Body Sense

SUMMER | 2015

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12 Body Sense 2. PERICARDIUM 6 (PC6) OR INNER GATE PC6 is also referred to as a "healing point," as it promotes relaxation, calms the nervous system, and relieves discomfort in the chest, nausea, and wrist pain. Turn your palm up, and measure two-and-a-half finger widths away from your wrist crease toward your elbow to locate PC6. You can press on PC6 with gentle or firm pressure with your opposite hand. Or, in a seated position, stack your forearms (almost like you were to fold your arms on a table or in your lap) so the fingertips of both palms align onto the opposite inner wrist over PC6. You can also purchase a motion sickness wristband at most drugstores that apply similar pressure to this potent acupoint and are marketed to ease sea and motion sickness and nausea associated with pregnancy or chemotherapy treatment. 1. LARGE INTESTINE 4 (LI4) OR JOINING THE VALLEY Also referred to as a "Gate of Pain," LI4 is a general pain reliever for the upper body. Use LI4 to relieve frontal headaches and constipation, balance your gastrointestinal tract, and ease arm, hand, shoulder, and wrist discomfort. Located in the webbing between the thumb and index finger, you can use your opposite finger and thumb to squeeze, massage, or gently contact LI4 to open and let go of discomfort associated with the gates of pain. Do not work this point during pregnancy, as LI4 is said to promote labor. If labor has begun, LI4 is sometimes stimulated by nurses, doulas, or midwives to help encourage delivery. Do-it-yourself acupressure is a safe and effective way to enhance your sense of well-being and stimulate your own self-healing. What is Acupressure? Acupressure (acupuncture without needles) is based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has demonstrated healing benefits for millennia. TCM stimulates points located along energetic pathways to heal physical and psychological challenges. These therapeutic pressure points are called acupoints and most are located along energy channels called organ meridians. Acupoints are given both a traditional name (sometimes identifying the location or function of the point) and a secondary name associated with a specific organ and number, such as Large Intestine 4, abbreviated LI4. Each acupoint has benefits that extend beyond its associated organ meridian and location.

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