I would like to start by clarifying my purpose in writing this book, and that is to give you the reader an introduction to a number of cooperative medicine modalities, so that you can be more proactive in your own health. There are numerous ways that you can improve your health; all you have to do is take some time and learn a little about how your body works, which I will attempt to teach in the following pages.
I am going to introduce you to Chinese medicine , Aromatherapy, Massage techniques and nutrition. You will learn some basic techniques for disease prevention and intervention. The main goal is elimination of chronic and painful illnesses. This text is not to take the place of professional help, but it is to give you an understanding of Natural Medicine practices and teach some basic techniques that you can perform to accentuate your treatments in between visits. Hopefully, your visits will be fewer and you will have a much better understanding of the healing process. I have only one request of you- HAVE PATIENCE!!! Cooperative medicine is not always a quick fix. I usually expect some results immediately, but some things may take several months even two years in extreme situations. Remember that you most likely did not acquire your problems over night , therefore, they won't go away over night. The difference is, in the end the problem will be alleviated and further treatments will not be required.
Acupressure is an ancient healing art used all over the Orient and Europe. Treatment can be used for as many as two thousand different illnesses. The premise of acupressure is that there is a two-way communication between the skin and the internal organs. The internal organs and the skin or muscles share blood, electric energy and lymph supply. Treating acupuncture points can improve this circulation and bring about better health. Acupressure uses bipolar electromagnetic energy to bring about change in the human body. As you may already know, all living cells, even the simplest are little more than bipolar electromagnetic energy. Acupressure can be used successfully for most painful conditions.
The other forms of human energies are as follows: Ying Chi or nourishing Chi and Wei Chi or protecting Chi. Nourishing Chi comes from the purest parts of our food and drink, and circulates with the blood. Protective Chi comes from the coarser products of digestion and can't go through the walls of the blood vessels; it circulates through the subcutaneous layer of the skin. Protective Chi warms the skin, keeps it moist and controls the opening and closing of the pores. It also protects the body from an invasion by infectious diseases. Jing Chi is produced from the food we eat and the air; Jing also has two forms: Life essence and semen essence. Life essence is stored in the kidneys and the adrenals (which rest on the kidneys and are considered with them in most Chinese literature.) Semen essence refers to spermatozoa and ova which is also stored in and around the kidneys. It manifests itself in general and sexual energy levels, hormonal problems, low libido, and chronic fatigue. Life essence must be nourished.
Xue or blood is formed from the finest products of our food and drink. Xue and Ying Chi travel together. The movement of blood relies on Chi, breathing and muscular contractions of the heart and skeletal muscles. ( Skeletal muscles are the muscles involved in moving the body, and contractions of these muscles pushes the blood in the veins back to the heart/lungs to be oxygenated.)
Jin Ye or fluid is also extracted from food and drink and Chi transforms water into Jin or clear fluid and Ye or thick fluid via the internal organs. The small intestine separates the nutrition from waste. The kidneys control the amount of fluid to be set aside for use and the bladder stores and expels the waste from the kidneys. The liver converts fluid to tears and acts as the body’s "chemical factory." The spleen produces saliva, and in Chinese Medicine it is considered to be a major part of digestion and immunity. The lungs form mucus and eliminate carbon dioxide and other wastes. The heart produces sweat and circulates the blood. Jin circulates with the Ying Chi and blood and helps to lubricate the joints, tendons and ligaments, fills bone marrow and the hollows of the brain and appears as the greasy excretion of the sweat glands.
Chi, Xue, Jing and Jin Ye have a symbiotic relationship, but Chi is required to make the others and only Chi can be absorbed from the air, heat, electrical stimulation, etc., which makes it most important and easiest to obtain.
Blood- When we talk about blood we are talking about all of its components too, including hormones, enzymes, immune components, oxygen and other nutrients. There are numerous meridians that affect the blood. The spleen and kidney produce the blood; the liver filters it; the heart circulates the blood; the lungs oxygenate; various glands secrete hormones into the blood. (That will fall under the small intestine, as the pituitary controls all the bodies glands and it is under the control of the small intestine.) Deficiency of the blood leads to yin deficieny.
Energy- The lungs are one source of energy, taking universe energy from the air. The stomach is another source of energy extracting energy from food. The kidney is also a source of energy as it stores our Hereditary Chi. Deficiency of energy leads to yang deficiency.
Nourishment- This refers to the amount of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, etc. in the blood. The purest parts of our food are turned into energy at some point. Deficiency of nourishment leads to yin deficiency.
Resistance- Our resistance to disease relies on the quality of energy extracted from our nourishment, which forms our Protective Chi. Deficiency of resistance leads to yang deficiency.
The two poles in acupuncture are Yin and Yang, which ideally are equal and opposite each other. This is a synergistic relationship as Yin is no more or less important than Yang and neither can exist without the other for comparison. Yang transforms and transports; Yin conserves meaning that Yang energies are used when turning food into Chi, Xue, blood , Jin, etc, and getting them where they need to be; yin stores these things. Yin organs work all the time and Yang organs work only as needed. Acupuncture's goal is to maintain a balance between these two. All diseases are caused by disruption in this balance, which may be caused by nutritional deficiency, emotional disturbance, stress, etc.
A meridian is a channel that Chi travels through. It is not a blood vessel or a nerve pathway, but it runs similar paths and has a strong effect on the flow of the blood and the conducting of nervous impulses. There are points on these meridians we can use to change the way the energy is flowing through the meridians. These are Acupressure points. Acupressure points have a different electrical frequency than the surrounding skin and they are more susceptible to electrical energy. This can be easily demonstrated with an electrical acupressure machine. There are 14 meridians in all; 10 of them are named for the organ they are associated with, 2 are named after the energetic function they perform and the final 2 act as overseers of the other meridians. There are six pairs of meridians that work together at maintaining tissues and continuing organic functions and each pair has a yin and yang organ. The remaining two are the Conception Vessel and the Governing Vessel. The conception vessel runs straight up the midline and governs all the yin organs. The governing vessel runs straight up the midline on the back of the body and governs all the yang organs. They are as follows: Liver (yin) and Gallbladder (yang), Heart (yin) and Small intestine (yang), Pericardium or Circulation sex (yin) and Triple heater or Triple warmer (yang), Spleen (yin) and Stomach (yang), the pancreas is considered here. Lung (yin) and Large intestine (yang.) Kidney (yin) and Bladder (yang) (the adrenals are considered here.) The abbreviations are as follows: Liver (LV), Gallbladder (GB), Heart (HE), Small Intestine (SI), Pericardium (PC) or Circulation Sex (CX), Triple Heater (TH) or Triple Warmer (TW), Spleen (SP), Stomach (ST), Lung (LU), Large Intestine (LI), Kidney (KI), Bladder (BL), Conception Vessel (CV), Governing Vessel (GV.) Normally, the energy flow in the meridians is constant and changes from one to the next at a regular time, this is referred to as circadian rhythm or the horary cycle. There is a diagram showing the times for the meridians below. The time shown for each meridian is the time that the energy of that meridian should be at its peak. Each meridian has a series of points on it; each meridian starts at point number one, the energy of a meridian flows from one to the highest number.
The law of the five elements refers to the paired meridians from above in their relationship with each other. All of the meridians are connected by way of the horary clock and the constructive and destructive cycle. The horary clock or circadian rhythm is a chart that shows how the energy flows from one meridian to the next in regular hourly intervals. The constructive cycle is a chart that shows the way the energy is supposed to flow through the meridian systems. The destructive cycle is a chart that shows how one meridian can carry over into another. With these charts and a few other tools, we are able to find where the imbalance is and choose points to correct the illness.
Now back to the paired meridians in the law of the five elements; these pairs are depicted as an element of the earth and are associated with a season of the year. The significance of the symbols is that we see the world in ourselves when we think of this cycle and the following scenario. In the grand scheme of things wood feeds fire, ashes are produced making earth, earth produces metal, metal lends nutrients to water, and water feeds the wood. It is the same in each of us. The converse is also true- wood breaks up the earth, earth devours water, water puts fire out , fire melts metal, and metal chops wood down. It is easy enough to see the similarities between these type of imbalances and the imbalance of the body in illness. In the law of the five elements the wood element is the Liver and Gallbladder meridians, the fire element consists of the Heart, Small Intestine, Triple Warmer and Pericardium meridians, the earth element consists of the Spleen and Stomach meridians, the metal element consists of the Lung and Large Intestine, and the water element consists of the Kidney and Bladder meridians. There are sixty points we use to connect these elements or phases and correct imbalances, ie. if fire is consuming wood we want to use a water point to put out the fire. Each meridian has a wood, fire, earth, metal, and water point. That means that we can effectively balance any problems with these sixty points, assuming that we choose the right points for the situation. This is where the skill is, but fortunately for us there are plenty of diagnostic tools in Chinese Medicine.
The Heart is responsible for the condition of the blood and blood vessels and transporting the blood. The heart is also associated with the thymus.
The Small Intestine is responsible for separating nutrients and wastes from our digested food. The Small Intestine is associated with the pituitary gland, which regulates growth , metabolism, immunity, sexuality and the entire endocrine system.
The Liver filters, detoxifies, nourishes, replenishes and stores blood, stores glycogen and assimilates amino acids and many other things. The liver is also responsible for our ability to think clearly and our mental drive, ambition and creative thought processes.
The Gallbladder secretes pure bile to aid in the digestion and metabolism of fats, oils and cholesterol. The gallbladder gives us our muscular strength and the ability to relax. The gallbladder also helps the muscles by removing waste products that are left from exertion.
The Spleen and Pancreas produce the digestive enzymes that the body needs to digest our food. The spleen keeps up the quality of the blood and helps to determine the amount of blood that stays in circulation. It is these white blood cells that give our immune system much of its strength. The spleen also helps the kidneys to regulate bodily fluids, combating edema. The spleen is a yin organ that aids in the transportation of food Chi to mix with the air Chi from the lungs forming human Chi. You may recall that yang is usually in charge of transport and is a dual purpose organ in this aspect. Remember that nothing is all yin or all yang. The spleen is responsible for maintaining healthy muscle tone.
The Stomach provides the body with energy through the breakdown of food. The stomach is very important in diseases where low energy is a symptom. The stomach along with the spleen transports Chi to the lungs for the formation of human Chi. The stomach is responsible for bringing energetic balance to all five elements.
The Lungs control breathing and human energies along with the stomach and spleen/pancreas. The lungs also help the heart by oxygenating the blood. The quality of breathing directly affects cellular respiration, and the tissues of the body aren't receiving enough oxygen from the blood then there is insufficient metabolism which will result in atrophy. Breathing strongly affects the Autonomic nervous system. The lungs govern the opening and closing of pores, which is one of the ways the lung aids in the elimination of waste and thermal regulation (through sweating.)
The Large Intestine pulls liquids from the digestive waste, makes them solid and disposes of them through the rectum. Together with the lungs the large intestine controls the pores. The expansion and contraction of the lungs causes the movement of waste through the intestines. Deep, proper breathing techniques will help make the bowel more regular.
The Kidneys/adrenals store Yuan Chi or Hereditary Chi. The adrenal glands secrete hormones that regulate digestive metabolism, excretion of digestive waste, controls the immune system to some degree and controls potency and fertility of the sexual organs. The vitality of the sexual organs greatly influences overall health of the body. The kidney pulls out minerals for use in the body and sends waste to the bladder for excretion. Stress and fear are especially damaging to the kidneys and adrenals. To treat problems of general low vitality, low libido, impotence, frigidity and urinogenital disorders, the kidney is a good place to start. In Chinese Medicine the spinal cord and the brain are considered to be marrow and therefore they fall under the control of the kidney. The kidney can be used to treat memory and clouded thinking along with the liver and gallbladder. Unreasonable fears and lack of willpower can be treated by strengthening the kidneys.
The Bladder stores and eliminates wastes from the kidney. The bladder meridian, because of its proximity to the spine, plays the strongest role in the functioning of the autonomic nervous system which has a major impact on all of the body’s organs. The points along the spine have the ability to switch our bodies from tense and stressed, to relaxed. These points are like a surge protector for the body.
The Triple Warmer is best understood by the traditional Chinese image of a pot of water over a fire. The fire is the sexual and urinogenital systems. The pot itself is the organs of digestion including the spleen, liver and gallbladder due to their involvement in digestion of lipids and other functions. The steam coming off the pot is the circulatory and respiratory systems. This tells us that the triple warmer, in part, is responsible for nearly all bodily functions!
The five elements themselves will lead us to answers if we pay attention to the following associations. Each element has a color that will appear when there is dysfunction, a season that is particularly hard on it, a time of day when the energy is high (Horary clock,) a climate or weather that adversely effects it, a flavor that can be helpful, ( Chinese herbs are categorized by taste and herbs with similar tastes usually have similar chemical makeup and effects,) a smell that emanates from a person indicating a problem, an orifice that it governs, a sense organ it governs, a fluid secretion it produces, an emotion that is damaging in excess. There is also a sound of voice to listen for, a part of the body it governs, an external physical manifestation. Each element has a spirit, and last there is a grain, fruit, meat and vegetable that can benefit each meridian pair.
Wood Element: Liver meridian: gives us the ability to be creative, helps us to plan, gives us desire and drive. Color:
Fire Element: Heart meridian: The heart oversees all of the mind/body/spirit work. Small intestine: the small intestine separates the pure and impure parts of our digestion. Triple heater: The triple heater regulates our body temperature respiration and hormonal activities. Pericardium: The pericardium is the heart’s protection from excess of emotions from other organs, it leads us to pleasures, it is associated with the emotional and mental aspects of sex.
Earth Element: Spleen: The Spleen gives life to the organs by distributing nutrients. Stomach: The Stomach receives nutrition, integrates it, and sends energy to the spleen.
Metal Element: Lung: The lung is responsible for receiving Chi from the heavens. Large intestine: The large intestine is responsible for storage and elimination of digestive waste.
Water Element: Kidney: The kidneys are responsible for storing the vital essence, and providing fluidity and passage for the stomachs functions. Bladder: The bladder stores the waste from the kidneys and eliminates liquid waste.
Wind is the factor from the wood element. The wind is strongest in the spring; this is the time when the body is unaccustomed to warmth and the pores open easily so wind can invade the body. Wind will often combine with heat or cold adding new symptoms. Wind related illness will often set in and change rapidly. There is also an inner wind originating in the heart, liver or kidneys. The symptoms of external wind include: Coughing, stuffy or runny nose (depending on the temperature, humidity, chemical drugs and the type of food that has been eaten,) headaches, problems with balance and sneezing. The symptoms of inner wind include: Fainting, weakness, nervous spasms, shaking or trembling, blurry vision and stiff sore muscles and joints. As you can see these fall under the liver’s jurisdiction.
Cold is the factor from the water element. The cold, obviously, is the strongest in the winter time. This particular factor is hard on yang as it likes to enter the spine at the base of the neck, where it has a direct line to the Governing Vessel and the Bladder meridian. Inner cold comes from weakness of yang in the spleen and stomach. Cold will leave a person feeling sluggish. Foods and drinks that are cooling to the system must be avoided when you are fighting cold. The symptoms of external cold include: Fever, inclination towards heat, headache, muscular contraction and body pains.
Dampness is the factor from the earth element. This factor is strongest in the late summer and it can be caused by sudden exposure to rain, air conditioning, hot showers and living in a damp climate. Inner dampness is caused by sweet foods, tea, iced beverages, liquor, cold melons, and greasy foods. The symptoms of external dampness include: Arthritis, feelings of heaviness or bloating, sluggishness and a feeling of weight on the chest. Symptoms of inner dampness include: Swelling of the abdomen, vomiting and diarrhea.
Dryness is the factor of the metal element. This factor is strongest in the fall. There are two types of dryness, cold and hot. Dryness is very injurious to the lungs and the body’s balance of vital fluids. It is necessary to replenish water that is lost from sweating (herbs can cause sweating.) The symptoms of external dryness include: Heavy coughing, blood in the mucus (which will be thick and yellow), dry and painful nose, throat and chest. The symptoms of inner dryness include: Vomiting, bleeding and constipation. The symptoms of inner dryness from herbs include: Extreme dry skin, hair and stomach and hard, dry stools.
Heat is the factor of the fire element. This factor is strongest in the early to middle summer. Heat is especially damaging to the kidney, liver, heart, stomach and lungs. The symptoms of external heat include: Profuse sweating, dry throat and mouth, palpitations of the heart and constipation. When heat and dampness combine the symptoms include: Abdominal spasms, pain and vomiting. You should avoid drinking iced drinks in the heat of summer, because they can cause chills, headaches, abdominal pains and profuse sweating. Iced or even just very cold drinks are usually somewhat counter-productive, because, the body must first warm them to be able to use them.
Fire is the factor that develops out of any of the other five elemental factors. Increased intensity of any of these factors results in inner fire, which is caused by an excess of emotion or overindulgence in foods drink, or mind-altering drugs.
Yin or Yang- all disturbances in the body will fit into primarily one or the other. In the human body yin is deficiency, stasis, cold, dampness, dull aching pain. Conversely, yang is excess, movement, heat, dryness and sharp pain.
Internal or External- gives us a general sense of the location of a problem and the extent to which it has developed. Normally as a disease progresses it will make its way deeper into the body. The converse is also true so as a disease is being cured it will come back to the surface to be eliminated. The symptoms of an internal disease will be more yin, ie., pain in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. External diseases will be more yang symptoms, ie., sharp pain, in the extremities or joints, head, sweats, constipation, thick mucus, etc. Internal refers to an illness that has settled in the organs. External refers to an illness that is still in the meridians. When a disease is on the move in the body it will cause intermittent chills and fever also.
Cold and Hot- gives us an idea what type of illness we are working with and what kind of energy will be necessary to treat it.
Empty or Full- tells us the extent of the illness and the patient’s resistance level. Illnesses of a hypoactive or chronic nature are empty, because hypofunction is the result of low energy. Illnesses of a hyperactive or acute nature are full.
Chills and fever- Give us and idea of whether the illness is mostly yin and in the internal layer, or mostly yang and in the external layers. Fever indicates that there is an excess of yang. Fever and chills indicate either that the illness is on the move or an illness that affects both. Chills without fever indicates a yang deficiency. Fever without chills and a strong thirst is an illness that has made it to the inner layers and is probably in a full stage.
Perspiration-Can be a sign indicating whether the disease is internal or external and yin or yang. Profuse sweat is a sign of a yang excess; scant sweat is a sign of yin excess. The time of day and portion of the body the sweat appears on gives us an indication of what meridians are affected.
Stool and urine- Constipation indicates a hot condition and diarrhea indicates a cold condition, generally speaking. Scant and or dark urine indicates a hot condition while profuse and or clear urine indicates a cold condition.
Appetite, thirst- If a person craves hot drinks it is most likely a cold condition and vice versa. No thirst for water indicates a damp condition. Make a note of any tastes in the mouth as they may indicate the affected system through five element correlations. Cravings for unusual foods may indicate parasites in the body.
Sleep- If a person sleeps excessively it is a yang deficiency, while insomnia is a sign of spleen deficiency and early rising or waking often throughout the night indicate imbalance in the heart, small intestine, triple warmer or pericardium.
Is there a time of day when you feel better or worse or you feel like you can concentrate better?
Do you have a problem of any type with your eyes? Many problems with the eyes are related to liver and blood deficiency. Nutrition is essential for proper eye function.
Do you have a problem of any type with your ears? If there are hearing problems you will look to the kidney or liver. If there are other problems with the ears you will want to look at the fire element.
WITH THE ABOVE QUESTIONS AND YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE FIVE ELEMENT CORRELATIONS YOU CAN GET FURTHER INSIGHT INTO THE POSSIBLE PROBLEM. NONE OF THE METHODS OF DETECTION I AM TEACHING YOU IS MEANT TO STAND ALONE. THEY ARE ALL EQUALLY IMPORTANT. WE MAKE OUR DECISION ON ALL OF THE EVIDENCE.
This includes postural analysis, general visual inspection, looking for differences in skin color and texture (and other external manifestations from above,) listening to the speech for indications of five element correlations, facial readings, abdominal readings, touching for tender areas and hot or cold spots (mostly on alarm and Shu points,) and finally pulse and tongue examination techniques.
First you will look at the skin in general, taking note of any discoloration, bumps, etc., and note the locations of any of these things. For example, redness and heat on the lung meridian may tell us that there is inflammation in the lungs. If the skin is generally pale it is an indication of lung problems. Redness or dry skin is generally a sign of heart disorders or blood deficiency. Yellow coloring will indicate stomach, spleen/pancreas and other digestive disorders (as well as the tissues affected of by these organs.) Blue coloring and itchy "crawling" skin tells us that the liver or gallbladder are malfunctioning and finally black coloring is an indication of heat creating a problem in the bladder, kidneys, or the glandular system. Edema ( bloating or holding water) is a sign of kidney and spleen deficiencies. Bumps will usually indicate an excess and toxins coming out of the skin, but in some cases it could be caused by a nutritional deficiency ending in a build up that comes out of the skin.
Next you will look for differences in the hair. You will check to make sure that the hair of the head and body are full and thick. Dryness or oiliness are indications of heat excess and nutritional deficiency respectively. We will also look for healthy luster and elasticity. These give us insight into the condition of the lung and kidney systems.
It is also important to make sure there is no osteoporosis, arthritis and other bone disorders.
The ears indicate problems in the heart/pericardium/triple warmer small intestine and the kidney/bladder systems. The physical form and function of the ears is due to the kidney/bladder and the act of "truly hearing" and understanding is due to the heart/pericardium/triple warmer/small intestine systems.
You will check the nails for a healthy pink color and a healthy white moon (or nail bed). You will also need to see that the nails are strong, but, giving without breaking, cracking or pain. Ridges on the nails or discoloration are an indication of liver and gallbladder weakness.
There are many things we can learn from the eyes and I will address this further later, but, for now the general characteristics are clearness; the eye should be alert and there should be no wandering or quaking. The vision should be clear and the person should be able to distinguish subtle differences in color. This will tell us about the overall health of the liver and gallbladder.
The tendon and ligament health is also an indication for the liver and gallbladder systems.
Listening is not just listening to what the person is saying, but, how they are saying it, as well, ie. if a person is speaking in a harsh, "shouting voice" and appears angry in general you will know to look at the liver and gallbladder systems by checking your five element correlations. There are also more advanced techniques that require listening for the sounds of organs, such as gurgling of the stomach, and tapping techniques used to determine the health of the organ that are beyond the scope of this book.
FACIAL READING: When we do facial readings we will look at the eyebrows, eyes, ears, nose, mouth.
Eyebrows- The eyebrows show us the condition of the liver, gallbladder and nervous system. If the hair of the eyebrows is long, bushy and healthy the overall health of the above systems is good and the converse is true also. If a person has highly placed brows they are generally a moral and conscientious person, which will ultimately result in a healthy liver and gallbladder. A person with low brows is practical and possibly greedy; this will cause dysfunction, mostly in the wood and fire elements (directly anyway.) If a person has a good amount of space between the eyebrows he/she is bright and intuitive, probably successful, which may lead to overworking the brain, causing dysfunction in the earth and water elements. If there is a mole or freckle near the nose there is liver dysfunction. People with little space between the eyebrows will be emotionally unstable and uptight and will usually end up with heart problems from excess of emotion. If the hair of the brows grows in an upward direction the energy is good and if the hairs point down the energy levels are deficient. If the hair is fine and thinly populated the person is a thinker and will most likely be a bit of a prankster, which can adversely affect the earth element. Thicker eyebrows are a sign of a competitive nature, which if extreme is very unhealthy for the wood, fire, earth and water elements. This is the cause of many dysfunctions.
Eyes- When we check the eyes we will consider many different things. I would like to say that this is different from iridology and should not be construed as such. In the study of iridology you would learn that every organ has a space in the iris and the appearance of this space can often be an incredible diagnostic tool. There are many good books on the subject. The first thing you will notice is the whites of the eyes. This area shows the condition of the lung, remember red coloring indicates inflammation, generally speaking. The iris shows us the condition of the liver, mostly, as far as Chinese medicine is concerned. Spots on the pupil will show us kidney trouble. Yellow iris's are a sign of nervous and or mental disorders that involve the wood, water, and fire elements. Cloudy eyes are a sure sign of serious liver degeneration. This is a long hard course of treatment, but according to both Western and Chinese medicine, the liver can regenerate impressively. If the corners of the eyes are puffy there is a weakness of the heart. The spleen/pancreas/stomach shows in the inside of the eyelid, white spots will indicate deficiency and as you know red spots will be excess and inflammation. If you can see white all around the iris you are dealing with a severe mental dysfunction. This could be caused by emotional instability, hormonal imbalance or nervous tension, etc. Watery eyes are the result of a kidney deficiency.
Ears- The ears are one of the easiest and most accurate tools for detection. You will be able to use the ear much like a reflexologist uses the feet. In the earliest stages of human life there are three distinct tissue layers that develop and grow into different body systems. The ear is the only part of the body where all three are present. This means we can move energy and the vital fluids from system to system using the ear. The ear also has an incredible amount of nerve endings putting it in touch with the majority of the body, almost directly in most cases. Take note of the chart of the ear, please.
Now find a subject and pinch the ears between the tip of the thumb and your forefinger. The technique for checking the front of the ears will be to push with the thumb using your forefinger only as a backstop. The reason for this is, the front side deals mostly with the skeletal system and organs and the back side is mostly muscular. The area of the body is the same just reversed. To check the back of the ears you will simply apply pressure with the forefinger instead of the thumb. We know that whenever we touch tightness or tension it is a sign of excess, and a serious lack of tension is a sign of deficiency, so you will need to note these areas as well. You will also note any areas that are painful to the touch. (Note that soreness to touch is NEVER normal, and any given place on the body should be able to take fairly deep pressure with the obvious exceptions of the eyes and genitals. I am only mentioning this, because, most people will say, "If you push hard enough anywhere it will hurt," and this is just dead wrong!) I have yet to see a painful area that can't be worked out at least eighty percent, in the course of a session. Working these spots in the ears and subsequent body points is a powerful treatment, but ear acupressure can stand all alone as an effective treatment. It is also important to notice any discoloration, bumps, etc. in the ear and note its position, because it will be a picture of what is happening on the inside. This is what makes cooperative medicine of all types wonderful. The body can tell us exactly what’s wrong if we learn how to read its clues and ask it questions.
This is only one way the ear is a useful tool of detection and treatment, for that matter. The ears and the kidneys are the same shape and size. The size, shape and color of the ears will change when the kidney is not functioning properly. If the ears are plump and meaty the health of the kidneys, nerves and brain is good and it is believed to be a sign of longevity; the converse is also true. This makes sense when you figure that the kidneys/adrenals store our Jing Chi and Yuan Chi. The level of the ears is also important. If the ears are above the level of the eyebrows the person is likely to have allergies and a weakened immune system. If the ears are below the level of the eyebrows the person is likely to have a weak gallbladder. People with large ears will generally be more grounded and secure, and will generally be successful in life. Small ears mean a person is prone to depression and failure. If a person has pointed ears he will generally be high strung, anxious and most likely a prankster.
Nose- The nose shows the condition of the spine. If the nose is curved "naturally" the spine is most likely curved also. The tip of the nose should be firm, this is a sign of good health; flaccidity, on the other hand is a sign of poor digestion and gallbladder dysfunction. The nostrils should be the same size, and if one is smaller that tells us the kidney on that side is weak. If a person has a large nose it is generally a sign of intelligence, financial affluence and confidence, while the converse is also true.
Mouth- The mouth gives us insight into the condition of the spleen/pancreas and the brain (which would include the liver/gallbladder and kidney/bladder systems.) If a person has an upturned mouth he will generally be more balanced. If a person has a naturally frowning mouth he or she may be a jealous person.
When looking at the mouth if you see that the upper lip is thicker in the middle you may find this person to be selfish and rather nervous. This is a combination of problems with the spleen, causing anxiety, and poor liver and kidney functions leading to poor nerve functions. Liver conditions are also indicated when the upper lip is thicker than the bottom lip.
The fullness of the lips also reflects the health of the kidney and sexual organs. The fuller the lips the better the prognosis. Coloring of the lips is also important. Red lips indicate a high sex drive that may lead to deficiency, which can be very damaging to the spleen/liver /kidney systems. If the lips are blue there are toxins present in the blood. If the lips are pale circulation is poor, and yellow on or around the lips is related to poor digestion. Cracks on the outside of the lips indicate nerve disorders; this indicates an excess of heat most likely from the liver. If the lips are cracked on the inside we will look to the digestive tract. This heat is coming from the diet most likely. If the corners of the mouth are cracked there has been food poisoning. You can spot an addictive personality by checking for a deep dip under the mouth, this person will do what it takes to get what he wants, which will probably cause numerous heart conditions if it goes unaddressed.
Tongue- The tongue is another extremely important and reliable tool of detection. The main things you will check on the tongue are the color of the coating and the overall color of the tongue (which is best checked on the underside.) A healthy tongue will be a pale, warm pink for the overall color. The coating, or "fur" as it is often referred to, should be thin white and moist, but not dripping or “pooling.” The tongue is divided into sections much like the ear, so we can get specific information on what systems are affected and what type of disorder is present. As a general rule internal disorders will show themselves in the middle of the tongue and external disorders will show more on the outer parts of the tongue.
Now, as for the general color of the tongue, if the tongue is unusually pale the circulation is poor. If the color is more red there is an inflammation. When the tongue is blue to purple there is blood clotting and stagnant blood or internal cold. This person is in need of serious medical attention and should be sent to a doctor. If a blood clot breaks lose in the bloodstream it could stop the persons heart.
If the tongue is stiff and contracted or paralyzed there is wind present
If the tongue has toothmarks at the side the Spleen Chi is deficient.
If the veins on the underside of the tongue are very dark and thick the person is full of heavy metals and needs to be cleansed.
Pulse- This can be pretty tricky. A true master of the pulse can tell you things about yourself that you may not even know. We aren't going to go that deep for two reasons, one being that it is far beyond the scope of this text, and the second that pulse diagnosis is just one tool of detection. We must use all of the tools we have acquired. No one method of detection is better than another in my opinion. We will get the best and most accurate answer combining the information from all of the methods.
Modern science has confirmed that there are six very different pulses on each wrist. The pulses of the main meridians are found on the palmar surface between the hand and arm starting where the thumb and wrist join. Some sources say that there is another pulse on the palm side of the hand near the end of the thumb and the beginning of the wrist. Traditionally there are only twelve pulses to be checked. I believe the logic behind the extra two is sound. The extra two as you can see on the chart are the conception vessel and the governing vessel. As you already know the governing vessel affects all the yang organs. The left side is considered to be yang in Chinese medicine and this pulse is on the left side above the rest of the pulses on the yang side. The other pulse is on the right side exactly opposite and it relates to the conception vessel. The pulses are checked at two or three depths at each of the points on each wrist. We do this by varying the amount of pressure we apply. The yang organs will be checked with a simple touch, and the yin organs will be checked with moderate pressure. The third and deepest depth will refer to Chi in the first position, blood in the second position and yin in the third position.
Generally, speaking if a pulse does not have much force we call it weak or forceless and it is a sign of deficiency. The converse is also true.
There are twenty-nine different pulse qualities that are commonly felt, we will look at eleven of them.
Floating- A floating pulse will feel strong under your finger with light pressure, but, when the pressure is increased it will weaken. If the pulse doesn't come back when the pressure is released it is not a floating pulse. The floating pulse indicates that the yang chi (which is responsible for moving fluids ) is in the outer parts of the body making it an external pulse. This pulse can also be considered as an indication of wind. If a floating pulse is combined with a forceless pulse it is an empty pulse.
Deep- This pulse is the opposite of the floating pulse as it can only be felt with deep pressure. This pulse indicates that the yang chi is on the inner parts of the body, making it an internal pulse. This pulse can also be a sign of stagnant energy.
Slow- A slow pulse is a pulse that is 60 beats per minute or less. This pulse is an indication of cold, deficiency or obstruction.
Rapid- This pulse is 90 beats per minute. This pulse is an indication of heat.
Empty- An empty pulse is a floating pulse that has little force and disappears altogether under pressure. An empty pulse indicates a blood and chi deficiency.
Full- A full pulse fills the fingertip and is forceful. This pulse is a sign of excess chi or stagnation and obstruction.
Surging- This pulse is floating, it has force and fills the fingertip, but when pressed deeper it will fade out completely like the empty pulse, just more force in the beginning. This pulse is a sign of excess, stagnant energy or fire.
Bowstring- A bowstring pulse is a pulse that is forceful, but feels thin on the tip of the finger. This pulse may indicate wind and liver disorders, excess mucus or pain.
Fine- This pulse is forceless and thin feeling. This pulse indicates a chi deficiency or dampness.
Skipping- A skipping pulse is a pulse is a rapid pulse that misses beats at times. This is an indication of fire or obstruction of chi.
Bound- This pulse is a slow pulse that misses beats at times. This is an indication of blockage.
When you do an abdominal reading the main considerations are the amount of tension in the area. If the tone of the muscles and skin in the area is high, there is and excess, but if there is no tone there is a deficiency. Noting painful areas will also indicate dysfunction in a system. If the skin of the abdomen is pressed and the skin pops right back out there is a healthy level of nerve activity, circulation and fluid balance. If the person you are examining jerks or tenses when you touch there is nervous dysfunction.
There are a number of different types of points that are used to raise (tonify vasodilators) or lower (sedate vasoconstrictors) the energy of a meridian. The following points occur on all of the major twelve meridians. These are not the only points, but they are commonly used and they are capable of making any changes that may be necessary.
The following points are the best ways to transfer the energy between the meridians. It is usually better to tonify the weak meridian, rather than sedating the strong meridian although the results will be similar. I will usually only use sedation for reduction of fluids that are blocked or acute pain.
ALARM POINTS are located on the chest and abdomen. They can be used for diagnosis and treatment. Alarm points are named after the organ/meridian they represent. If the point is tender to the touch on light pressure a deficiency is present. If the point is tender to the touch on deep pressure an excess is present. Alarm points can be used to raise or lower the energy of a meridian.
SHU POINTS are located along the spine. They can also be used for diagnosis and treatment, in the same way as an alarm point. The Shu points are a direct line to the organs and meridians they represent. These points can also raise or lower the energy of a meridian.
TONIFICATION POINTS we use tonification points to raise the energy/function of a meridian/organ or to increase circulation. When we use a tonification point, we are taking energy from the parent of the constructive cycle. If you were to tonify the lung, for example, the energy would come from the spleen meridian.
SEDATION/REDUCING POINTS we use sedation points to lower or reduce the energy/function of a meridian/organ or to decrease circulation. Sedation points work just opposite of the tonification points. A sedation point pushes its energy to the child in the constructive cycle. If you sedate the spleen meridian the excess energy goes to the lung meridian.
FIVE PHASE POINTS we use these points to balance out the energies between meridians. Each meridian has a point that corresponds to each of the other four elements, ie. the kidney has a point that can give or receive energy to or from the liver, heart , pericardium, spleen, and lung. From the yin organ in the elemental pair to the yin organ of the other element. The energy goes from yin to yin and from yang to yang meridians. These points can raise or lower the energy of a meridian, ie. if the liver energy is high and the water energy is low, you can tonify the wood point of the water meridian to correct this imbalance. These points are located between the fingertips and elbows or the toes and knee.
SOURCE POINTS These points store the energy of the meridian. You can use these points to treat problems with the organ the meridian reflects. These points can also be used to raise or lower the energy of a meridian. The locations of these points is always the same; for the yin meridians they are always the third point and for the yang meridians they are always the fourth point. The points are also located on or around the ankles and wrists. Source points also work well in conjunction with other points like horary points, alarm points, back shu points and especially the five shu points.
LUO POINTS These points transfer energy between coupled meridians ( Spleen and Stomach, Lung and Large Intestine, etc.) As I said before, it is preferable to tonify the weak meridian, rather than sedating/reducing the strong. These are very powerful points in that the organs that are paired have strong effects on each other and this is a great way to balance any problems between the two.
HORARY POINTS we use these points to treat chronic problems at the time when the energy of the meridian is high, primarily. For example, you would use the horary point of the lung between three and five in the morning. I feel, however, that these points are equally effective if used at twelve hour increments. It may be hard to treat somebody in the middle of the night. This point can be taught to a person so they can stimulate it at home, however.
CHI CLEFT POINTS You will use these points to treat acute illness of a meridian/organ. This point will also often be used in conjunction with other points. This is another point that can be taught to a client and they can use it to help manage in between visits.
Entry Points work much like tonification points (actually, I prefer to use them over tonification points.) An entry point is the fist point of a meridian, it takes energy from it's Sheng Cycle Parent.
Exit Points work much like sedation points (again I prefer exit points to sedation points.) An exit point is the last point on the meridian it sends the excess energy into the Sheng Cycle Child.
Of all of the above points, I would recomend that you memorize the Alarm points, Entry and Exit points,Shu points, Five Phase points, Source points, Luo points, Chi cleft and Horary points. You will find that nearly any imbalance that can be corrected with acupuncture can be done with these points, especially the Five phase points.
MASTER POINTS These points treat all conditions of certain areas of the body. For the upper body there is Lung seven, for the head there is Large Intestine four, for the urinogenital tract there is Spleen six, the legs and general energy level are affected by Stomach thirty-six.
CIRCULATORY BLOOD CHEMISTRY UB 17, BLOOD FLOW LU 9, BLOOD PRESSURE LV 3
There are countless methods of stimulation; here are a few.
ACUPRESSURE- There are a number of methods we can use to stimulate a point. You can use finger pressure on the point. When you press a point with your finger or thumb, you will press in to the point and rotate clockwise in slow circles, using moderate pressure, if you want to tonify or raise the energy at that point. If you want to sedate/reduce a point, you will rotate counterclockwise, fairly quickly, with more pressure. The length of stimulation will be longer for sedation/reducing; you may stimulate for 45 seconds to a minute and a half or even several minutes. The length of stimulation for tonification of a point may very from 15-30 seconds, usually. Whether you are tonifying or sedating /reducing you may work the point until the tenderness goes away. Most active points will be tender to the initial touch. In fact, you can do a treatment just by working the tender points. The points will only be tender if there is dysfunction. This is a good practice for a beginner. It is a little nonspecific, however.
MOXABUSTION- Moxa is stimulation with dry heat. Dry heat is a tonifying form of energy ( Some elements can be sedated or reduced by moxa, ie., water, earth, metal. It is important to always remember that the difference between tonification and sedation is a matter of degree using a lot of heat (moist or dry) will reduce blockages, because heat speeds particles of matter up and sends the blockage out through the exit points.) The heat is produced by burning the herb mugwart. The mugwart is rolled into a paper that looks much like a cigar and burned. You hold the hot end of the moxa “stick” near a point until it is just uncomfortably hot. You must communicate to the person you are treating to say “hot” when the skin gets too hot. This is not a treatment for people with nerve damage or numbness, obviously. I would suggest further training before using moxa.
NEEDLES- It is not my intention to teach needling technique, but the treatments with needles are performed in much the same way as with acupressure and achieve the same results.
ICE- Ice can be used to sedate/reduce a point. Simply place the ice on the point until there is numbness.
ELECTRICAL STIMULATION- This method of stimulation is growing in popularity. It is simple to use, quick and there are no worries as there is with needles or moxa. I suggest further reading and classes on electrical stimulation. I think that it is important to learn all the methods, because you may not always have access to any certain piece of equipment.
CUPPING AND DRY BRUSHING- Cupping is a wonderful method for reducing congestion, stagnant blood, and drawing out illness. Cups can be purchased at any number of suppliers. The type with the pumps are easy to use and keep clean. Generally speaking, you will apply the cups to the Back Shu points that are affected by the illness you are treating. Cupping works for problems like adhesions, arthritis, bursitis, sprains, strains, bronchitis, asthma, etc. You should not cup over broken skin, ulcers or when an illness is accompanied by a high fever. You should also not cup bleeders. The cup will make a bruise and should be removed when you notice a deep red to purple color. Cupping is another thing that I would suggest training in. It is something you may need to see done a couple of times. The benefits of a cupping treatment are greatly improved by dry brushing afterwards.
Dry brushing improves the overall condition of the skin and bowels, increases circulation and lymph flow, builds immunity, etc. To properly dry brush you must use long slow strokes and moderate pressure. Start at the hands or feet and drag the brush to the shoulder or hip. You will want to do this all the way around. When you brush your back brush from the outside in and then straight down the spine, brush across and down the chest, brush the abdomen in clockwise circles. Basically, you will always brush towards the colon. You may stroke each area three to ten times. Dry brushing should be done at least once a week. When dry brushing to stimulate a meridian you will brush the areas between the wrists and elbows and the ankles and knees primarily, although it may be necessary to brush the whole length of the meridian. If you want to tonify a meridian you will stroke slowly in the direction the energy flows. If you want to sedate a meridian you will quickly stroke opposite the direction the energy flows. You can do up to one hundred strokes.
Essential oils are the life blood of the plants they come from. They keep the plants from getting sick and prevent root rot. They also protect from excess heat or cold. The oils kill fungus, mold, bacteria, etc., that could harm the plant. It is for these reasons they are beneficial to us also. Aromatherapy is effective against most pathogens.
Aromatherapy is the science of essential oils. Essential oils can be used in place or in combination with medications or herbs in many cases. When combined with acupressure techniques aromatherapy is a very powerful tool. Herbs are generally used in conjunction with acupressure, however it has been my experience that aromatherapy gives more immediate results. In Chinese medicine herbs are classified by the taste and chemical temperature. I have categorized most of the essential oils in this manner and fused acupressure and aromatherapy, much the same as traditional Chinese medicine fuses acupuncture and herbs. This method of treatment is most effective when it is combined with microcurrent stimulation. It seems that the electrical current causes the oils to be diffused directly into the meridians you are working on. When using the oils in this fashion, you chose an oil that is suitable for the condition you are treating and put it on the acupressure point you are treating, then use the microcurrent. Most essential oils can be used quite safely.
Essential oils can be used in many different ways, which makes them very versatile. Oils may be applied to the skin, which is the most common use. Oils can also be diffused into the air using what is called a diffuser. Diffusers break the oils down into an extremely fine mist and blow the particles into the air. These particles are small enough to inhale into the lungs. This method is particularly good for the lungs. You may also put an oil on a rag and inhale. Certain oils may be taken internally, but I don’t recommend using them in this fashion without more training. You can also use essential oils in a bath, or compress. Essential oils also improve the effects of massage.
Aromatherapy like acupressure treats the mind, body and spirit. Essential oils have the ability to trigger pleasant memories and improve the mental attitude. The oils can treat the body on a primal and subconscious level. Many illnesses can be cured using only aromatherapy, due to the number of different chemicals in the oils.
The production of essential oils is a complicated process. First it is necessary to select the finest organically grown herbs ( meaning there are no chemicals used in the growing process and that the soil has been naturally enriched and cared for properly.) The time of harvest and the region of growth are also significant. Once you have the herbs you are ready for distillation. This process requires a different amount of heat and pressure for each herb. The oils that are produced need to be tested and compared to a standard. Due to the complexity, knowledge and skill level required to distill essential oils, I purchase mine from an acceptable wholesaler.
HEALING PROPERTIES OF VARIOUS CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS OF ESSENTIAL OILS
Sources: Citronella, Cumin, Eucalyptus Citriodora, Lemon, Lemongrass, Melissa, Thyme
Sources: Angelica, Bergamot, Birch, Roman Chamomile, Clary Sage, Helichrysum, Lavender
KETONES: Promote tissue formation, cut mucus, some ketones are neurotoxic, particularly thujone, which is found in Thuja, Mugwart and Hyssop.
Sources: Angelica, Caraway, Cedarwood, Hyssop, Mugwart, Pennyroyal, Sage, Thuja
PHENOL: Antibacterial, immune strengthener, skin irritant, antioxidant, potentially toxic to the Liver
Sources: Aniseed, Basil, Cinnamon, Clove, Fennel, Oregano, Savory, Tarragon, Thyme
SESQUITERPENES: Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antiseptic, carminative, disinfectant, sedating, antispasmodic, stomachic
Sources: Carrot, Chamomile Blue and German, Ginger, Patchouli, Sandalwood
Sources: Bergamot, Cardamon, Cistus, Cypress, Elemi, Fir, Frankincense, Grapefruit, Juniper, Lemon, Lime, Myrhh, Myrtle, Niaouli, Nutmeg, Orange, Pepper, Petitgrain, Pine, Rosemary, Rosewood, Spruce, Tangerine, Meleleuca Alternifolia
Terpene Alcohol: Antibacterial, toning and tonifying, diuretic, antiviral, uplifting
Sources: Cajeput, Coriander, Eucalyptus Radiata, Juniper, Lavender, Marjoram, Myrtle, Neroli, Niaouli, Nutmeg, Palmarosa, Peppermint, Petitgrain, Rosemary, Rosewood, Spearmint, Meleleuca Alternifolia
NEVER TAKE ANGELICA, ANISEED, BASIL, CARAWAY, CEDARWOOD, CLOVE, FENNEL, HYSSOP, MUGWART, OREGANO, PENNYROYAL, SAGE, SAVORY, TARRAGON, THUJA OR THYME INTERNALLY!!!
In this section you will get the family name first, then a list of the oils in that family. For each oil there is an organ or group of organs that the oil affects and the general properties of the oil. In the properties you will notice the first thing will always be the classifications warming and stimulating or cooling and sedating. This is so you can easily choose an oil to tonify or sedate an acupuncture meridian.
Properties: Cooling, sed., analgesic, anti-inflammatory, gynecology, digestive aid, skin healer
Properties: Cooling, sed., anti-inflammatory, calming, cell regenerator, anti-carcinogenic
Properties: Warming, stim., antispasmodic, anti-parasitic, digestive
Properties: Warming, stim., antiseptic for KI and LU, anti-fungal,
calming, expectorant Conifer oils relax the muscles while they stimulate the nervous system. Citrus oils are very similar although they are sedating there is just something uplifting about them. Both groups have a profound affect on the nervous system and the mental attitude in general. They are oils that make you want to take a deep breath when you smell them.
Properties: Warming, stim., antispasmodic, antibacterial, anti-diabetic, anti-infectious, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic to LU, KI, astringent, diuretic, tonifies blood vessels, vasoconstrictor
Properties: Warming, stim., respiratory and urinary antiseptic, expectorant, anti-inflammatory for lung and kidney
Properties: Warming, stim., anti-diabetic, diuretic, antiseptic to LU and KI, anti-rheumatic, stomachic, tonic for nerves and vicerals, digestion, memory, rubafacient
Properties: Warming, stim., expectorant, pulmonary antiseptic, adrenal corticol stim., hepatic and urinary antiseptic
Properties: Warming, stim., energetic balancer, respiratory and urinary antiseptic, expectorant, anti-inflammatory for the lung and kidney
Properties: Warming, stim., adrenal stim., antibacterial, anti-diabetic,antifungal antiseptic, astringent, good for hormonal imbalance, nerve tension, immunity
Properties: Warming, antidepressant, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, respiratory decongestant
Properties: Hot, stimulant of digestion, analgesic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, insect repellent, lymphatic drainage, strengthens blood vessels
LABIATAE: Basil, Hyssop, Lavender, Marjoram, Melissa, Peppermint, Spearmint, Oregano, Patchouli, Rosemary, Sage, Clary Sage, Thyme
Properties: Warming, stim., antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, digestive aid, LI antiseptic, migraine reducernerve tonic, provides stimulation to the brain, stomachic
Properties: Warming, stim., antispasmodic, anti-syphillic, digestive, expectorant, febrifuge, increases blood pressure, good for kidney stones, good for the skin, stomachic, tonic
Properties: Warming, stim., antiseptic, aphrodisiac, anti-sudorific, astringent, digestive, diuretic, good for menstrual problems, stomachic
Properties: Warming, stim., adrenocorticol stim., analgesic, anti-convulsive, antidepressant, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, calming, diuretic, healing, insect repellent, mucolytic
Properties: Warming, stim., analgesic, anti-rhematic, antispasmodic, calming, digestive, increases blood pressure, sedative
Properties: Warming, stim., antidepressant, antispasmodic, antiviral, calming, digestive, soothing, uplifting
Properties: Hot, stim., antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, antitoxic, antiviral, antispasmodic, irregular menses, digestive, expectorant, analgesic, sedative
Properties: Warming, stim., antibacterial, antidepressant, anti-fungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antitoxic, decongestant, insect repellent, mucolytic, tissue regenerator, stim. at low dose, sed. at high doses
Properties: Hot, stim. to nerves, tonic, analgesic, antispasmodic, digestive tonic, expectorant, menstrual cramps, scanty periods, stomachic
Properties: Warming, stim., adrenocortical stim., good for anemia, anti-neuralgic, anti-rheumatic, diuretic, pulmonary and urinary antiseptic, rubefacient, sudorific, wound healer
Properties: Warming, stim., anti-sudorific, antiseptic, astringent, diuretic, digestive, good for feminine hormonal imbalances, stomachic, tonic
Properties: Warming, stim. to nerves, antispasmodic, digestive tonic, expectorant, menstrual cramps and scanty periods, stomachic, tonic
Properties: Hot, stim., analgesic, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, anti-viral, expectorant, healing, rubefacient
Properties: Hot, stim., antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, anti-putressant, antiseptic,antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, good for anemia
Properties: Neutrality, antidepressant, anti-scarring, calming, cellular regenerator, good for female hormones, mildly antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral
MYRTACEAE: Cajeput, Clove, Eucalyptus, Myrtle, Niaouli, Nutmeg, Tea Tree (Meleleuca)
Organs: LU, Energy centers of the bodyProperties: Warming, stim., antiseptic and anti-inflammatory for the respiratory system, energizing, metabolic agents
Properties: Hot, spicy, stim., digestive, analgesic, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-neuralgic, anti-parasitic, antiseptic for infected wounds, anti-viral, good for impotence, stomachic
Properties: Warming, stim., anti-diabetic, anti-parasitic, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, expectorant, febrifuge, good for the urinary tract and gynecological organs, wound healing
Properties: Warming, stim., anti-infectious, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, antiseptic, expectorant, immune stimulant, wound healer
Properties: Warming, stim., anti-diabetic, anti-parasitic, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, expectorant, febrifuge, good for the urinary tract and the gynecological organs, wound healing
Properties: Warming, stim., expectorant, promotes local circulation of leukocytes and antibodies
Properties: Warming, stim., analgesic, anti-neuralgic, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic to SI, promotes cerebral functions, aphrodisiac, stim. to the nervous system HE, LI, SI and digestion, tonic
Properties: Hot, stim., analgesic, anti-rheumatic, antitoxic, digestive and nervous tonic, drying, rubefacient, stomachic
Properties: Warming, stim., antidepressant, anti-hemorrhagic, aphrodisiac, astringent, good for shock or grief, hemostatic, hormonal imbalance, shock, tonic,/P>
RUTACEAE: Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Neroli, Orange, Tangerine
Properties: Cooling, sed., anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious, diuretic, grounding, antispasmodic
Properties: Cooling, sed., antiseptic, anti-parasitic for LI and SI, antispasmodic, digestive, stomachic, tonic, uplifting, skin care essential
Properties: Cold, sed., antispasmodic, antiseptic, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, grounding, lymphatic stim.
Properties: Cool, sed., antibacterial, antiseptic, antiviral, diuretic, good for most pathogens, herpes, hepatic, liquifies blood, lowers blood pressure, lymphatic stim., skin care essential, stomachic, white blood cell generator
Properties: Cold, sed., antidepressant, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, calms heart muscles, hydrolating
Properties: Cold, sed., antispasmodic, cardiotonic, digestive, febrifuge, good for nervous troubles skin care essential, stomachic
Properties: Neutrality, antidepressant, antiseptic for the respiratory and urinary systems, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, diuretic, tonic,/P>
UMBELLIFERAE: Angelica, Aniseed, Caraway, Coriander, Fennel
Properties: Warming, stim., aids excretions and secretions of KI and glands, good for colic, antispasmodic, tissue regenerator
Properties: Neutrality, stim., builds blood, cephalic, digestive, revitalizing, stomachic, sudorific, tonic
Properties: Warming, stim., antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, cardiac stim., good for colic, lactation, stomachic,/P>
Properties: Warming, Stim., good for colic, antispasmodic, digestive, respiratory and cardiac stim., diuretic
Properties: Warming, stim., anti-spasmodic, good for colic, diuretic, good for menstrual problems, laxative, stomachic, tissue regenerator
Properties: Warm to hot, stim., analgesic, anti-rheumatic, febrifuge, stomachic, tonic
In the following sections the oils will be categorized as + for tonifying, or -for sedating, or +- for neutral. This can be a little confusing. People ask me how can an oil that tonifies relax a person. Oils that tonify are like heat. Dry heat tonifies, but moist heat tonifies and reduces. When you put a moist hot pack on somebody, the heat draws the blood away from the organs to protect them from the heat, and it relaxes the muscles. Therefore, you are also pulling away toxins, or reducing. The oils that tonify and reduce or relax have an energy that is similar to moist heat. This is of real benefit in the course of an Acupressure treatment, because sometimes it is not clear cut whether to tonify or sedate. You’ll remember nothing is all Yin or all Yang. Sometimes you may need to reduce a blockage and then begin strengthening. This way you can choose the right oil to use on an acupressure point when you are working with somebody. For example, if you are sedating the lung meridian you might use Frankincense, Lemon or Chamomile. Another thing to bear in mind is how stretching works. When we mindfully and forcefully contract a muscle that has been contracted and release the tension on the muscle, it will relax. Sometimes stimulation is necessary to bring about relaxation. Nothing is all yin or all yang. When using oils and Acupressure you will only need to use up to eight drops per meridian you are working on. You can safely use two drops per point for 7 points treating bilaterally ie., two drops on the sedation point of the lung on each arm. The key is to choose your oils carefully.
CIRCULATORY- Angelica+-, Aniseed+, Caraway+, Cedarwood+, Cinnamon+, Cypress+, Grapefruit-, Juniper+, Lavender+, Lime-, Marjoram+, Neroli- Niaouli+, Nutmeg+, Orange-, Pine+, Rose+, Rosemary+, Spruce+, Thyme+, Ylang Ylang+-
DIGESTIVE- Angelica+-, Aniseed+, Basil+, Bergamot-, Caraway+, Chamomile-, Cinnamon+, Clary Sage+, Clove+, Fennel+, Ginger+, Hyssop+, Juniper+, Lemongrass+, Marjoram+, Melissa+, Nutmeg+, Orange-, Oregano+, Peppermint+, Spearmint+, Tarragon+
GLANDULAR- Angelica+-, Cajeput+, Clary sage+, Clove+, Geranium+, Patchouli+, Pine+, Sage+, Sandalwood+-, Ylang Ylang+-
INTEGUMENTARY (Skin)- Bergamot-, Cedar+, Chamomile-, Cistus-, Clary Sage+, Eucalyptus+, Frankincense-, Geranium+, Grapefruit-, Helichrysum-, Hyssop+, Juniper+, Lavender+, Lemon-, Myrhh-, Myrtle+, Neroli-, Niaouli+, Patchouli+, Peppermint+, Pine+, Rosemary+, Rosewood-, Sage+, Spruce+, Tea Tree+, Thyme+, Ylang Ylang+-
LYMPHATIC- Bergamot-, Birch+, Cajeput+, Cedarwood+, Chamomile-, Cistus-, Clove+, Eucalyptus+, Frankincense-, Geranium+, Grapefruit-, Juniper+, Lavender+, Lemon-, Melissa+, Myrrh-, Myrtle+, Neroli-, Oregano+, Peppermint+, Pine+, Rosemary+, Sandalwood+-, Spruce+, Tea Tree+, Thyme+,/P>
MUSCULAR- Aniseed+, Basil+, Bergamot-, Birch+, Cajeput+, Cedarwood+, Chamomile-, Cinnamon+, Cistus-, Eucalyptus+, Fennel+, Grapefruit-, Hyssop+, Jasmine+, Juniper+, Lavender+, Lemon-, Lemongrass+, Melissa+, Neroli-, Peppermint+, Sandalwood+-, Spearmint+, Tangerine-, Tarragon+
NERVOUS- Aniseed+, Basil+, Bergamot-, Cajeput+, Caraway+, Cedarwood+, Chamomile-, Cinnamon+, Cistus-, Clove+, Cypress+, Fir+, Frankincense-, Geranium+, Grapefruit-, Helichrysum-, Jasmine+, Juniper+, Lavender+, Lemon-, Lemongrass+, Melissa+, Myrhh-, Neroli-, Nutmeg+, Orange-, Oregano+, Patchouli+, Peppermint+, Pine+, Sandalwood+-, Spearmint+, Spruce+, Tangerine-, Thyme+, Ylang Ylang+-
RESPIRATORY- Angelica+-, Aniseed+, Cajeput+, Cedar+, Chamomile-, Cistus, Fir+, Frankincense-, Grapefruit-, Helichrysum-, Juniper+, Lavender+, Lemon-, Lemongrass+, Myrhh-, Neroli-, Niaouli+, Patchouli+, Peppermint+, Pine+, Rosemary+, Sage+, Spruce+, Tea Tree+, Thyme+
SKELETAL- Birch+, Cajeput+, Cypress+, Eucalyptus+, Juniper+, Marjoram+, Nutmeg+, Oregano+, Rosemary+, Thyme+
URINOGENITAL- Bergamot-, Birch+, Caraway+, Cedarwood+, Clary Sage+, Cypress+, Eucalyptus+, Fennel+, Fir+, Geranium+, Hyssop+, Juniper+, Lavender+, Lemon-, Neroli-, Patchouli+, Pine+, Rosemary+, Spearmint+, Spruce+, Thyme+
Generally speaking it is best to mix oils within the same family. The best way to apply a number of different oils that you are unsure will safely mix is to apply one and rub it in then use the next oil. When creating a blend you should not mix more than three or four oils in the beginning. It is better to use more than one blend than to mix oils of which you are unsure. You should use oils with similar affects when blending; you don’t want to stimulate or tonify with one oil and sedate with another in the same blend. If an oil doesn’t smell right to you it probably isn’t. Also, if you are mixing an oil for somebody and it doesn’t smell appealing they probably won’t use it.
You will want to use a good “carrier” oil when blending. A carrier oil is a base for your mixture. The safest way to mix oils is to use about sixty drops of essential oil to an ounce of carrier oil. If you are doing a massage, you will want to use about 30 drops to an ounce of carrier oil. You don’t need as much because, you are covering a larger area and you are increasing circulation. It is really best and safest to use oils in a mix like this rather than pure essential oils. It does not take much of a quality oil to get a positive effect, and oils actually work better in smaller doses. If you use to much the affect will be quite negative. I like to use Jojoba oil, but, Almond oil, Olive oil, Apricot kernel or Sesame will work too.
When using oil in a massage do not use more than thirty to 40 drops of pure essential oil.
When you are putting an oil or a mixture of oils in the bathtub it is best to use ten drops or less total of pure essential oil (you will use less with most spice oils because they may irritate or burn the skin.) You can drop the oils on a mixture of 1/4 cup salt and two teaspoons of baking soda. You want the water to be about 102 degrees Fahrenheit, as higher temperatures will defeat the purpose.
If you are making a compress in a basin of water you should only use two or three drops of pure essential oil.
If you want to use oils on a child that is four years old or younger, it is necessary to dilute the oil to between 1/4 and1/3 the strength listed in the above paragraphs. Children between the ages of four and twelve can use between 1/3 and 1/2 the strength mentioned above.
Spice oils such as Basil, Cinnamon, Clove, Fennel, Marjoram, Nutmeg, Oregano, Pepper, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage and Clary sage, Spearmint, Tarragon or Thyme can cause some irritation or burning of the skin. Some other oils that could cause irritation are Chamomile (usually Chamomiles other than Roman Chamomile,) Citronella, and Lemon.
Spice oils and Hyssop raise the blood pressure and should generally be avoided by people with high blood pressure or at least be used in small quantities.
Citrus oils cause increased sensitivity to the sun. It is best to just stay out of the sun for several days after using citrus oils. Diabetic people should not use Angelica. Epileptic people should avoid spice oils, Birch and Hyssop.
I do not advise the use of essential oils during pregnancy.
Mix for general pain: 20 drops of Birch, 15 drops of Chamomile, 15 drops of Lemongrass, 15 drops of Peppermint, one ounce of carrier oil I know this recipe breaks all the rules, but, this particular one is ok.
Mix for arthritis and overall health of the skeletal system: 30 drops of Peppermint, 10 drops of oregano, 10 drops of Thyme, 30 drops of Birch, one and a half ounces of carrier oil
Mix to improve circulation: 20 drops of Cypress, 20 drops of Cedarwood, 10 drops of Juniper, 10 drops of Rosemary, one ounce of carrier oil
Mix to improve digestion: 30 drops of Peppermint, 15 drops of Basil, 15 drops of Ginger, one ounce of carrier oil
Mix for lymph flow: 30 drops of Eucalyptus, 25 drops of Juniper, 5 drops of Thyme, one ounce of carrier oil
Mix for sedating muscles: 30 drops of Mandarin, 20 drops of Lavender, 10 drops of lemon, one ounce of carrier oil
Mix for tonifying the muscles: 30 drops of Spruce, 15 drops of Fir, 15 drops of Pine, one ounce of carrier oil
Mix to sedate the nerves #1: 40 drops of Chamomile (Roman), 20 drops of Lavender, one ounce of carrier oil
Mix to sedate the nerves #2: 20 drops of Lemon, 20 drops of Mandarin, 10 drops of Bergamot, 10 drops of Orange, one ounce of carrier oil
Mix for tonifying nerves #2: 30 drops of Lemongrass, 20 drops of Geranium, 10 drops of Jasmine, one ounce of carrier oil
Mix for sedating the respiratory system: 40 drops of Chamomile, 20 drops of Frankincense, one ounce of carrier oil You can also put 20 drops of Chamomile and 10 drops of Frankincense in a diffuser and keep it near by.,/P>
Mix for tonifying the respiratory system (for moist lung conditions): 25 drops of Tea Tree (Meleleuca Alternifolia), 25 drops of Rosemary, 10 drops of Cypress, one ounce of carrier oil You can also put 13 drops of Tea Tree, 12 drops of Rosemary, and 5 drops of Cypress in a diffuser and keep it near by.
Mix for tonifying the respiratory system (for dry lung condtions): 40 drops of Birch, 20 drops of Spruce, one ounce of carrier oil This one is not for the diffuser! The Birch is too strong for the mucus membrane.
Mix for sedating the urinogenital system: 30 drops of Grapefruit, 30 drops of Lemon, one ounce of carrier oil
Mix for tonifying the female urinogenital system: 30 drops of Geranium, 20 drops of Cypress, 10 Clary Sage, one ounce of carrier oil,/P>
Mix for tonifying the male urinogenital system: 30 drops of Patchouli, 20 drops of Spruce, 10 drops of Sandalwood, one ounce of carrier oil,/P>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ESSENTIAL OILS AND THEIR SPECIFIC MERIDIANS
LV- Angelica+-, Basil+, Bergamot-, Cedarwood+, Chamomile-, Clary Sage+, Fir+, Geranium+, Grapefruit-, Jasmine+, Juniper+, Lemon-, Mandarin-, Orange-, Oregano+, Patchouli+, Pine+, Spruce+
GB- Basil+, Bergamot-, Cedarwood+, Chamomile-, Clary Sage+, Fir+, Geranium+, Grapefruit-, Jasmine+, Juniper+, Lemon-, Mandarin-, Orange-, Oregano+, Patchouli+, Pine+ , Spruce+
HE- Angelica+-, Caraway+, Cinnamon+, Clove+, Cypress+, Hyssop+, Lemon-, Lemongrass+, Marjoram+, Nutmeg+, Orange-, Ylang Ylang+-
PC- Aniseed+, Clove+, Lemon-, Lemongrass+, Neroli-, Nutmeg+, Orange-, Ylang Ylang+-
SI- Angelica+-, Basil+, Bergamot-, Cajeput+, Caraway+, Chamomile-, Clary Sage+, Coriander+, Fennel+, Ginger+, Hyssop+, Marjoram+, Nutmeg+, Oregano+, Pepper+, Peppermint+, Spearmint+, Tarragon+, Ylang Ylang+-
TW- Clary Sage+, Clove+, Geranium+, Ginger+, Jasmine+, Myrtle+, Rose+, Rosewood+, Sage+
SP- Basil+, Cinnamon+, Clove+, Cypress+, Frankincense-, Geranium+, Lemon-, Meleleuca+, Niaouli+, Oregano+, Patchouli+, Rosemary+, Rosewood+-, Thyme+
ST- Angelica+-, Basil+, Bergamot-, Chamomile-, Cinnamon+, Clary Sage+. Clove+, Ginger+, Juniper+, Lemongrass+, Marjoram+, Oregano+, Pepper+, Peppermint+, Sage+, Tarragon+, Thyme+
LU- Angelica+-, Basil+, Birch+, Cajeput+, Caraway+, Cedarwood+, Chamomile-, Cypress+, Eucalyptus+, Fir+, Frankincense-, Hyssop+, Jasmine+, Lavender+, Meleleuca+, Niaouli+, Oregano+, Patchouli+, Peppermint+, Rosemary, Sandalwood+, Spearmint+, Thyme+
KI and BL- Bergamot-, Birch+, Cedarwood, Cypress+, Eucalyptus+, Fennel+, Fir+, Grapefruit-, Lemon-, Orange+, Oregano+, Patchouli+, Peppermint+, Pine+, Rosemary+, Spruce+, Thyme+
Anti-bacterial oils in order of effectiveness: Clove, Geranium, Meleleuca, Oregano, Basil, Eucalyptus, Grapefruit, Hyssop, Lemon, Rosewood
Anti-fungal oils in order of effectiveness: Meleleuca, Oregano, Thyme, Clove, Geranium, Rosewood, Sage
Anti-microbial oils in order of effectiveness: Mountain Savory, Cinnamon, Jasmine, Myrhh
Anti-viral oils in order of effectiveness: Ravensara, Clove, Eucalyptus, Hyssop, Meleleuca, Myrrh, Sage
Mix to sedate the LV and GB #1: 30 drops of Lemon, 20 drops of Bergamot, 10 drops of Angelica, one ounce of carrier oil
Mix to sedate the LV and GB #2: 20 drops of Bergamot, 20 drops of Lemon, 20 drops of Mandarin, one ounce of carrier oil
Mix to tonify the LV and GB #1: 40 drops of Geranium, 20 drops of Basil, one ounce of carrier oil
Mix to tonify the LV and GB #2: 30 drops of Spruce, 20 drops of Fir, 10 drops of Juniper, one ounce of carrier oil
Mix to sedate HE: 30 drops of Lemon, 20 drops of Mandarin, 10 drops of Angelica
Mix to tonify HE and blood vessels: Cypress and Lemongrass build blood vessels, but they do not mix.
Mix to tonify HE #1: 20 drops of Cinnamon, 20 drops of Clove, 15 drops of Angelica, one ounce of carrier oil. This mix is an exception to the rules also. It should be used for extreme hypotension. You may also want to use Cypress and Lemongrass.
Mix to tonify HE #2: 30 drops of Marjoram, 20 drops of Cypress, 10 drops of Nutmeg, one ounce of carrier oil
Mix to sedate PC: 30 drops of Lemon, 20 drops of Mandarin, 10 drops of Ylang Ylang, one ounce of carrier oil
Mix to tonify PC: 30 drops of Lemongrass, 20 drops of Rosemary, 10 drops of Cedarwood, one ounce of carrier oil
Mix to sedate SI: 40 drops of Bergamot, 20 drops of Roman Chamomile, one ounce of carrier oil
Mix to tonify SI #1: 30 drops of Basil, 20 drops of Peppermint, 10 drops of Ginger, one ounce of carrier oil
Mix to tonify SI #2: 45 drops of Basil, 15 drops of Fennel, one ounce of carrier oil
Mix to sedate TW: 40 drops of Orange, 20 drops of Rosewood, one ounce of carrier oil
Mix to tonify TW: 25 drops of Geranium, 20 drops of Rosewood, 10 drops of Jasmine, 5 drops of pure Rose, one ounce of carrier oil
Mix for SP: 20 drops of Lemon, 20 drops of Frankincense, 10 drops of Rosewood, 10 drops of Geranium, one ounce of carrier oil This works really well for throat infections.
Mix to tonify SP #1: 30 drops of Rosemary, 15 drops of Meleleuca, 10 drops of Thyme, one ounce of carrier oil
Mix to tonify SP #2: 30 drops of Geranium, 20 drops of Rosemary, 10 drops of Oregano, one ounce of carrier oil
Mix to tonify ST: 40 drops of basil, 10 drops of Lemongrass, 10 drops of Marjoram, one ounce of carrier oil
Mix to sedate LU: 15 drops of Frankincense, 10 drops of Roman Chamomile, 1/2 ounce of carrier oil
Mix to sedate Lu #2: 15 drops of Frankincense, 10 drops of Lemon, 5 drops of Angelica, 1/2 ounce of carrier oil
Mix to tonify LU #2: 30 drops of Lavender, 20 drops of Sandalwood, 10 drops of Cypress, one ounce of carrier oil
Mix to tonify LU #3: 30 drops of Sandalwood, 20 drops of Patchouli, 10 drops of Cedarwood, one ounce of carrier oil
Mix to tonify LU #4: 30 drops of Lavender, 20 drops of Rosemary, 10 Peppermint, one ounce of carrier oil
Mix to sedate KI and BL: 30 drops of Lemon, 20 drops of Bergamot, 10 drops of grapefruit, one ounce of carrier oil
Mix to tonify KI and BL #1: 30 drops of Rosemary, 20 drops of Spruce, 10 drops of Oregano, one ounce of carrier oil
Mix to tonify KI and BL #2: 30 drops of Peppermint, 20 drops of Birch, 10 drops of Cypress, one ounce of carrier oil
Antibacterial mix #1: 30 drops of Lemon, 20 drops of Basil, 10 drops Clove, one ounce of carrier oil
Antibacterial mix #2: 20 drops of Geranium, 20 drops of Meleleuca, 20 drops of Lemon, one ounce of carrier oil
Antibacterial mix #3: 30 drops of Geranium, 20 drops of basil, 10 drops of Oregano, one ounce of carrier oil
Anti -fungal mix: 30 drops of Meleleuca, 20 drops of Geranium, 10 drops of Frankincense, one ounce of carrier oil
In order to best understand energy work like Acupressure and Chakra it is necessary to understand some Physics. Acupressure points and Chakras are functionally the same, either one is capable of drawing energy or leaking it. There are several major sciences at work in the human body at any time. They are Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry, Biology and Physics. The focus of western medicnine is on Chemistry. Eastern Medicine stresses the importance of Physics and it's control over all the other sciences. Eastern medicine also treats using all the other sciences at work in the human body. The laws of physics state that basically all matter is the same meaning, on the most basic cellular level all things are composed mainly of vibrational energy. The differentiating factor is only the rate of vibration. Things that are very solid are vibrating very slowly. Gases and liquids are vibrating very quickly. Another interesting fact is that this vibrational energy precedes the matter. Vibrational energy is slowed to form matter. This concept is of major significance and a cause of much confusion, this means that everything that ever has been, is now and will be is already an energy that is present in all dimensions. The goal of energy work therefore is to cause the vibrational energy of the universe to resonate at a specific rate to improve the quality of the human experience. I know this seems far fetched, but I can assure you that this is the fruit of Einsteinian Physics. The problem is that most of us are still mentally stuck in the beliefs of Newtonian Physics. Meaning Newtonian Physics describes a cellular system with a nucleus and electrons and protons orbiting around the nucleus. This is a fairly accurate description for the movement of the planets in orbit. This is however an incomplete and incorrect view of the world at a cellular level. The reality is that particles with a like charge attract, causing the creation of specific matter. This is a fundamental part of modern physics. The popularity of vibratory healing is growing at an astronomical rate. This is the future of healing. The Chinese and the Arab nations have been healing in this manner since the dawn of time and have much to teach.
It is important to understand the significance of color to vibrational healing. Each different color vibrates at a different frequency. This is what actually causes the phenomena of color. A certain shade will always vibrate at the same frequency, meaning all things that are fire engine red, for example, are vibrating at roughly the same frequency. It is interseting to see that the colors of the chakras are the color of the rainbow in order. This fact is of great significance in the field of Acupressure and Chakra work since each meridian and chakra has a specific color associated with it.
The belief in both Acupressure and Chakra Massage (again it is important that you understand that chakras and acupressure points are interchangeable.) is that we take energy from the universe into our chakras, which are centers of metabolization for the universal energy. The chakras are like little tornadoes that take the energy and slow it to a specific frequency. This happens because the chakras are spinning at a specific speed all the time. When the chakras slow down, speed up or reverse, dysfunction will occur in the area of the chakra.There is also a musical note associated with each chakra. The root chakra starts it off at C and it goes up one note for each chakra.
There are seven main chakras, the first five are located in close proximity to the spine. The first chakra or the Root Chakra, is located at the coccyx (the base of the spine,) slightly to the rear. The second chakra or the Sacral Chakra, is located in the center of the hips. The third chakra or the Solar Plexus Chakra, is located at the level of the tip of the sternum near the spine. The fourth chakra or the Heart Chakra, is located directly behind the center of the sternum. The fifth chakra or the Throat Chakra, is located in the center of the throat. The sixth chakra or the Third Eye chakra is between the eyebrows. The seventh chakra or the Crown Chakra, is on top of the head just forward of center. Each chakra represents a stage in our enlightenment as human beings. The root chakra grounds us to the physical world. The sacral chakra ties us to our emotional being. The solar plexus chakra ties us to our intellectual body. The heart chakra gives us the ability to explore new astral plains. The throat chakra ties us to our etheric body. The third eye chakra ties us to our celestial body. The crown chakra ties us to our spiritual body. There is also an "energetic layer" for each of these bodies, which can be observed again with kirlian photograpy. The energy from the root chakra forms a shield over the entire body very close to the skin. As we go up and out in layers the energy protrudes further and further from the body. By the time we get to the spiritual body which is a layer up to three feet in circumference which can shoot upwards to infinity. This explains the phenomena of the personal bubble or space reqirements we have as humans.
The root chakra is associated with grounding, it is responsible for givng us what it takes to survive in the material world. This chakra maintains contact with the earth's energy. The survival instinct originates in the root chakra. The root chakra is the center of sexuality for men, as the male genitalia is nearest the root chakra. The sacral chakra is closer to a womans genitalia so it is associated with sexuality for women. The root chakra is closely associated with the functioning of the adrenals, bladder, kidneys and the hormonal system. This chakra is also the center for health and vitality. The root chakra is the center of purity for humanity. The color for the root chakra is red. The element associated with the root chakra is the water element.
Some of the symptoms of imbalance in the root chakra are as follows: Violent behavior, unchecked anger possibly with no logical explanation, constipation, fear for owns survival, frustration, restlessness, pain in the low back, gluteal muscles, hips, pelvic area and organs.
We can treat the root chakra on men with the essential oils of Basil, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Cypress, Fir, Ginger, Lavender, Oregano, Patchouly, Pine, Sage, Spruce and Thyme. Basically, any oil that comes from a tree or root will treat the root chakra.
We can also use Rubies, Red Jasper, and Garnet to treat the root chakra.
Some symptoms of imbalance in the sacral chakra are as follows: Sexual problems, jealousy and possessiveness, uterine and bladder problems, low back pain and lower abdominal pain and dysfunction.
We can treat a mans sacral chakra with the essential oils of Birch, Cedarwood, Oregano, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Spruce, Thyme and Ylang Ylang.
We can treat a womans sacral chakra with the essential oils of Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Geranium, Oregano, Rose, Rosemary, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Spruce, Thyme and Ylang Ylang.
We can treat the sacral chakra with Orange Calcite, Orange Carnelian and Tigers Eye red or yellow.
The solar plexus chakra is the center for personal power and the ego. It gives us our sense of will and determination, personal power. The solar plexus chakra leads us to laughter and desire. It is also the center for metabolic energy and the energy of movement. This chakra governs the blood, stomach, spleen, liver, gallbladder, pancreas and small intestine. The color for this chakra is yellow. The solar plexus chakra is of the fire element. Our personal individuality is the gift of this chakra. The solar plexus chakra is paired with the third eye chakra.
Some symptoms of imbalance in the solar plexus are as follows: A general lack of will, over emphasis on power, anger, poor digestion, eating disorders, fear, hate, cravings for sugar and poor blood.
We can treat the solar plexus with the essential oils of Bergamot, Chamomile, Fennel, Geranium, Lavender, Lemongrass, Oregano, Peppermint, Rosewod,Sandalwood and Thyme.
We can treat the solar plexus chakra with Gold, Golden Calcite, Topaz, Yellow Citrine and Yellow Tigers Eye.
Some symptoms of imalance in the heart chakra are as follows: Unchecked anger, circulatory and heart problems in general, lack of compassion and love and impatience.
We can treat the heart chakra with the essential oils of Clove, Cypress, Frankincense, Lemon, Lemongrass, Marjoram, Orange, Rose, Rosemary and Rosewood.can treat the heart chakra with Emeralds, Green Jade, Kunzite, Malachite, Rose Quartz and Watermelon Tourmaline.
Some symptoms of imbalance in the throat chakra are as follows: Allergies, Anemia, Asthma, Difficulty communicating, especially with the opposite sex, congestion, lymph congestion, low or imbalanced energy and sore or scratchy throat.
We can treat the throat chakra with the essential oils of Bergamot, Clary Sage, Clove, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Geranium, Lemon, Rose, Rosemary, Rosewood and Ylang Ylang.
The stones we can use to treat the throat chakra with are, Aquamarine, Azurite, Blue Lace Agate, Blue Quartz, Lapis Lazuli and Sodalite.
THE THIRD EYE CHAKRA
The third eye chakra is associated with enlightenment, exploration of new astral plains, increasesed perception, spiritual love, imagination and psychic ability. The full development of this chakra is an ego death. This chakra stores visual memory and energizes the entire body. The third eye chakra governs the left side of the brain, endocrine system, left eye, lymphatics, nose, pineal gland, and the pituitary gland. This chakra is associated with the color indigo. It is a part of the light element. The third eye is paired with the solar plexus.
Some symptoms of a dysfuncitonal third eye chakra are as follows: Conceit, headaches, poor eyesight, congestion of the sinuses and lymphatics and selfishness.
We can treat problems of the third eye chakra with the essential oils of Basil, Cedarwood, Eucalyptus, Jasmine, Lemon, Patchouly, Peppermint, Rosemary and Sandalwood.
The stones we can use to treat the third eye chakra are, Amethyst, Lapis Lazuli and Sodalite.
The crown chakra is associated with cosmic wisdom and hightened spiritual awareness, understanding and unity with all. The crown chakra also helps to energize the entire body. The organs governed by the crown are the right brain, the right eye and the pineal and pituitary glands. Some say that there are no organs associated with the crown as it is not of this world. The color associated with the crown is violet. Clear light of enlightenment is also associated with the crown chakra. This chakra is of the thought element.
Some symptoms of a dysfunctional crown chakra are as follows: Depression and general lack of inspiration.
We can treat the crown chakra with the essential oils of Cedarwood, Frankincense, Lotus, Patchouly and Sandalwood.
The stones we can use to treat the crown chakra are, Amethyst, Clear Quartz, Diamonds and Oregon Opal.
The massage technique for chakra balancing includes a lot of stretching and gentle manipulation of the pelic girdle, spine, shoulders and neck. It is very important that flexibility, both of the vertebral column and the soft tissues around the spine and abdomen be maintained. There is a lot of stretching involved.
CHINESE MASSAGE-Is a very different form of massage that treats human energies, as well as relieves pain, increases circulation, improves lymphatic function, improves digestion, helps the over all energy level, and strengthens the nervous system. Massage is of major importance to our cause, since poor circulation is a problem with sexual dysfunction of all types. The focus of this massage is again the abdomen, gluteal muscles,hips, low back and thighs. Chinese massage techniques include skillful joint and soft tissue manipulation. It is fairly gently applied, but can also be considered to be "deep tissue." The names of many Chinese massage styles literally translate to push/pull. It could be considered the first "active muscle release technique" that is growing in popularity with Chiropractors, Massage Therapists and Physical Therapists the world over.
JOINT MANIPULATION-Removing subluxations, whether it be in the spine or the wrist, ankle, elbow,etc., improves nervous health, organ, joint and sexual function. Manipulation also relieves and prevents certain forms of arthritis. Improper, hard, fast adjustment techniques, actually do quite the opposite. The lumbosacral region of the spine, hips, knees, and ankles should all be manipulated.
Massage and stretching exercises are an important part of a Chinese Medicine treatment plan. Massage has many benefits ie., increases circulation of blood and lymph, breaks down of waste products that lie in the muscles, reduces adhesions, helps heal sprains and strains, increases muscle and skin tone, helps stop pain by causing the release of endorphins ( the bodies natural pain blockers,) relieves nervous tension, temporarily relaxes the muscles, etc. The significance of these benefits is incredible. Stress and poor circulation claim millions of lives every year.
The best way to relax a muscle is, however, through stretching and aromatherapy. Massage temporarily confuses the nervous system into relaxing. Stretching exercises are very different. The type of muscular contraction that usually causes pain is an involuntary contraction. Many times people will not even know they are tight until you begin to massage them. This involuntary muscle contraction is caused by stress and is beyond conscious control, so it is very hard to relax. These types of contractions will last through sleep and even massage, unless the stressor is removed. This sounds pretty hopeless, but the good news is stretching releases these contractions. When a stressor comes into contact with the human body, the body it puts up a defense mechanism known as, fight or flight syndrome. This causes the muscles on the front side of the body (the quadriceps, the abdominal muscles, the pectorals and neck flexors) to contract, sending the person into a crouched stance. You will notice that many peoples shoulders are too far forward; this is caused by the contraction of the pectoral muscles, which, actually attach to the back side of the shoulder. The constant tension on the frontal muscles will cause pain on the back side. The pain is almost always on the side of the “weak muscle.” I say weak for lack of a better word, because the back muscles, in this case, are not weak but are just tired of the competition. The frontal muscles have been locked for so long they have actually shortened giving them an unfair advantage. Forceful and conscious contraction of the contracted muscle causes the nervous system to switch the contraction into a voluntary contraction. So when you release the contraction the muscle will actually relax. Overtime this will teach the nervous system to recognize this pattern and stop it from becoming a problem. When doing this type of stretching it is good to hold the contraction for at least five seconds and to use about eighty percent of your strength.
Habituation also causes this type of muscle contraction. This could be the result of an accident or injury that causes us to favor an arm or leg, etc. It may also be the result of a repetitive motion.
One idea behing stretching is to balance the chakras by moving the energy from the feet all the way to the crown chakra. This will also help to remove subluxation, increase circulation and oxygenation. The other goal of stretching is to relieve muscle contractions that are causing pain in the body. All of these stretches are of major importance in treating many major maladies.
The first set of stretches focuses on moving the energy from the feet into the pelvic area, the next set of stretches will take the energy on up. These stretches will relax the muscles of the pelvic girdle and start to losen the lower back. Lay on your back with your arms bent and your palms down over the navel. Turn the toes in towards the middle as far as you can. Next you will turn your toes to the outside. Now bend your feet up try to point your toes at your head. Then point them down. With the left leg flat on the ground and the right knee up (and your foot planted at the level of the left knee) lay the right leg over the left leg as far as you can without moving your foot. Switch legs and do it again. Next you will bring both knees up now try to lay your knees down on one side and then the other. Last but not least bring both knees up to your chest.
The next set of stretches is used to bring the energy into the solar plexus. These stretches will also relax the muscles of the upper abdomen which often cause mid back pain. Lay on your back and push your butt into the floor. Most people raise their pelvis when told to do this exercise, you want to push the sacrum into the ground. This exercise should be felt in the low back. Your low back should naturally arch as a result of this stretch. If you press on the muscles of the low back and they are hard as rocks during this stretch you are doing it right. Next you should arch your back up of the floor starting at the bottom of your ribcage. Then do a crunch like stretch starting from just below the ribcage.
The next set of stretches is to bring the energy to the heart chakra. These stretches will also relieve a lot of pain between the shoulder blades in the back. Lay on your back and push down with your shoulder blades this will arch your mid back. Then roll your shoulders forward as far as you can.
The next set of stretches is for the upper three chakras. These stretches will also relieve a lot of pain in the neck and reduce tension headaches. Laying on your back bend your neck back as if you were going to touch the back of your head to your back between the shoulder blades. This will arch your upper back. Now touch your chin to your chest.
These stretches are to move the energy through the root and sacral chakra in an upwards direction. Start by turning your knees in until they touch. Rotate your pelvis clockwise in as large of circles as you can. Then switch to counterclockwise circles.
Nutrition is possibly the single most important part of Cooperative Medicine. In some way almost all chronic illnesses can be traced to a nutritional deficiency. If an organ is not getting the nutrition it needs it will not function properly. If the Wei Chi is not nourished it can’t protect the body from an invasion. Remember, that a good deal of the Chi in our bodies comes from our foods.
It is of the utmost importance to use organic foods and supplements to get the proper nutrition. The majority of the supplements on the market use synthetic vitamins or inorganic herbs, and neither is acceptable. The soil in this country is so depleted of nutrients it is hard to get better than fifteen percent of the necessary nutrients out of inorganic soil. We are rich in natural resources and for the most part very poorly nourished.
Foods can be categorized several different ways for Chinese Medicine purposes. First the foods are either yin or yang. They can also be classified as acidifying or alkalizing (alkalizing being the better of the two, because it is nearly impossible to eat t