A Healing Journey With Acupressure

Acupressure is the practice of applying hand or finger pressure to specific energetic or conductive points on the body. It is based upon the same ancient principles as the art of acupuncture, except that it uses the softer form of curved finger pressure on the points.  

For centuries acupuncturists have been using these specific points on the surface of the skin to access energy that flows in predictable pathways throughout the human body. In many parts of the world acupuncture has been the primary system of health care for generations. The theoretical background of this work rests in the 2000-4000 year old tradition of Chinese therapeutic practice, still active today in China as well as the West.

The gentle practice of acupressure utilizes the same therapeutic principles as acupuncture. The formulas we use in Acupressure are used to release, balance, and strengthen all parts of the body. There are also formulas to assist the body's natural healing powers for certain common unbalanced conditions. The formulas should never replace, delay, or interfere with medical attention. Rather, they will facilitate conventional treatment by diminishing congestion within the body, boosting its organic recuperative abilities, and enhancing and balancing the free flow of vital energy within it.

In Acupressure the body is seen as having Meridians. Each Meridian has two distinct pathways. The superficial, or outer pathway is near the body's surface and is accessible through touch on acupoints. An internal pathway runs deep within the body, through a related organ and has no outer acupoint entry. It must be contacted through other means. In acupressure we work with both the outer and internal pathways.  The objective is to open the whole meridian pathway; the meridian will then regulate itself. Therefore, we encourage energy to flow wherever it is obstructed, facilitate fresh energy in wherever there is weakness, and encourage new awareness into the Meridian, its part of the body, and its organ. Each of the internal organs is energetically fed by its Meridian. The organ work we do is not physical correction, although it is amazing what can happen when new awareness is brought into it.  

How does one know if they are a candidate for Acupressure sessions? Well, a general observation of a person's basic vitality level is helpful. A healthy and balanced person looks, sounds, moves and feels energetic. There is a sparkle in the eyes and an aura of positive engagement in life. One's system may be overly weak (Yin) or overly stressed with excess tension (Yang). When one's in an overly Yin condition there is weakness, coldness, pallor, lack of vitality--even to depletion; or with overly Yang conditions there is hyperactivity, heat, hardness, tension and rigidity.

Whenever we move or free energy anyplace in the body, we affect the flow of energy and facilitate freedom everyplace else. We do this with a method of touching in Acupressure which contacts both the structure and energy of the body simultaneously. It elicits the client's own energy for balance and healing.

So, are you a candidate for Acupressure?

Well, a regular client of mine told me yesterday that she "comes to stay well not just after she is feeling depleted." She says this is what keeps her balanced in her hectic life of managing a local bank branch, raising three active boys, taking care of aging parents, and generally being the super mom (or dad) that is more and more a part of our lives today.

Cathie Drumm, of The Mind Body Sanctuary in Lakewood, practices Clinical Acupressure. She also teaches classes in this modality on an ongoing basis called The Seva Stress Release which was developed after 9-11 as a gentle practice to assist the first responders at ground zero in NY. The session is designed to flow from beginning to end, with the intention of acknowledging and offering support to the whole-being---not just the stressed or traumatized parts.  

Because of the deep healing wisdom in each individual, The Seva Stress Release may be a simple respite from a stressful day for one person, while the same treatment may be a profound turning point on the healing journey for another's journey. The goal of this release is not to "fix" or "help," but to offer the receiver an opportunity to come back home to themselves. Her classes are offered to professional bodyworkers, social workers and medical therapists with CEU's, as well as to the public, in order to keep this great work available to all.

At The Mind Body Sanctuary we have recently moved to 15203 Detroit which is above the Verizon Store. We are a holistic center offering Polarity Therapy, Reiki, Hypnotherapy, Massage, Acupressure and Essential Oil therapies. We also offer classes/Seminars in Life Coaching, Meditation, Reiki certification and Acupressure for Self and Others, SEVA.

Cathie Drumm

At The Mind Body Sanctuary we have recently moved to 15203 Detroit which is above the Verizon Store. We are a holistic center offering Polarity Therapy, Reiki, Hypnotherapy, Massage, Acupressure and Essential Oil therapies. We also offer classes/Seminars in Life Coaching, Meditation, Reiki certification and Acupressure for Self and Others, SEVA.

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Volume 9, Issue 24, Posted 2:01 PM, 11.12.2013