table of contentshiatsu 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

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


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.


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.


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.


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]


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


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,


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


48

Large Intestine, small Intestine, and Triple Warmer

meridians run up the lateral sides of the arm.

CoNdITIoNs TreaTed:

• Headache and Migraine

• Toothache


• 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


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]


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


• 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.


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


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


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


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.


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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.

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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.


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.

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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


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


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.

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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.


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.


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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.


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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.

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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.


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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


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.

Documents

table of contentshiatsu 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