meridians become
one together, allowing ki to flow in harmony and perfect balance
in clockwork fashion (see page 4):
• the three yin meridians of the hand (heart, pericardium,
and lung) run from the chest to the fingers, where they
connect to
• the three yang meridians of the hand (large instestine,
triple warmer, and small intestine). these run from the fingers
to the head, where they connect to
• the three yang meridians of the head (urinary bladder, stomach,
and gallbladder). these, in turn run from the head to the foot,
where they connect with
• the three yin meridians of the foot (kidney, spleen, and liver).
and, these run from the foot to the chest, where they begin
the flow again with the three yin meridians of the hand.2
Yin & yang,
two opposing
aspects of existence,
compliment each other.
Yet, they are more
than mere linear
black and white opposites.
The model suggests
a non-stagnant,
ever-changing condition;
where the seed of one
exists within the other —
evolving and changing
subtly like the seasons.
In Chinese medicine,
nourishing, cooling,
moistening, relaxing
conditions are yin,
while active,
heat-producing
energetic conditions
are yang.
chapter one — What is shiatsu?
along the meridians are points called tsubos where ki can settle
and accumulate. these points are a storehouse for ki. But these
points may become deficient — kyo — in ki, or have an excess
— jitsu. When a tsubo point becomes blocked, disrupting the
natural flow of energy, there is usually an excess of ki on one side
of the obstruction, and a deficiency on the other. this condition can
cause disease if the body is not brought back into balance.
Kyo manifestations of imbalance in the body are:
• cold, damp, pale, sunken, numb or dulled sensation, and
flaccid musculature
they are sometimes called yin conditions. When kyo areas are
pressed, they tend to feel good to the client. for yin conditions,
a practitioner uses yang techniques:
• deep, aggressive, and heat-producing strokes and pressure
Jitsu manifestations of imbalance in the body are:
• hot, dry, flush, swollen, tender or painful, and tight or
hypertonic musculature
they are sometimes called yang conditions. for yang conditions,
a practitioner uses yin techniques:
• superficial, soothing, cooling strokes and pressure
an accomplished shiatsu practitioner can detect these subtle
differences in the body’s condition. even though shiatsu is best
applied directly to the skin, the practitioner needs to acknowledge
and respect their client’s desire for comfort and modesty at all
times. through this “hands on” assessment, the practitioner can
adjust the type, degree, and duration of pressure to each acupoint
along the meridians to meet the specific needs of each client’s body.
this type of holistic approach to balancing ki restores the body to a
chapter one — What is shiatsu?
MANIFESTATIONS OF IMBALANCE IN BODY
YIN YANG
Temperature Cold Cool Tepid Warm Hot Feverish
Moisture Sweaty Damp Normal Dry Flaky Cracking
Color No color Pale Pink Rosy Ruddy Flush
Musculature Atrophy Flaccid Tonus Tense Tight Hypertonic
Sensation Numb Slight Comfort Achy Discomfort Painful
YIN/YANG BODYWORK TECHNIQUES
YIN YANG
Effleurage Feather Brush Stroke Deep Effleurage
Petrissage Light Knead Kneading Fulling Pincement
Friction Touch Compression Wringing Skin Rolling
Percussion Tap Cup Slap Hack/Pummel
Vibration Rock Jostle Vibrate Shake
3
These opposing aspects of nature,
Yin & yang, can be found
in the body’s model of health
as well as in how to treat it.
When there are
yang manifestations of imbalance,
treat with yin bodywork techniques.
And, of course, visa versa.
perfect state of health.
illustrations to the left and below indicate which meridians
correspond to the elements of nature. in a balanced state, the energy
of each element/paired meridians nourishes the other. in an imbal-
anced state, energy attacks out of its normal flow (the creation cycle)
and instead follows a destructive path. sedating the excess and
stimulating the deficiency
brings the body back into bal-
ance.
Review Questions:
• list the six part definition of shiatsu. Page 1, paragraph 1.
• What is “ki”, how is it formed, and how does it sustain the body?
Page 1, paragraphs 3 and 4.
• What does the yin yang symbol represent, and why does it
suggest more than just black & white opposites? Sidebar on page 2.
• define “kyo” & “jitsu”, and how to treat each.
Page 3, paragraphs 1-3.
chapter one — What is shiatsu?
4
Gallbladder Yang 11 pm – 1 am
Liver Yin 1 am – 3 am
Wood
Lung Yin 3 am – 5 am
Large Intestine Yang 5 am – 7 am
Metal
Stomach Yang 7 am – 9 am
Spleen Yin 9 am – 11 am
Earth
Heart Yin 11 am – 1 pm
Small Intestine Yang 1 pm – 3 pm
Fire
Urinary Bladder Yang 3 pm – 5 pm
Kidneys Yin 5 pm – 7 pm
Water
Pericardium Yin 7 pm – 9 pm
Triple Warmer Yang 9 pm – 11 pm
Fire
Wood
Metal Earth
FireWater
the “Creation” cycle & the “Destruction” cycle
At specific times, the energy of a meridian is strongest;
while 12 hours later it is at its weakest.
n the eARLY 1960’s A phYsiciAn decided to go into
medical research to discover why certain species on planet
earth regenerated limbs and why humans did not. his name
was dr. Robert Becker, M.d. And, what he uncovered from
twenty years of research was absolutely amazing — not only from
the standpoint of how the regenerative phenomenon occurred, or
how it could help countless amputees, but also that it was known
in ancient china for its recuperative powers on virtually any illness.
As he began his research, dr. Becker wanted to see what, if any,
work had been done on limb regeneration in the past. he found:
• Writings of a French physician in the late 1800’s who worked with
a farm hand who had his arm severed below his elbow in a piece
of machinery. the physician treated him by having the wound
placed repeatedly in a mild saline solution. this solution
cleansed the wound and killed germs growing in the area. over
time six inches of the man’s forearm grew back exactly as before
(every hair, every freckle) before he stopped using the treatment.
• papers from a Russian scientist who worked with an amputee
during the early 1900’s, except this scientist used a pin to prick
the wound, keeping it open and active. Again the same results —
the limb grew several inches before the patient decided not to
play “pin cushion” for the good doctor.
Vital Life Force: CHI
I
Leonardo da Vinci’s
anatomical sketches
of the
anterior & posterior
human arm,
drawn in approximately
1500 A.D.
9
in both cases — a saline solution & a pin — discomfort or pain was
the common denominator. somehow the discomfort experienced
by the patients was acting as a catalyst in the regenerative process.
then, dr. Becker started to study animal species that did have
the regenerative abilities to regrow limbs or tails or other body
parts: i.e., flatworms, salamanders, etc. What he found was that
the body has a slightly detectable direct current (DC) electrical
field complete with positive and negative charges that happen to
reverse when the test subject experienced an appendage removal.
no matter the species, even those that did not regenerate exhibited
the same electrical charges that reversed under a painful experience.
he was already familiar with the piezoelectric effect of skeletal
tissue when bent or broken. Bone is a type of connective tissue in
the body. When a bone is fractured or broken, the skeletal tissue
gives off an electrical charge, supposedly this would stimulate
regeneration or repair to the surrounding tissues and bone.
But, the electrical charges he was observing were not at the sight
of bone. the minute electrical charges were traveling along nerves,
which are soft tissue. so, apparantly all connective tissues, not just
bone, generate piezo-electric fields to assist in repair of the body.
When electric polarities reversed, it triggered several actions:
• Differentiated blood cells in the area of the injury changed
into primitive non-differentiated cells as they travel to the
site of injury
• A blastema, a sort of protective scab over the area, then
forms at the injury site10
Nerve Axon —
DC electrical impulses
travel along the
length of its sheaths — coverings.
This charge reverses
when the body
experiences pain.
This electrical reversal
is the catalyst
in the healing response.
chApteR thRee — vitAL LiFe FoRce: chi
• As the non-differentiated cells congregate at the site of injury,
they begin to re-differentiate into exactly the type of cells that
are needed; i.e., bone cells, nerve cells, muscle cells, skin cells, etc.
in exactly the places they are needed
• As soon as everything is regenerated as before the injury,
the polarity reverts back to its original — pre-injury — charge
At least that was the case in those species that had the ability to
regenerate. in those that could not regenerate, the polarity reverted
back to normal as soon as a scab formed over the wound and the
level of pain diminished; thus no chance to regenerate fully.
Another factor rich in its implications from dr. Becker’s research
is differentiated cells changing to non-differentiated cells when the
discomfort reverses electrical polarity. that is, non-differentiated
cells are also called stem cells. so, dr. Becker discovered that our
bodies create their own stem cells when needed to repair damage
that occurs...back in the late 1960’s & early 1970’s. stem cell research
today is still thought of not only as controversial, but cutting edge.
even though dr. Becker was not allowed to complete his research
due to cuts in government science grants, he hypothesized that the
reason why oriental acupuncture & acupressure work was due to the
piezoelectric charges given off in soft connective tissues trigger the
recuperative/regenerative/rejuvenative processes in humans much
like the salamander’s ability to regrow appendages when damaged.
As recently as 2002, a study was reported in The Lancet medical
journal in Britan where patients’ own stem cells were injected into
their leg muscles creating new blood vessels to eliminate pain from
poor circulation and helping to prevent gangrene or amputations.
chApteR thRee — vitAL LiFe FoRce: chi
11
At conception,
the egg cell is fertilized
and begins to divide.
At this point,
embryonic cells
— or stem cells
as they are called —
are non-differentiated.
That is,
they contain all
the DNA to grow into
a human being
complete with
differentiated tissues;
i.e., bones cells, nerve cells,
muscle cells, skin cells, etc.
controlling blood vessel growth — angiogenesis — is an emerging
field of medicine because parts of the body starved of oxygen like
the heart, limbs, and brain could benefit by this research. Yet, the
ground work of this was research done and proved by dr. Becker
almost 40 years before.
so, here we have an ancient bodywork therapy — AnMA &
shiAtsU — that have, for thousands of years, treated the body
naturally and holistically without any negative side effects using
the hand techniques that trigger the recuperative/rejuvenative
regenerative powers of self-healing that are innate within humans.
Quite actually we have an “ancient Chinese secret” for good health
and long life literally at our fingertips. shiatsu is an energy-based
form of bodywork that presses & massages acupoints to promote
good health.
This chapter taken from the writings of Dr. Robert O. Becker, MD, author of Body Electric
as well as a 1975 article by Dr. Becker in Saturday Review magazine.
Review Questions:
• What was dr. Becker’s research on? Page 9, paragraph 2.
• What did dr. Becker find was the common denominator in
previous reasearch regarding limb regeneration?
Page 10, paragraph 1.
• What actions were triggered by the electrical polarity reversal?
Bottom of page 10 and top of page 11.
• What did dr. Becker hypothesize on how acupuncture and
acupressure worked? Page 11, paragraph 3.
chApteR thRee — vitAL LiFe FoRce: chi
12
It was Dr. Becker’s hypothesis
— as well as this author’s view —
that oriental acupressure
&, of course, SHIATSU
stimulate the recuperative/regenerative/
rejuvenative processes
in the human body.
The discomfort experienced
when working acupoints
indicates that piezoelectric charges
do indeed trigger
a self-healing response .
shIatsu to the scalp anD heaD Improves blood circulation
to the brain, helping eliminate headaches and mental stress.
It also stimulates blood circulation to the scalp, promoting
healthier hair.
• lightly stroke the forehead to monitor skin temperature
and muscle stiffness.
• use overlapping thumbs with moderate to firm pressure
on the center points, beginning with the third eye on the
forehead and proceeding up the forehead and into and
down the scalp.
(on the second pass, use rotating thumb along face and scalp. [2x]
chapter sIX — full-BoDy shIatsu
44
YIN•TANG
(3rd Eye)
GV 20
The crown, center of the scalp, and center of forehead
correspond with points on the Governing Vessel.
note: The illustration has an arrow that
indicates a direction to work which differs
from the direction of natural energy flow.
“Tracing” a meridian assists KI to flow
in the direction of the meridian. However,
acupoints can be worked individually
out of sequence without running the energy
backwards against its natural flow.
No ill effect is experienced because the
practitioner’s intent is to do no harm.
(energy follows thought)
CoNdITIoNs TreaTed:
• Headache
• Vertigo
• Palpitation
• Vomiting
• dizziness
• Insomnia
• Migraine
• disorders of the cervical vertebrae
after the center lIne of the scalp Is worked, separate
the overlapping thumbs and move them off center to the left
and right about 1 sun.
• simultaneously, with separate thumbs, thoroughly work
points beginning above the eye brows, up the forehead, into
and down the scalp, using moderate to firm pressure. [2x]
• follow the same procedure for the points above the pupils
and over the lateral edge of the eye brow. [2x]
chapter sIX — full-BoDy shIatsu
45
These expanded points on the scalp and forehead
correspond to the first and second lines of the
Urinary Bladder meridian and, on the lateral row,
the Gallbladder meridian.
CoNdITIoNs TreaTed:
• epileptic headache
• eye-strain
• epilepsy
• anxiety
• disorders of the eye, ear, and nose
• asthma
• Cervical vertebrae problems
shIatsu to the face Increases cIrculatIon, and muscle
tone — adding natural radiance to the skin.
• use fingers to work points above and below the eyes laterally.
• work either side of the nose to just lateral to the nostril.
• work under the cheek bone to the hinge of the jaw.
• repeat sequence from corner of the mouth to angle of the jaw.
• using thumb and opposing fingers, work points above and
below the jaw, from the chin to the angle of the mandible.
• work points below the clavicle out laterally to the humerus
chapter sIX — full-BoDy shIatsu
46
Tsubo points on the Large Intestine, stomach,
small Intestine, Urinary Bladder, and Governing
Vessel meridians converge on the face.
CoNdITIoNs TreaTed:
• Nasal disorders
• asthma
• Facial nerve disorders
• Hearing disorders
• Headache
• eye disorders
• Toothache
• ringing in the ears
• Inflammation of the ears
• Bloody nose
• Nasal congestion
(also work upper chest intercostals laterally avoiding breast tissue).
• repeat the entire face sequence twice.
work on the neck, ear, temple anD lateral heaD.
• stroke the neck lightly.
• work down between the adam’s apple and sternocleidomastoid
(stomach meridian).
• work up the anterior, lateral, and posterior sternocleidomastoid
(large Intestine, small Intestine, & triple warmer meridians).
• then, work tightly around the ear, and make circles around
the temple.
• lastly, work back along the side of the head and down
to a depression on the lateral edge of the occipital bone.
• repeat the sequence twice on both sides of the face,
chapter sIX — full-BoDy shIatsu
47
Points on the sides of the neck and head correspond
to the stomach, Large Intestine, small Intestine,
Triple Warmer, and Gallbladder meridians.
CoNdITIoNs TreaTed:
• arm and shoulder pain
• Pain and swelling in the pharynx and larynx
• asthma
• Cervical vertebrae problems
• disorders of the neck, shoulders and back
• Headache
• Migraine
La
rge
In
testin
e
Tri
ple
Wa
rme
r
Sm
all I
nte
stin
e
Sto
ma
ch
chapter sIX — full-BoDy shIatsu
48
Large Intestine, small Intestine, and Triple Warmer
meridians run up the lateral sides of the arm.
CoNdITIoNs TreaTed:
• Headache and Migraine
• Toothache
• ringing in the ears
• Undue sleepiness
• ear aches
• abdominal pain
• diarrhea
• Gurgling intestines
• shoulder, arm, or finger pain
• Fever
• dizziness
followed by a light scalp massage.
after workIng one arm anD movIng on to the face &
scalp, move on to the other arm, making sure it is turned
to expose the lateral side (see above illustration).
• work the three rows of points on the lateral arm and forearm
with moderate to firm thumb pressure in a proximal direction.
start with the row closest to the thumb — the large Intestine
meridian; the middle row — triple warmer meridian; and
lastly the row closest to the little finger — small Intestine
meridian. [2x]
(NoTe: above the elbow, the small Intestine meridian proceeds
under the arm to the posterior axillary fold — just behind the
armpit on the teres minor muscle.)
workIng shIatsu poInts on the arm treats such disorders
as pain, numbness, chill, and/or shaking. It is also effective
on heart conditions.
• lay the arm out to the side (see above illustration). pay special
attention to clients who might have limited range of motion.
• use moderate thumb pressure to the three rows of points
on the inner arm, working distally. first, work the inferior
row of points — heart meridian. then, work the middle
row — pericardium, and lastly the superior row of points
on the lung meridian. [2x]
(note: In the above illustration, the practitioner checks for a heart
pulse at the wrist. Pressing the first tsubo point will temporarily
chapter sIX — full-BoDy shIatsu
49
The points on the inner portion of the upper arm
coincide with the Heart, Pericardium and Lung
meridians.
CoNdITIoNs TreaTed:
• Chest and rib pain
• shoulder, arm, elbow and wrist pain
• asthma
• Pulmonary emphysema
• Cough
• sore throat
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Heart disorders
• Morning sickness
• Motion sickness
disrupt the pulse. This way the practitioner can easily establish
the correct point for the first tsubo.)
the front anD Back of the fIngers anD thumb are literally
covered with points — so much so, that it is difficult not to
press the correct places.
• use moderate to firm pressure with opposing thumb and
finger to work the palmer surface of the hand, first on the
thumb. then, work between the metacarpals and fingers. [2x]
• now work the dorsum of the hand in the same manner as
the palmer. when complete with the hand, grip the knuckles
of the hand with thumb and opposing finger and rotate the
knuckles. [2x]
chapter sIX — full-BoDy shIatsu
50
LU 10
H 9
LI 4
P 9
Points on the palmer surface of the hand correspond
to the Heart, Pericardium and Lung meridians.
Points on the dorsum of the hand correspond to
Large Intestine, Triple Warmer and small Intestine
meridians.
CoNdITIoNs TreaTed:
• Cough & sore throat
• Hiccups
• Toothache
• Headache & migraine
• Cold symptoms
• Heart pains
• ringing in the ears
• Finger pain
• Gynecological disorders
• stomach disorders
• Hand, wrist, arm and shoulder pain
• apoplexy
• Palpitations
• work the source points in the following order:
• lI 4
• tw 4
• sI 4
• h 7
• p 7
• lu 9
If the practitioner encounters any tenderness, this would
indicate the need for more focused attention to the meridian
and/or the need for a follow up visit.
chapter sIX — full-BoDy shIatsu
51
source points on the wrist correspond to the Lung,
Heart, Pericardium, Large Intestine, Triple Warmer
and small Intestine meridians.
Pressing the “source Points”, gives a general
indication of the condition of the meridians.
Tenderness indicates imbalance and the need
for more focused attention.
CoNdITIoNs TreaTed:
• Headache
• dizziness
• Constipation
• Insomnia
• asthma
• sore throat
• Gastric disorders
• Palpitations
• Cold symptoms
• Wrist, arm and shoulder pain
• ear, eye, mouth, throat and nose pain
• Finger spasms
• Pain in sides
SI 4 TW 4 LI 4 LU 9 P 7 H 7
workIng aBDomInal poInts aIDe in the digestive process.
• work these points on the tummy approximately 3 to 4 sun
out from the center of the umbilicus, in a clockwise motion,
with overlapping finger tips. first, use moderate compression
followed by slightly deeper pressure using circular friction.
• on female clientele, only work the abdomen unless they
specifically request the chest; otherwise work the chest on
chapter sIX — full-BoDy shIatsu
52
These abdominal points form a circle three to four sun
out from the umbilicus. They correspond to points
on the stomach and Kidney meridians.
CoNdITIoNs TreaTed:
• diseases of the stomach, intestines, and kidneys
• Gynecological disorders
• Womb disorders
• Uro-genital disorders
• Peritonitis
• Constipation
G A L L B L A D D E RG A L L B L A D D E R M E R I D I A N —M E R I D I A N —
Kyo Physical Manifestations:• Tired, Dull, Weak Eyes• Poor Digestion of Fats• Pale Complexion / Anemic• Obese in Spite of Poor Appetite• Gastric Hyperacidity• Prone to Diarrhea or Constipation
Jitsu Physical Manifestations:• Excessive Intake of Sweets• Lack of Sleep Causing Tired, Glassy Eyes• Stiff Muscles & Extremities• Tearing & Pressure in Eyes• Gall Stones / Gallbladder Problems• Bitter Taste in Mouth
104
GALLBLADDERGALLBLADDER (Yang)Paired Meridians
LIVER (Yin)11 PM – 1 AM StrongestTimes
11 AM – 1 PM Weakest
Element WoodSeason Spring
Color Green
Taste SourSmell Rancid
Emotion AngerExpression Yelling / Shouting
Tissue(s) Tendons & LigamentsSecretions Tears
Sense Organ EyesIndicator Nails
Desire/Value Challenge / StruggleArousalPracticalityAgilityUniquenessIndependence
Fear/Difficulty SubmittingConstancyCompromiseAuthorityInterferenceAmbiguity
General Imbalance “My Way”AggressionDepressionInflexiblePMS / OutburstsMigrainesGall StonesScattered
Grain WheatFruit/Nut Peach
Vegetable MallowMeat Chicken/Fowl
CHAPTER SEVEN — MERIDIANS & POINTS
CHAPTER SEVEN — MERIDIANS & POINTS
105
GALLBLADDER Meridian Pathway —
The Gallbladder Meridian
begins at the lateral corner of the eye,
juts over to a depression anterior to
the opening of the ear, and again to the
edge of the hairline on the side of the head
where slight movement of the scalp
is experienced during chewing.
It again juts down toward the anterior
tip of the ear, juts up and back and
then again down behind the ear.
It then zig-zags from behind the ear
toward the forehead just above the eye,
and back again along the superio-lateral
side of the head to the lateral edge of
the base of the occiput of the skull.
As it proceeds down the back
of the neck and shoulder, it zig-zags again
toward the tip of the seventh rib then
back again to the tip of the twelfth rib.
It then wraps around the front of the ilium,
down the lateral side of the thigh and leg and
out the dorsum of the foot between
the fourth and fifth metatarsals to
the proximo-lateral corner of
the fourth toe nail bed.
GB
CHAPTER SEVEN — MERIDIANS & POINTS
106
GB 1 Location: One half sun lateral to the outer canthus.Indications: Headaches; eye disorders.
GB 2 Location: In a depression anterior to the ear when the mouth is open.Indications: Same as GB 1; toothache; ear disorders.
GB 3 Location: One sun superior & anterior to GB 2 above zygomatic arch.Indications: Headache; upper tooache; ringing in the ears.
GB 4 Location: Three sun superior and one sun anterior to GB 3, at edge of hairline where slight movement of scalp during chewing is noticed.Indications: Headache; ringing in ear; dizziness; toothache; arthriticupper extremities; infantile convulsion.
GB 5 Location: One half sun inferior and posterior to GB 4.Indications: Fever; headache; facial swelling.
GB 6 Location: One sun inferior and posterior to GB 4.Indications: Headache; low-grade fever; facial swelling.
GB 7 Location: One and a half sun inferior and posterior to GB 4.Indications: Migraine; trigeminal neuralgia.
GB 8 Location: One and one half sun superior to superior tip of ear.Indications: Migraine; eye pain and redness; infantile convulsion.
GB 9 Location: One half sun posterior to GB 8.Indications: Headache; palpitation; blurred vision; dizziness.
YANG FLOW
GB 10 Location: Half sun superior, and one sun posterior to tip of ear.Indications: Ringing in ear; deafness; headache; toothache.
GB 11 Location: One and a half sun posterior to tip of ear.Indications: Headache; deafness; dizziness.
GB 12 Location: Half sun inferior and two sun posterior to tip of ear.Indications: Facial swelling; toothache; apoplexy; migraine; insomnia.
GB 13 Location: Superior to outer canthus, one half sun into the hairline.Indications: Headache; blurred vision; neck pain and stiffness.
GB 14 Location: One sun superior to midpoint of eyebrow.Indications: Pain in forehead; vomiting; important point for eye disorders; trigeminal neuralgia.
GB 15 Location: Superior to pupil of the eye, one half sun into the hairline.Indications: Headache; eye redness; cataracts; stuffy nose.
GB 16 Location: Superior to the pupil of the eye, three sun into the hairline.Indications: Headache; glaucoma; blindness; eye pain and redness.
GB 17 Location: Superior to the pupil of the eye, seven sun into the hairline.Indications: Migraine; headache; dizziness; toothache; deafness.
GB 18 Location: Six sun superior to GB 20.Indications: Headache; dizziness; bloody nose; asthma; cold in eye; ear and nose disorders.
CHAPTER SEVEN — MERIDIANS & POINTS
107
GB 19 Location: Three sun superior to GB 20.Indications: Headache; dizziness; palpitation; asthma; cervical vertebral disorders; stiff neck.
GB 20 Location: In a depression inferior to occipital ridge, at the sterno-cleidomastoid muscle’s point of origin.Indications: Headache; neck pain and stiffness; eye pain & redness;near sightedness; cold symptoms; blurred vision; hypertension;cervical vertebral disorders.
GB 21 Location: A depression midway on top of shoulder.Indications: Hypertension; shoulder/back pain; headache; neck painand stiffness; inflamed breast; uterine bleeding; thyroid disorders;do not work on during pregnancy unless specifically inducing labor.
GB 22 Location: Three sun inferior to axillary fold, on the axillary line.Indications: Full in chest; no strength; cannot lift arm; depression.
GB 23 Location: One sun anterior to GB 22, in fourth intercostal space.Indications: Fullness in chest; depression; hurts to lie down.
GB 24 Location: In the seventh intercostal space, on the nipple line.Indications: MU* point good for acute gallbladder problems; hysteria; limited joint movement.
GB 25 Location: Anterior to the free floating twelfth rib.Indications: MU point good for acute kidney disorders; pain in the waist and abdomen; difficulty standing or lying down.
* MU in Chinese, or BO in Japanese.
108
CHAPTER SEVEN — MERIDIANS & POINTS
GB 26 Location: Between eleventh and twelfth ribs, level with umbilicus.Indications: Gynecological disorders; pain in waist and abdomen.
GB 27 Location: On the anterior superior iliac spine of the pelvic bone.Indications: Pain in waist and back.
GB 28 Location: One sun below the anterior inferior iliac spine.Indications: Intestinal disorders; inflammation of the kidneys, testes,and womb; vomiting.
GB 29 Location: Superior aspect of the femur (hip joint).Indications: Weakness; paralysis; atrophy; pain in waist & shoulder.
GB 30 Location: Midway between the greater trochanter of the femur andhiatus of the sacrum.Indications: Rheumatism; arthritis; sciatica; pain in waist and hip.
GB 31 Location: Ten sun superior to knee joint on the lateral side of femur.Indications: Semiparalysis, paralysis, no strength in knee and leg.
GB 32 Location: Two sun inferior to GB 31.Indications: Pain in leg and knee; tendon disorders; semiparalysis.
GB 33 Location: The depression superior to lateral epicondyle of the femur.Indications: Swollen knee; paralysis of leg.
GB 34 Location: The depression anterior and inferior to head of fibula.Indications: Great for tendons & ligaments; knee and leg disorders.
GB 35 Location: Seven sun superior to lateral malleolus, on the anterioraspect of the fibula.Indications: Pain, soreness, and numbness in knee; foot cannot move; pleurisy.
GB 36 Location: One sun posterior to GB 35, on posterior edge of fibula.Indications: Cervical vertebral disorders; lower leg disorders.
GB 37 Location: Five sun superior to tip of lateral malleolus, on anterioredge of the fibula.Indications: Pain and inflammation of knee; paralysis.
GB 38 Location: Four sun superior to lateral malleolus, on anterior fibula.Indications: Sedation point for GB meridian; chest and rib pain; pain in thigh, knee, ankle; painful joints.
GB 39 Location: Three sun superior to lateral malleolus, on anterior fibula.Indications: Stiff neck; lumbago; knee pain; all bone disorders;apoplexy of hand or foot.
GB 40 Location: Anterior and inferior to the lateral malleolus.Indications: Ki source point; ankle pain; swollen heel.
GB 41 Location: Between fourth and fifth metatarsals, on proximal end.Indications: Migraine; whole body is sore; insomnia.
GB 42 Location: Between fourth and fifth metatarsals, on the distal end.Indications: Migraine; swelling and redness on dorsum of foot.
GB 43 Location: Half sun proximal to web between fourth and fifth toes.Indications: Tonification point; leg and side pain.
GB 44 Location: Lateral to the proximal corner of the fourth toe nail bed.Indications: Pain in chest and sides; cough; hiccup; headache;dry mouth; pulled tendon; stiff tongue.
CHAPTER SEVEN — MERIDIANS & POINTS
109
The Gall bladder Meridian’s
unique identifying characteristic
is that it zig zags back & forth
from the head all the way down
the side of the body.
Being associated with the Wood element,
it deals with anger & frustration.
As such, most of the migraine headache points
— which can be triggered by these emotions —
are found on this meridian. Of course,
migraines can be triggered by periods
of inactivity following stressful times.
They can also be triggered by
food allergies, and even
found in family lines...
although genetics does not play
as dominant a role as
learned behavior traits, which
could be the real trigger
for migraines.
110
CHAPTER SEVEN — MERIDIANS & POINTS
L I V E RL I V E R M E R I D I A N —M E R I D I A N —
Kyo Physical Manifestations:• Weak Joints• Easily Poisoned• Loss of Libido/Impotence/Prostate Problems• Lack of Energy/Fatigued• Tendency to Stumble• Sees Everything in Yellow
Jitsu Physical Manifestations:• Excessive Drinking• Pain in Sacrum & Coccyx• Fatigue from Neverending Drive• Swollen Chest & Stomach• Liver Problems• Fever without Cause
LIVERLIVER (Yin)Paired Meridians
GALLBLADDER (Yang)1– 3 AM Strongest EnergyTimes
1– 3 PM Weakest Energy
Element WoodSeason Spring
Color Green
Taste SourSmell Rancid
Emotion AngerExpression Yelling / Shouting
Tissue(s) Tendons & LigamentsSecretions Tears
Sense Organ EyesIndicator Nails
Desire/Value Challenge / StruggleArousalPracticalityAgilityUniquenessIndependence
Fear/Difficulty SubmittingConstancyCompromiseAuthorityInterferenceAmbiguity
General Imbalance “My Way”AggressionDepressionInflexiblePMS / OutburstsMigrainesGall StonesScattered
Grain WheatFruit/Nut Peach
Vegetable MallowMeat Chicken/Fowl
CHAPTER SEVEN — MERIDIANS & POINTS
111
LIVER Meridian Pathway —
The Liver Meridian
begins one half sun proximal to
the lateral corner of the big toe’s nail bed.
It then proceeds proximally up the dorsum of
the foot between the first and second metatarsals
and phalanges to a point one sun anterior
to the medial malleolus.
It then travels up the medial leg and thigh
to the highet aspect of the thigh,
at which point it proceeds forward to
the anterior body along the inguinal groove.
It continues up to the anterior
tip of the eleventh rib.
The Liver Meridian ends on
the mammary line,
in the sixth intercostal space.
LV
CHAPTER SEVEN — MERIDIANS & POINTS
LV 1 Location: One half sun proximal to lateral corner of big toe’s nail bed.Indications: Heavy menstrual bleeding; prolapsed uterus; lumbago;genitalia pain; involuntary urination; hernia.
LV 2 Location: Half sun proximal to web between the first and second toes.Indications: Sedation point for LV meridian; headache; insomnia;glaucoma; eye pain and swelling; menstrual disorders; involuntaryurination; reducing blood pressure.
LV 3 Location: Proximal end between first & second metatarsals.Indications: Chest disorders; lumbar disorders; bleeding in womb;reducing blood pressure; one of the 4 gates of pain w/LI 4 —LV 3 for lower body pain & LI 4 for upper body pain.
LV 4 Location: One sun anterior to the medial malleolus.Indications: Lumbago; instep injury and inflammation; paralysis ornumbness in the whole body.
LV 5 Location: Five sun superior to LV 4, on the posterior edge of tibia.Indications: Sore skin; lower limb spasms.
LV 6 Location: Half way up the tibia on it’s posterior edge.Indications: Pain and swelling in knee.
LV 7 Location: Posterior inferior aspect of the medial condyle of the tibia.Indications: Pain in back of knee.
LV 8 Location: In a depression medial to the knee joint.Indications: Tonification point LV meridian; knee joint pain.
112
YIN FLOW
LV 9 Location: Four sun superior to the medial epicondyle of the femur.Indications: Lumbar, sacral, and gluteal pains.
LV 10 Location: The highest aspect of the inner thigh.Indications: Insomnia; undue sleepiness.
LV 11 Location: One sun inferior to lateral aspect of the femoral artery.Indications: Abnormal menstruation; pain and itch in thigh.
LV 12 Location: Two and one half sun lateral to and one sun inferior to superior border of the pubis symphysis.Indications: Testicle disorders.
LV 13 Location: On the anterior end of the eleventh rib.Indications: Spleen MU point for acute digestive disorders; back pain.
LV 14 Location: On the mammary line, in the sixth intercostal space.Indications: Liver MU point for acute liver disorders; asthma;jaundice; liver, kidney or gallbladder inflammation; weak stomach.
CHAPTER SEVEN — MERIDIANS & POINTS
113
The Liver meridian’s
unique identifying characteristic
is that it runs up the medial leg
and ends only halfway up the ribs.
The Kidney and Spleen meridians
run up the medial leg, it is true,
however the Liver only runs halfway
up the ribcage. The Spleen
runs higher up the ribcage and
makes an about turn forming
what looks like a spear head.
The Kidney runs up the ribcage
to the clavicle.
The paired meridians of Liver & Gallbladder
deal with the processing of fatty foods
and alcohol. Liver, in particular, helps
treat high blood pressure.
CV 1 Location: In the center of the perineum, between the anus and thescrotum on the male, or the posterior vaginal orifice on the female(have patients work this tsubo by themselves).Indications: Perspiring on genitals; constipation; irregular menstruation; genital organ disorders; impotence.
CV 2 Location: The superior border of the pubis symphysis, on the midline.Indications: Impotence; gynecological disorders.
CV 3 Location: Four sun inferior to the umbilicus.Indications: MU point for Urinary Bladder acute disorders; gynecological disorders.
CV 4 Location: Three sun inferior to the umbilicus.Indications: MU point for Small Intestine acute disorders; indigestion; kidney and intestinal disorders; gynecological disorders.
CV 5 Location: Two sun inferior to the umbilicus.Indications: MU point for TW meridian; acute lung, stomach disorders.
CV 6 Location: One and a half sun inferior to the umbilicus.Indications: Hara point to tonify general ki, gynecological disorders.
CV 7 Location: One sun inferior to the umbilicus.Indications: Gynecological disorders.
CV 8 Location: In the center of the umbilicus.Indications: All acute disorders; apoplexy.
CHAPTER SEVEN — MERIDIANS & POINTS
114
CV 24
CV 23
CV 22
CV 21
CV 20
CV 19
CV 18
CV 17
CV 16
CV 15
CV 14
CV 13
CV 12
CV 11
CV 10
CV 9
CV 8
CV 7
CV 6
CV 5
CV 4
CV 3
CV 2
CV 1
YIN FLOW
C O N C E P T I O N V E S S E L
CV 9 Location: One sun superior to the umbilicus.Indications: All stomach and intestinal disorders.
CV 10 Location: Two sun superior to the umbilicus.Indications: All stomach and intestinal disorders.
CV 11 Location: Three sun superior to the umbilicus.Indications: All stomach and intestinal disorders.
CV 12 Location: Four sun superior to the umbilicus.Indications: Stomach MU point; acute stomach or womb disorders.
CV 13 Location: Five sun superior to the umbilicus.Indications: Same as CV 9; palpitation; cough.
CV 14 Location: Six sun superior to the umbilicus.Indications: Heart MU points for acute heart ailments; hiccups;gastric pain; vomiting; diarrhea; asthma; cough; side pains.
CV 15 Location: Seven sun superior to the umbilicus, just below the sternum.Indications: Bronchitis; pharyngitis; epilepsy; mental disorders.
CV 16 Location: One sun inferior to nipple line on body’s vertical midline.Indications: Lungs feel full; asthma.
CV 17 Location: On the midline of the body, level with the nipples.Indications: Pericardium MU point; acute heart conditions; cough; calming point; inflammation of mammary gland; lactation disfunction.
CV 18 Location: One and a half sun superior to CV 17.Indications: Asthma; bronchitis.
CHAPTER SEVEN — MERIDIANS & POINTS
115
CV 19 Location: Three sun superior to CV 17.Indications: Esophageal disorders; tonsillitis; cough; asthma.
CV 20 Location: Four and a half sun superior to CV 17.Indications: Esophageal disorders; tonsillitis; cough; asthma.
CV 21 Location: The center of the manubrium of sternum.Indications: Pleurisy; hiccup; asthma; difficulty swallowing; inflammation of the pharynx.
CV 22 Location: One sun superior to CV 21, in the sternal notch.Indications: Pharyngitis; laryngitis; asthma; tonsillitis; cough.
CV 23 Location: Four sun superior to CV 21.Indications: Bronchitis; laryngitis; asthma; swollen tongue.
CV 24 Location: The depression inferior to the center of the lower lip.Indications: Apoplexy; stiff neck; neck pain; facial paralysis or pain;toothache; edema; loss of speech due to brain damage; uncontrollablespasmodic body twitching (St. Vitus’ Dance).
C
The unique identifying characteristic
of the Conception Vessel is it’s the only
pathway that runs up the front midline.
GV 1 Location: Midway between the coccyx and the anus.Indications: Impotence; prolapsed anus; constipation; chronic twitch.
GV 2 Location: Between the sacrum and coccyx.Indications: Stiff back; involuntary urination; paralysis of lower limbs.
GV 3 Location: Between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae.Indications: Pain in waist or hip; sciatica; knee pain; legs feel heavy.
GV 4 Location: Between the second and third lumbar vertebrae.Indications: Headache; stiff back; lumbago; abdominal pain; genitalorgan disorders.
GV 5 Location: Between the first and second lumbar vertebrae.Indications: Stiff back; stomach and intestinal disorders.
GV 6 Location: Between the eleventh and twelfth thoracic vertebrae.Indications: Cold symptoms; stomach and intestinal disorders.
GV 7 Location: Between the tenth and eleventh thoracic vertebrae.Indications: Pain in waist when sitting or laying down.
GV 8 Location: Between the ninth and tenth thoracic vertebrae.Indications: Spinal neuralgia; atrophy of muscles throughout the entire body; dizziness; inability to speak due to injury to head.
GV 9 Location: Between the seventh and eighth thoracic vertebrae.Indications: Chest and back pain; stomach and intestinal disorders.
GV 10 Location: Between the sixth and seventh thoracic vertebrae.Indications: Stiff neck; arm and shoulder pain; asthma; lung disorders.
116
CHAPTER SEVEN — MERIDIANS & POINTS
G O V E R N I N G V E S S E L
GV 11 Location: Between the fifth and sixth thoracic vertebrae.Indications: Headache; chest & back pain; insomnia; dislocated jaw.
GV 12 Location: Between the third and fourth thoracic vertebrae.Indications: Same as GV 11; spinal cord disorders; arms feel heavy.
GV 13 Location: Between the first and second thoracic vertebrae.Indications: Stiff neck and back; headache; rotator cuff problems.
GV 14 Location: Inferior to the seventh cervical vertebra.Indications: Stiff neck; dizziness; vomiting; cold symptoms; cervical vertebral disorders.
GV 15 Location: Between the first and second cervical vertebrae.Indications: Headache.
GV 16 Location: In the depression inferior to the occipital ridge.Indications: Headache; stiff neck; apoplexy; bloody nose; cold symptoms; cervical vertebral disorders.
GV 17 Location: One and a half sun superior to GV 16.Indications: Pain in head and neck; trigeminal neuralgia.
GV 18 Location: One and a half sun superior to GV 17.Indications: Same as GV 17; vertigo; insomnia.
GV 19 Location: Three sun posterior to GV 20.Indications: Same as GV 18; migraine.
GV 20 Location: The apex, crown, top-most part of the head.Indications: Headache; hypertension; excellent to calm & relax.
CHAPTER SEVEN — MERIDIANS & POINTS
117
GV 21 Location: One and a half sun superior to GV 20.Indications: Head feels heavy.
GV 22 Location: One and a half sun anterior to GV 21.Indications: Anemia; dizziness; headache; stuffy/bloody nose; insomnia.
GV 23 Location: One sun anterior and inferior to GV 22.Indications: Headache; bloody nose; other nose disorders.
GV 24 Location: One sun anterior and inferior to GV 23.Indications: Headache; vertigo; palpitation; vomiting.
GV 25 Location: On the tip of the nose.Indications: Nasal obstruction; asthma.
GV 26 Location: Beneath the nose, up against the nasal cartilage.Indications: Emergency loss of consciousness; epileptic seizures.
GV 27 Location: At superior edge of upper lip on the body’s midline.Indications: Toothache in upper row of teeth; sore mouth; epilepsy.
GV 28 Location: Upper gum inside mouth on body’s midline (not illustrated).Indications: Tearing; eye disorders; cervical vertebral disorders; stuffy nose; uncontrollable spasmodic body twitching (St. Vitus’ Dance).
G
The unique identifying characteristic
of the Governing Vessel is it’s the only
pathway that runs up the back midline.
NOTE: Some oriental medical practitioners believe that at the moment of conception — that is, at the very instantthe egg is fertilized and divides in two (see illustration at upper left)— that the Conception & Governing Vessels are formed.
Both begin at the groin area by the anus, travel up the front & back sides of the body, and end as they enter the oral cavity (mouth).From these two vessels all other meridians form as the fetus develops.Like the organ meridians, these two vessels are paired with each other:
• Conception Vessel = YIN• Governing Vessel = YANG
In addition, they have their own points and energy flows within them at all times.
And, as we eat food & drink fluids & breathe airthrough our mouths and into our bodies via the oral cavity,we burn CHI in our 3 internal furnaces:
• Respiratory• Digestive• Eliminative
Where the little that remains exits our bodies at our grointhrough the urogenital and anus cavities.
So, we bring CHI into our bodies, process the CHI, and eliminate what’s left, which in turn replenishes the earthand the process begins again — in through the mouth & out our bottoms(see lower left illustration).118
CHAPTER SEVEN — MERIDIANS & POINTS
At conception,
the egg cell is fertilized
and begins to divide.
Each cell contains all
the DNA to grow into
a human being
complete with
differentiated tissues;
i.e., bones cells, nerve cells,
muscle cells, skin cells, etc.
Recommended