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[Terri R.]

Here is Lesson VI of Naturopathy 101 dealing with the subject of Acupressure. Please post all questions, comments or concerns about this lesson in this folder. Thanks, and happy reading!

ACUPRESSURE

The ancient Oriental art of acupuncture utilizes small hair-thin needles to restore the body’s circular flow of energy through specific pathways called meridians. The human body has a distinct polarity; the energy has also been shown to have positive and negative flow patterns. Ancient Oriental medicine identifies these concepts as yin and yang.

The underlying principle of yin and yang is that antagonistic forces in nature always compliment and unify each other. For example, everything that has a front has a back; both sides are needed to make a complete structure.

The yin (negative) energy flows from the feet along the insides of the legs to the upper part of the body down to the fingertips. The yang (positive) energy begins at the fingertips, proceeds to the shoulders and head and down to the tips of the toes. Oriental philosophy teaches that when these meridians become blocked, vital nerve energy cannot flow properly throughout the body. This results in disease states. This procedure is very safe with a very small incidence of negative side effects, and can help to greatly lessen the intensity and occurrence of arthritis pain.

Acupressure is similar to acupuncture; the only difference is that instead of thin needles being inserted into the skin to free up energy in blocked meridians, firm pressure is applied over the skin by using the fingertips.

In acupressure (also referred to sometimes as contact healing) various points of the body correspond to various areas, organs, and glands. When a gland, area, or organ is unbalanced, its corresponding point on the body will be sore. This tells that there is a “leak” of the body’s energy at that spot.

To effectively use acupressure, follow this simple, basic technique. When a painful spot is found, press your fingertip over it, press firmly, and maintain this pressure. When this energy “leak” is closed, the body’s polarity is reversed.

Energy flows back into the body instead of out of the body at the sore spot. Regeneration is complete when the tenderness is gone. Press only with the amount of pressure that you can comfortably manage.

Pressure should firm but not hard enough to aggravate existing pain. “Treat” a sore point as often as possible. You may treat, for example, the sore point(s) everyday for the first week, then two to three times during the next week, then once per week thereafter. Remember, by treating a sore spot, you are also augmenting the strength of its corresponding organ. As organ function improves, so will overall health.

[Terri R.]

SUNSHINE

Do your best to receive forty (40) minutes of sunlight everyday if possible. Go to a window where sun shines most of the time. Strip from the waist up and absorb twenty (20) minutes of sunlight in the morning (prior to 10:00 a.m.) and again in the afternoon (after 4:00 p.m.). Sunlight provides the body with a natural form of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is a nutrient that combines with the mineral calcium in order for it to properly deposit in the bones and joints, allowing for the building of healthy bone and joint tissues. You do your best to make sure that your houseplants receive adequate sunlight. Treat yourself as well as your houseplants; enjoy health-giving sunlight everyday.

FRESH AIR

It is beneficial to sleep with the bedroom window open at night. This will allow for oxygen to be picked up and carbon dioxide to be breathed away and not collect in the bedroom.

Alternate Nostril Breathing: Sit in a chair or lie comfortably on the floor with your back straight. Breathe in the left nostril to the count of six (6), using your finger to hold the right nostril closed. Hold the breath for three (3) counts. Release the right nostril and breathe out to the count of six, closing the left nostril with your finger and breathing back in the right nostril for six counts. Alternate the flow of air through the nostrils six (6) times overall.

ATTITUDE

Be sure to take five (5) minutes in a quiet place, alone, sitting comfortably with your eyes closed and attention focused on “what lies within.” This will strengthen and keep you aware of your identity, needs, and goals. Remember, instead of dwelling on the debility of your condition, think positively and use your mental energies to focus on your desire to rebuild a healthy body by adopting healthy living practices.

EXERCISE

It is important to engage in vigorous physical activity involving all parts of the body. Some form of physical activity, performed on a daily basis, has a positive effect on both physical and mental status

Activities of all kinds are recommended for the maintenance of good health. The best overall exercise (especially for individuals who have not engaged in regular activity for quite some time) is walking.

To obtain the greatest results from walking, start gradually and slowly increase the tempo and time until a nonstop walk of at least thirty (30) minutes is reached. Try to walk on a daily basis.

It is best not to exercise immediately following a meal. Early morning exercise is usually the best. Stretch the body gently for one (1) minute before retiring and one (1) minute upon awakening in the morning. Also, perform gentle stretching exercises for one or two minutes before and after an exercise session.

Listen to your body and never exercise to the point of being over tired. Do not exercise immediately following a meal. Early morning exercise is usually the best.