Why Acupressure?

I often get this question, “I’ve heard of acupuncture, but what is acupressure?” A quick answer is that acupuncture and acupressure are the same system of Chinese Medicine. But where an acupuncturist would put a needle, someone using acupressure would hold or massage the same point.

The acupressure points live on meridians, which are energetic channels or flows. These meridians run like rivers in the body. There are areas on the meridians where the chi or energy collects and that is an acupressure point. Holding and massaging acupressure points is helping the metaphorical river run more smoothly.

I was first drawn to acupressure in massage school. In my massage training, I learned both Swedish Massage and Asian Bodywork modalities. In the Asian Bodywork curriculum, there was a section on acupressure. I was intrigued that holding an acupressure point on the body could relieve the local area and improve other ailments.

For example, one of the first points I learned was Kidney 1 Bubbling Spring, on the sole of the foot. I learned it could be used to treat hot flashes, fainting, and help people feel grounded. I incorporated points such Kidney 1 - Bubbling Spring into my massages and personal practice in order to learn more about them. As I got to use the points in myself and on other people, I began to have relationships with the points. Meaning, I could tap into how does this point feel to me today compared to yesterday? What’s changed? What’s the same? How does this point connect to the whole body and person?

I also began to lean into the imagery of the names of the points. If I’m feeling into my Bubbling Spring as I stand, how can I feel the water, nourishment, and life force of the earth below, like a spring moving upwards to energize me? The names of the points, with their vivid descriptions such as doors opening and mountains moving, helped me hold the acupressure points with a sense of purpose and intention.

I began teaching self-care acupressure because it is accessible, anyone can do this! All you need is 5 minutes to sit, breath, and hold a point. You don’t need to sit on the ground or have any special equipment. It’s a practice of learning the point, then holding it and breathing and relaxing. You can change your body and your emotions just by holding a point on your body! It’s empowering to take your health into your own hands!

You’re invited to join me for my upcoming Workshop: Letting Go into Your Best Self- Acupressure and Yin Yoga for Autumn. I will teach acupressure points that will support you to let go, just like the trees let go of their leaves in Autumn, you will be guided into a practice of releasing what you no longer need. This event is Saturday Sept 7, 2024 at 3-5 pm at Inner Path Studio in Nevada City. Click here to register!

What are the 5 Elements?

I watch the world through the 5 Elements of Chinese Medicine. I first learned about 5 Element Theory in massage school while studying acupressure and shiatsu. The 5 Elements is a system of checks and balances and is based on the idea that everything in nature is also within us. It is the theory that we are not separate from nature because we are a part of nature. The Elements of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water have a unique balance within us to create our constitution. I integrate yin yoga with the 5 Element Theory at my Retreats to help you connect with yourself and nature, and have a fun way to get to know each other. Continue reading to learn about each Element and how it relates to you…

Wood Element: The Wood relates to the Spring time of year. The Wood is represented by the plants, trees, and flowers. It is about expansive movement. The Spring time is about new beginnings. It is about action and taking the first steps towards growth. The Spring is also about hope. When you witness the new flowers beginning their blooms in the Spring—how have you felt? Have you ever noticed you have more energy in the Spring, in the northern hemisphere, when we have more daylight? Wood Element Journal Question: What do you want to create in your life? What is (at least) one action step you can take towards your vision? Remember-just as the plants are growing up and moving in the Spring, the Wood Element likes to move. Make a plan and take action to help your Wood Element.

Fire Element: The Fire relates to Summer. The Fire Element is what warms your heart. You need the right balance of the Fire Element to keep your passions burning. If there isn’t enough of the Fire Element in life, then you may not feel motivated or inspired. We all need Fire to make us excited for life. Fire is about joy, love, happiness, community, and energy. Fire Element is an upward movement. Have you ever had a good laugh and felt energized by it? That is the Fire Element. Summer time provides more sunlight, longer and hotter days, to gather, and have fun. Fire Element Journal Question: What do you enjoy doing? Make a list of things that are fun and exciting to you. If you are ever feeling low or down, go back to this list and do something that makes you happy, to keep your Fire burning.

Earth Element: The Earth relates to the late Summer time of year. The late Summer is when the plants and vegetables have been harvested. The Earth Element is about being centered, the movement towards center. Have you ever had a lazy summer day, when there isn’t much to do, and the evenings feel long? The Earth Element is about this sweetness of life. To enjoy the ripe fruits and vegetables. To take care of and nurture ourselves. Earth Element Journal Question: What does self-care mean to you? Could you take time to take care of yourself? The Earth Element is a reminder that Mother Nature is always taking care of us. How do you find that quality in yourself?

Metal Element: The Metal relates to the Autumn season. The time when nature is letting go. The Metal is about keeping the most precious part of ourselves. Just like a precious stone or diamond is the most valuable part of the earth, the Metal asks us to look for the best part of ourselves. The Metal Element is about contraction. This is the inward movement. Metal Element Journal Question: What can you let go of? What is holding you back? The Metal is a reminder that every letting go is also a holding on to something precious. What is the best part of yourself that you are holing onto?

Water Element: The Water is relates to the Winter time. Nature is now becoming colder, and animals are hibernating, for the most part, humans are inside more and outside less. The movement of the Water Element is downward. One way to think about the descending nature of the Water Element is the way water is located beneath the earth. Water flows down. The Water Element is about restoration, just as the way, you might naturally sleep more during the winter months. The Water Element is also about ideas, concepts, and the flow of the mind. Water Element Journal Question: Do you give yourself time to daydream? You can build up your Water Element by taking time out to do nothing, let your mind wander and relax.

Join me Sat June 4th 2022 for the Heart Beat Day Retreat in Nevada City, CA. This Retreat is based on the Fire Element and connecting your heart to your hands for a day of acupressure, yin yoga, and drumming!