The Meridians

And now for some info on the Meridians.  Imbalances in the Meridian system may cause pain, numbness, heat or cold issues and illness. This can be the result of an injury along the Meridian line, overuse of a limb or muscles along the Meridian line, or an organ  injury or weakness  along the Meridian line. Have you ever had bronchitis and after you were better just couldn’t seem to breathe deeply? That is the result of the energy along the Lung Meridian being blocked for a time-Shiatsu or acupressure can assist in the balancing of the energies there. 

The first 3 Meridians I will discuss are the Lung, Large Intestine and Stomach. The Lung runs from  in front of the shoulder beside the chest, down the arm to the tip of the thumb. If there is a block or imbalance, the muscles along that line may feel stiff, strained, or have pain and spasms. The illnesses associated with that Meridian are respiratory infections, sore throat, swelling or paralysis of the face, deafness and pain along the line.

The Large Intestine runs along the face at the side of the nostril down to the index finger. A block or imbalance may cause the muscles along the line to feel stiff or strained, inability to raise the arm at the shoulder, and inability to move neck from side to side. The illnesses associated with that Meridian are constipation, diarrhea, sore throat, toothache in the lower region, nose bleeds, and pain along the line. 

The Stomach runs along the face from under the eye down the body to the second toe.  A block or imbalance may cause the muscles along the line to spasm, including front of the leg, neck and cheek, feet and eyelids. The illnesses associated with that Meridian are stomach problems, abdominal pain or distension, vomiting, sore throat, facial paralysis, toothache in the upper region, nose bleeds and pain along the line. 

These are 3 of the 12 Meridians, there will be more info to follow-and remember, this is only 1 technique of looking at the body system to work with illness and imbalance. Your practitioner cannot diagnose or cure you, they can only work with your body in order to create a healing environment so you can be at optimal health.

What does Shiatsu do???

Shiatsu prevents disease and maintains health by balancing and unblocking the flow of energy in the Meridians.  Plus, it is very relaxing and can loosen the muscles with acupressure and deep sweeping motions.  The average client leaves the session not necessarily feeling like jello or sleepy, but instead they feel revitalized, balanced and lighter. This is due to the balancing of the energies in the body. This is done by working along the Meridian lines of the body. 

The Meridian System is made up of 14 energy lines that run from the top to the bottom of the body, some front to back, each corresponding with an organ along that line. They are the Central, Governing, Stomach, Spleen, Heart, Small Intestine, Bladder, Kidney, Circulation, Triple Warmer, Gallbladder, Liver, Lung and Large Intestine. These lines cover the entire body and are on both sides. When the organ of the Meridian is inflamed or weakened, this will cause pain along the Meridian line. There will be many sensitive points along the line and deep or light pressure will be used, as well as holding of acupressure points to "unclog" the energy of the organ. 

How does the organ along the Meridian "get clogged" or have "stagnant" energy? Well, many things may have happened-but remember, your Practitioner is not a doctor or a diagnostition-nutrition, overall health, current state of mind or an injury can affect the Meridian. For instance, someone that is prone to bladder infections will have many tender points along the Bladder Meridian. Keeping this Meridian open and running smoothly may help decrease those symptoms and eventually help the body rid itself of the problem. The main thing is to have trust in your Shiatsu Therapist and know they can help balance the energy in your body so you can be at optimum health. 

Further posts will have each Meridian and the effects they have on the body. Thanks for reading and have a great day!

Healing on Earth Day

There is one day a year set aside for Mother Earth, yet the focus can continue every day. To become aware of the damage , as well as the beauty of Mother Earth, is what April 22, 2011 is all about. Turning the negative into the positive is what healing is all about. What can be done tomorrow, as well as everyday to promote healing of Mother Earth? The obvious topics of recycling, planting trees and discontinuing the use of pesticides are on the top of most lists-but what can be done on a daily basis is easier than once thought. Ride your bike or walk to the store instead of driving, Google  how to nurture your garden organically (surprising results), recycle AND educate your children on the benefits of recycling, and most important of all-realize that no matter where or how you live that you have been given the responsibility of being a caretaker of Mother Earth. The easiest thing that you can do is during your meditations/prayers, include thoughts of healing of the land you stand on, sit on, live on; ask for ideas of what you can do. If you work with healing energy, use it when gardening, walking through the forest or simply walking on the lawn. Revel in the beauty of Mother Earth and you will have no choice but to respect her and join in the nurturing and healing of her. 

Happy Earth Day!