Touch of Radiance

Large Intestine 4

Large Intestine 4 (Joining Valley or He Gu) is a very powerful acupressure point. Do not use this point during pregnancy. Some of the many uses for Large Intestine 4 are: headache, toothache, pain, cough, sore throat, constipation, and delayed labor. It is found on the hand, in the middle of the second metacarpal bone, on the radial side. That means the edge of the hand bone to which your index finger attaches, about halfway between the base of your finger and your wrist. Use your thumb or fingertip to press and hold this point for several slow breaths.

Lung 1

Lung 1 (Central Palace or Zhong Fu) is a useful acupressure point, excellent for breathing problems, asthma, sore throat, and shoulder and upper back pain. It is known to clear the chest and emotions, and strengthen the lungs. First find the depression just below the outside end of your collarbone, then go about an inch below that depression onto the muscle (pectoralis major). It is usually tender on most people. Use your thumbs to hold this point while taking deep, slow breaths.

When you need a foot massage after a long day, try using a golf ball. Sit in a chair and take your shoes off. Put a golf ball on the floor in front of you. Place one foot on the ball, and roll it around under the sole of your foot. Roll gently over any sore or tender places, or find some points that want more pressure and just lean in and hold still for a while. Finish your foot massage by rolling the ball all over the sole of your foot, touching each area once more. Repeat with the other foot.

Have you heard of “fight or flight”? This is our body’s response to stress or danger, and it comes from the autonomic nervous system (it happens automatically, without thinking about it). The autonomic nervous system actually has two parts, and they work in opposition to each other. The sympathetic nervous system is the side that causes a “fight or flight” reaction. The parasympathetic side causes a “rest and digest” response.

When we enter the “fight or flight” mode, our digestion and immune system shut off and the extra blood supply is sent to the muscles in order to fight the metaphorical tiger or to run from it. Adrenaline courses through our body and we are on edge, ready for anything. Except fighting off that cold that is going around the office, or digesting our lunch. And our body doesn’t distinguish between actual physical danger and “I’m late again, and my boss is gonna kill me!” So when we are stressed out, we are engaging our sympathetic nervous system constantly.

Obviously, this can lead to some problems. Our immune system being shut off means that we are especially susceptible to invasion by any bug we come across. When digestion isn’t happening, our appetites are either gone or very erratic. If we do eat, we often feel queasy or bloated. We can be thoroughly exhausted, but unable to sleep. We need to engage our parasympathetic nervous system, the “rest and digest” mode.

There are many ways to activate the parasympathetic system. As a massage therapist, I am inclined to believe that massage is one of the best methods. Spending an hour just relaxing while someone rubs the tension out of your muscles can be the perfect way to kick-start the “rest and digest” response. Other activities you can use on your own include meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, journaling, petting your dog or cat (or someone else’s), listening to soothing music, and going for a walk.

Remember, there is nothing wrong with a “fight or flight” response, and in fact we need the ability to react quickly when necessary. We just don’t want to get stuck in that mode. It takes a split second for your body to initiate a response to perceived danger, but it takes a while to calm down again afterward. By focusing on engaging the parasympathetic nervous system, the “rest and digest” mode, we are allowing our body to stay balanced and really be ready for anything.

Is working at your computer causing some neck tension? Here are some simple stretches to help loosen up that tight neck. Always listen to your body when stretching – go just far enough to feel the stretch, but not to the point of pain. Take several slow, deep breaths and relax into the stretch.

gently stretch the sides of your neck

Lateral Neck Stretch

Bend your neck to the side, so that your nose stays pointing straight in front of you and your right ear drops toward your right shoulder. Place your right hand on the top of your head, and let the weight of your arm put a gentle stretch on the left side of your neck. Hold, without pulling for a few deep, slow breaths. Repeat for the other side.

gently stretch your neck by looking over your shoulder

Neck Rotation Stretch

Turn your head towards the right, keeping your eyes level. Go just far enough to feel a gentle stretch and hold for a few slow, deep breaths. Repeat for the other side.

Note: stretches should never be painful. If you experience any pain, stop immediately.