This simple self-massage system is based on a combination of Japanese and Chinese massage therapies, together with acupressure techniques. The system works not only on releasing muscular tension, but also on stimulating the energetic system of the body, known in acupuncture as the meridian system.
The meridians
According to oriental medical theory, a network of channels covers the entire body and links with each of the internal organs. These channels, or meridians, are located just below the surface of the skin. They are not visible to the naked eye but can be measured electrically. They are said to conduct a current through the body which is termed ‘Qi’ in Chinese and ‘Ki’ in Japanese, and is generally translated as ‘vital energy’. The balanced supply of this vital energy throughout the body is said to be essential for health. There are twelve main meridians; they function in pairs and run on both sides of the body. There are also eight extraordinary meridians, two of which are important in the self-massage system.
The twelve main meridians
Lung – Large Intestine
Stomach – Spleen
Heart – Small Intestine
Urinary Bladder – Kidney
Pericardium – Triple Heater
Gall Bladder – Liver
Two extraordinary meridians
Conception Vessel – Governor Vessel
Most of the meridians correspond to actual physical organs, but others relate to specific functions of the body. The Triple Heater meridian relates to circulation and the distribution of fluids around the body, as well as to the health of the sexual organs. The pericardium is a membrane around the heart and the Pericardium meridian relates to heart and circulatory function in the body. The Conception and Governor Vessel meridians serve to supply and unite the energy within the other twelve meridians.
Acupoints
Along each meridian line there are points known as acupoints. These can be stimulated in order to influence the flow of vital energy in the meridian. In this massage system, fingertip pressure on the acupoints is used to clear blockages and maintain a balanced flow of energy throughout the body. Acupoints on each of the twelve main meridians are massaged on both sides of the body.
Because each of the meridians are said to connect with the internal organs, massage of acupoints can affect seemingly unrelated parts of the body. For example, massaging the acupoint, Stomach 36 on the leg can affect the workings of the stomach.
The acupoints are named according to the meridian on which they lie, and are numbered according to where they are on that meridian line. The names and numbers enable you to cross-reference the acupoints with any other acupressure or acupuncture texts.
Techniques
The self-massage techniques have been chosen for their simplicity and effectiveness. Their combination is based on many years of clinical practice and sessions with students in both East and West. The massage techniques help to release tension and promote a sense of well-being, while the acupressure works directly on the meridian system and helps to balance the internal organs.
Self-massage
The self-massage system is very adaptable. It provides the basis for a unique daily health routine that can be completed in a short time. The movements can also easily be modified to suit individual preferences or needs. By being sensitive to exactly what your body needs, at any given time, you can get the best out of this system and learn to give of your best, too.
No special preparation is necessary for self-massage, but it helps if you take a few deep breaths and have a good stretch before starting. Many of the movements can be performed whenever you have a few spare minutes. For example: sitting in a chair at home, at a desk in the office, while waiting for a bus, standing in a queue or when in bed. However, if you are at home and want to do the complete self-massage and give yourself a real treat, then the following will help you get the best out of the massage:
Allow enough free time to complete your massage. You will need a minimum of 15 minutes to work through the whole body, but can make the massage last longer if you wish.
Choose a comfortable place. Either indoors or outside, with comfortable light, temperature and ventilation, and away from loud noise or strong smells if possible.
Wear comfortable, loose clothing. If you wish to change, then a loose tracksuit is ideal. If not, simply loosen any tight clothing and remove shoes, belts, watches and jewellery.
Find a comfortable surface. Either on a carpet or mat, in a chair or on grass – whatever suits you.
Remember to breathe freely and deeply throughout the self-massage, synchronizing the movements with the breath if you can.
Adopt a comfortable position for each movement. You should always be comfortable and relaxed without any pain or strain.
Avoid interruptions. Do the self-massage at a time when you won’t be interrupted and can give yourself your whole attention and loving care.
It is also advisable:
to allow an hour after meals before starting.
to avoid practising when either very tired or very hungry. Take a rest or have a snack first.
not to smoke or drink coffee, tea or alcohol directly before practice.
All the above will help you to establish a healthy and enjoyable routine and to maximize the benefits of the self-massage.
To help your initial practice the self-massage techniques have been arranged in a sequence according to body part. This helps you to remember the massage movements and to make sure that no part of the body has been missed out.
However, this sequence is only a starting point. Once you become confident of the moves, and increase your sensitivity, you will be able to adapt the sequence to your own needs. You must decide the best way for you and be ready to change it as you yourself change.
In general the sequence moves from the top to the bottom of the body and from the inside to the outside. This is in order to balance energy within the body as a whole and to stimulate the flow of energy from the central organs through to the periphery. Many people today have a surplus of energy in the upper part of the body, through an excess of mental activity and stress, and a lack of energy in the lower body, often resulting from sedentary jobs. Typical symptoms of this energy imbalance are: headaches, eye problems and neck and shoulder stiffness, together with weakness in the legs, cold feet, digestive problems and low back pain.
By working from the top to the bottom of the body the surplus energy is drawn away from over-burdened areas and used to nourish areas with a weak supply. A marked improvement in many of the above symptoms can be obtained within a short time using self-massage.
The sequence is divided up according to five areas of the body:
1 Head