
Acupressure is a 5000 year old Oriental system of healing which uses finger pressure on specific 'acupoints' to balance the body, mind and spirit.
How does it work?
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory there is a Life Force Energy called Qi or Chi (pronounced chee). Qi is the animating force that flows through all living things - when the qi is gone the body dies. Modern instruments are able to scientifically measure this bio-force. The concept of qi exists in many other cultures, in fact there are over 60 different names for this energy in other cultures including: Ki - Japan and Korea,
Prana - Indian, and Pnuema - Greece.
Qi flows through the body in 12 main channels called 'meridians,' in much the same way that blood flows through veins and arteries. When the qi in our meridians is flowing smoothly we feel balanced and healthy. When it becomes congested or blocked along a meridian we experience pain, sickness, and / or emotional distress. The qi flow can become blocked through physical trauma, such as a fall; emotional injury, such as being distanced from a loved one, or spiritual wounding such as being bullied.
Holding and applying pressure to the acupressure points (acupoints) allows the qi flow to become unblocked and rebalanced. It is much like removing a logjam from a river - once the debris is removed the river will begin to flow again and will eventually reach its natural rhythm. In the body this alleviates tension and discomfort and allows the body to begin to heal itself naturally.
How does it feel?
Clients usually become very relaxed and deeply rested during a session. (The sessions take place while the client lies fully-clothed on a massage table.) They may experience a tingling sensations in their arms or legs or throughout their entire body. Sometimes they experience a feeling of lightness or of floating. Memories and insights may surface. Pain and tension may dissipate. After a session they usually feel calmer and more content than before hand. These feelings can last for a few hours, or days or longer depending on the conditions that were present before the session. Often insights gained during the session can lead to new ways of looking at the world and new ways of living in it.
Blanche combines Acupressure with Medical Qi Gong in her session work. Sessions can be booked by contacting Blanche; payment can be done by Etransfer, cash, cheque or PayPal. (see Contact & Rates)
How does it work?
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory there is a Life Force Energy called Qi or Chi (pronounced chee). Qi is the animating force that flows through all living things - when the qi is gone the body dies. Modern instruments are able to scientifically measure this bio-force. The concept of qi exists in many other cultures, in fact there are over 60 different names for this energy in other cultures including: Ki - Japan and Korea,
Prana - Indian, and Pnuema - Greece.
Qi flows through the body in 12 main channels called 'meridians,' in much the same way that blood flows through veins and arteries. When the qi in our meridians is flowing smoothly we feel balanced and healthy. When it becomes congested or blocked along a meridian we experience pain, sickness, and / or emotional distress. The qi flow can become blocked through physical trauma, such as a fall; emotional injury, such as being distanced from a loved one, or spiritual wounding such as being bullied.
Holding and applying pressure to the acupressure points (acupoints) allows the qi flow to become unblocked and rebalanced. It is much like removing a logjam from a river - once the debris is removed the river will begin to flow again and will eventually reach its natural rhythm. In the body this alleviates tension and discomfort and allows the body to begin to heal itself naturally.
How does it feel?
Clients usually become very relaxed and deeply rested during a session. (The sessions take place while the client lies fully-clothed on a massage table.) They may experience a tingling sensations in their arms or legs or throughout their entire body. Sometimes they experience a feeling of lightness or of floating. Memories and insights may surface. Pain and tension may dissipate. After a session they usually feel calmer and more content than before hand. These feelings can last for a few hours, or days or longer depending on the conditions that were present before the session. Often insights gained during the session can lead to new ways of looking at the world and new ways of living in it.
Blanche combines Acupressure with Medical Qi Gong in her session work. Sessions can be booked by contacting Blanche; payment can be done by Etransfer, cash, cheque or PayPal. (see Contact & Rates)
British Columbia Acupressure Therapists' Association
The British Columbia Acupressure Therapists' Association (BCATA) was a professional Association of Acupressure Therapists, Teachers and Students. Members of the BCATA are governed by a Code of Ethics and a high standard of education in Acupressure Therapy and Chinese Medical Theory.
I was the President of the BCATA from Oct 2012-2014 and was co-editor of the Quarterly Newsletter - The Pressure Release for a number of years. Unfortunately, the BCATA folded in 2016. |
Jin Shin Do® Acupressure - "The Way of the Compassionate Spirit"
Jin Shin Do® is a style of acupressure that includes a synthesis of:
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Most of my early acupressure training came from Jin Shin Do®. It has given me a strong foundation for further studies in Acupressure Therapy and Chinese Medical Philosophy.
For a more in depth definition of Jin Shin Do® see: here
For a more in depth definition of Jin Shin Do® see: here
Disclaimer: Jin Shin Do® Acupressure is not intended for the diagnosis, treatment or cure of disease. It is a relaxation therapy, and a useful adjunct to licensed, qualified medical or psychological care. For any persistent pain or symptom, even a seemingly minor one, the reader is strongly encouraged to consult a medical doctor. When used in conjunction with standard medical treatment, the Jin Shin Do® Acupressure technique can assist the healing process by releasing tension, decreasing stress and encouraging a sense of increased well-being.