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COMPLETE
selfmassageWORKBOOK
KristineKaoveriiWeber
COMPLETE
selfmassageWORKBOOK
Over100SimpleTechniquesforRe-energizingBodyandMind
COLLINS&BROWN
Contents
Introduction
Howtousethisbook
PART1 MassageTechniques
PART2 DirectoryofEverydayConditions
PART3 WellnessRoutines
Index
Bibliography/acknowledgments
IntroductionBefore there were muscle-relaxants, aspirins orchiropractors, people used their hands to rub awaytheir aches and pains. Massage is the most basichealing tool, and human beings have long recognizedits curative power.We knowmassage has a long andwell-respectedhistorybecausetheartandliteratureofmanyancientcultures,fromChinaandIndiatoGreeceandEgypt,depictmassageasan integralpartoftheirhealing systems. In modern times, in the Westernworld,massage was not considered a serious healingmethod until the latter part of the twentieth century.Today massage is enjoying a renaissance, and itspopularityisgrowingasthestylesofmassagetherapybecome more varied and sophisticated. Many peoplenowconsiderregularprofessionalmassageessentialtotheirphysical–aswellastheirmentalandemotional–well-being.Havingselectedthisbook,youmaybewellawareof
the benefits of massage and may have experiencedsomeofthemfirsthand.Youmaybefamiliarwiththespecial powerof self-massage,which is anaturalwayto take care of ourselves, and we instinctivelyunderstanditspotential.Whenweinjureourselves,ourfirst reaction is toholdandsootheastubbedtoeorabumpedelbow.Whenwehaveaheadache,weholdourforeheadorrubthebackofourneck;andstrainedeyeswelcomethesoothingpressureofwarmfingertips.
AnancientChineseillustrationofacupuncturezones.
Even the simplest self-massage techniques canconferawiderangeofbenefits,rangingfromrelaxationand stress relief to improving circulationand reducingpain.Specific,powerfultechniqueswillhelptoalleviateavarietyofsymptoms,withevengreaterresults.Thisbookwill serve as your guide to the healingworld ofself-massage.Allthetechniquesinthisbookaresimpleandclearly
illustrated, so they are easy to understand andperform. Many of them can be done just about
anywhere: at the office or on an aeroplane – evenduringabusinessmeeting.Someself-massage isbestpractisedwhenyou can find somequiet time to relaxafterwards,butthe“quickfix”massagescanhelp,evenwhen you’re on the go. You can choose themassagetechniquethatbestfitsyoursituationandlifestyle.Thisbookisnotintendedtoreplacemedicalcare,or
cure any illness. If you have any serious healthconditions, check with your doctor before using thisguidetoself-massage.
AnAncientEgyptianwallpaintingfromthetombofAnkhmahor,circa2345to2181BC.Thescenedepictsahandmassagebeinggiven.
HowtousethisbookYouhaveprobablypickedupthisbookbecauseyou have an intuitive understanding of thehealing power in your hands. The informationhere will give you a framework through whichyou can harness that energy, in order toassuage the minor discomforts of modern lifeandfeelbetteringeneral.Sharewhatyoulearnwith your friends and family so that they toocanexperiencetheirowninnatehealingability.
PART1:MASSAGETECHNIQUESThis section will familiarize you with the varioustechniques necessary to perform self-massage safelyandeffectively.Youwillnoticethatmassagetechniquesvary widely. While Swedish techniques are long andsoothing, acupressure techniques are more focused.Reflexologyusesdifferenttechniquesagain,withdirectbutmovingpressureonaparticularpoint.Youcertainlydon’t have to become an expert to use these self-massage techniques effectively, but having somefamiliarity with the different styles will help youimplementtheexercisesgiveninthisbookwithgreaterconfidenceandsuccess.
PART2:DIRECTORYOFEVERYDAYCONDITIONSEach condition generally has two or three differenttechniquestohelpyouaddressyourdiscomfort,basedonyourspecificsituation.Someentries include“quickfix”help,whichmaybemoreappropriatewhenyouareattheofficeorpressedfortime.However,themajorityof the techniques will take you no more than 15minutes, and many of them can be performeddiscreetly in just about any setting. Remember thatconsistency is important, and that following therecommendedguidelinesonhowmanytimesadayyoushould perform the massage will make your self-treatmentmore successful. If one technique does not
workforyou,attemptanotherandseeifyougetbetterresults.Alwaystrytomakeyourselfascomfortableaspossible while performing these massages. Relax andbreathe deeply. Being relaxed is important whileperformingself-massagebecause itactivatesadeeperresponse.Thisnaturalhealingresponseisanessentialelementofsuccessfulself-treatment.
PART3:WELLNESSROUTINEThis section introduces you to “do-in”, the ancientChinese method of self-massage. This is an excellenttreatment forgeneralwell-beingand relaxation.Usingthismassageonadailybasiscankeepyouenergizedandingoodhealth.
Swedish/classicmassage
TheoriginsSwedish or classic massage is the most widelyrecognized formofmassagetherapyavailable today–and the most popular. Its origins are generallyattributedtoDrPerHenrikLing(1776–1839),afencerwho developed a rheumatic condition in his shoulderand cured himselfwith a combination of exercise andmassage.Hethenpromotedhissystemofcure,whichbecameknownasthe“SwedishMovementTreatment”.Ling’s systemwas unique in that it combined some
form of exercisewith themassage of a specific area.Clearly,Lingcontributed topopularizingmassageasaformof therapy.However, thebasicSwedishmassagestrokesthataretaughtandusedtodaywerecreatedbya Dutch practitioner named Johan Georg Mezger(1838–1909). He adopted the French names to labelthe basic strokes under which he systematized hisspecific typeof therapy,which laterbecameknownasSwedishorclassicmassage.Swedish massage forms the basis of just about all
otherWestern-stylemassage. Having some familiaritywithSwedishstrokesisessentialinpractisingeffectiveself-massage.
Howdoesitwork?
Swedish massage relies on several primary strokes,which are used in variation. Each type of stroke isthought to have a specific therapeutic effect. Theseincludetherelaxationofmusclesandlocalizedareasofknottiness, increasing blood and lymphatic circulation,thereliefofpainandhelpingthebodytorecoverfrommuscle strain. The strokes are generally directedtowardstheheart,asthisassistscirculationandhelpsprocess the toxins that are released from musclesduringmassage.However, forself-massage this isnotalways practical – for example, in the foot massage,youwillbestrokingawayfromtheheart.Swedishself-massage is contraindicated in cases of skin infection,wounds,incisions,bruisesandinflammation.
ThestrokesAlthough there are several different kinds of Swedishmassage technique, the following three will give youenoughskilltopractisebasicself-massage.Don’tworryabout remembering the French names of thetechniques,sinceallof themassages in thisbookusetheEnglishtranslation.
Thestrokes
Longstroking(effleurage)
ThisstrokeisthemostcommonlyusedtechniqueinSwedishmassage.Itisasimpleglidingactionovertheskin.
Kneading(petrissage)Thisisakneadingstrokeusedtoliftupthemuscleandwringorsqueezeit.Petrissageisusedtoridthemuscleofwasteandbreakupadhesions.
FrictionFrictionisoftenusedgoalittledeeperintothemusclethanstrokingorkneading.Itisgoodforusingonsmallareasofthebodyandaroundbones.
PractisingaSwedishfootmassageonyourself
Topractiseeffleurageonyourself, takeoffyoursocks,sit inacomfortablechairandplaceyour left footoveryour right thigh. (Ifyouarenot flexibleenough todothis,don’tworry–anothertechniquewillbegivenlater,whichwillenableyoutopractiseeffleurage.)Rubyourhandstogethertowarmthem.Ifyoulike,youcanuseasmallamountofnaturalvegetableoil,butthisisnotessential.
1 Usingyourthumbs,slidethewholeinsideofonethumbupthesoleofthefoot,fromtheheeltothetoes.Beforeyou
finishthisfirststroke,followwithyourotherthumbinthesameway.Useextrapressureinsoreareas.Shortenthestroketoattendtospecificpoints.Continuethisthumb-over-thumbstrokingforabouttwominutes,andthenrepeatontheotherfoot.
PractisingaSwedisharmmassageonyourself
Ifyoucan’treachyourfeetcomfortablyandeasily,tryeffleurage on your arms. You may want to wear ashort-sleevedT-shirt for thispractice.Rubyourhandstogethertowarmthem.Ifyoulike,youcanuseasmallamount of natural vegetable oil, but this is notessential.
1
2
Placeyourhandoveryourwrist,withthefingerscurledaroundtheoutsideofyourwristandyourthumbtucked
underthewrist.Keepyourfingerstogether.Withalittlepressure,slide(inonestroke)upthearmtotheshoulder.Repeatthisseveraltimes.
Next,sitstillforafewmomentsandcomparethesensationsinyourarms.Youmaynoticeawarm,tingling
orrelaxedfeelinginthearmyouhavemassaged.Repeatthesametechniqueonyourotherarm.
PractisingaSwedishShouldermassageonyourself
1
2
Sitinacomfortablechair.Uselong,deepstrokesonyourleftshoulder,byslidingthefingersofyourrighthandfrom
thebaseofyourskulltotheoutsideofyourshoulderafewtimes.Keepthefingerstogether.
Forkneading(petrissage)placeyourfingersandthumbtogetheratthebackofthethickmusclebandontopof
yourshoulder.Lettheheelofyourhandrestjustaboveyourcollarbone.Nowsqueezeyourfingersandtheheelofyourhandtogetherandholdbriefly.Repeatthisactionseveraltimes.Moveyourhandtoaslightlydifferentspotaftereachsqueeze.Youcanspendmoretimeon,andpressmoredeeplyinto,sorespots.Continueforatleastoneminute.
Nowsitstill,takeafewdeepbreathsandnoticethedifference
3
1
infeelingbetweenyourshoulders.Repeatontheothershoulder.Varythepressureyouapplybysometimespressingyourfingertipsmoredeeplyintoanytightmuscle
areaandsometimespressinghardwiththeheelofyourhand.
PractisingaSwedishjawmassageonyourself
Placeyourfingertipsonyourcheeksinfrontofyourears.Clenchyourjawstogetherandyouwillfeelamusclepop
out–thisisthemuscleyouwillpractiseon.Relaxyourjawandbegintomakesmallcircularmotionswithyourfingertipsintothismuscle,circlinginbothdirections.Thisstroke,unsurprisingly,iscalled“circularfriction”.Theareamayfeelsore,sostartgentlyandslowlyincreasethepressure.Continueforaboutoneminute.
2Next,experimentbymovingyourfingertipstodifferentareasof
themuscle,againmakingsmallcircularmotions.Continueforanotherminute.Thismuscleisoftenverytightandhas
manysmallknots,whichyoumaybegintofeelasyoumassagethearea.Thissimpleself-massage,whenuseddaily,canlessentensionofthejaw.
Acupressure
TheoriginsAcupressureisageneraltermwhichdescribesanytypeofmassagethatstimulatesacupoints(pressurepoints)on the body in an attempt to achieve a therapeuticeffect.ItoriginatedinAsiaandhasbeenanimportantpartofChinesemedicineforthousandsofyears.Inthetwentieth century acupressure spread throughout theworldand transformed itself intoavarietyofdifferentstyles. Some of the styles that are popular todayincludejinshinjitsu,Shiatsu,zenShiatsu,shentao,jinshen,jinshindo,tuina,acu-yogaanddo-in.All formsofacupressureusefinger,hand,elboworfootpressureon the various acupoints. Some combine massagetechniques, while others are strictly point-focused;someusestrongpressure,whileothersapplyverylightpressure. The acupressure self-help guidelines in thisbook are simple and straightforward to enable you toachievegreatresults.
MeridiansAcupressureusesspecificpointsthatlieon“meridians”or “channels”. These invisible lines carry “chi”, or life-force energy, throughout the body. The 12 mainmeridians are controlled by different organs – forexample,theliver,kidneysorheart.Ifyouimaginethe
meridians as rivers of energy, then the acupoints arelikesmallpoolsordamsinthoserivers.Sometimesthepools get too full and at other times they are tooempty.Applyingpressurecanregulatetheflowsothattheseriversrunmoresmoothly.
ChinesemedicaltheoryChinese medicine is a sophisticated and ancientsystem, which has been in existence for more than5,000years.Chinesemedicalpractitionersusevariousdiagnostic tools, such as the condition of the tongueand thequality of 12differentpulseson thewrist, todetermine thecourseof treatment foreach individual.Treatment may include acupuncture, herbs, moxa (awarmingherbthatisplacedontheoutsideofthebodyand burned), cupping (the use of suction on certainacupoints), acupressure and massage. Although thiscomplex system of medicine takes years to master,simple and safe acupressure techniques can bepractised by just about anyone. Familiarizing yourselfwith a few basic techniques can help you cope withminorailmentsandmaintainyourhealth.
HowdoIperformacupressure?Youcanvisualizeacupointsasbeingabout thesizeofthepadofyourthumb,orevenalittlelarger.Youdon’thavetobetremendouslyprecise in findingthepoints;however;noticingasorenessornervysensationasyouarefeelingfortheacupointwillhelpyoulocateitmoreaccurately and treat it more effectively. Some points
are more sensitive than others, and occasionally youwon’thaveanysorenessatthelocation.Inthiscase,ifyouhavecarefullyfollowedtheinstructions,youshouldtrust that you have located the point correctly. Onceyou find the acupoint, steady, sustained pressure orsmallcircularmassagestrokes(usuallyforaboutonetothree minutes) is often sufficient stimulation. It isgenerally important to stimulate the same point onbothsidesofthebodyifpossible.
StimulatingtheacupointLargeIntestine4or“hoku”point,whichisoneofthemostwell-knownpointsandiscommonlyusedforconditionssuchasheadaches,toothpainandconstipation.
Reflexologytechniques
TheoriginsReflexology is theapplicationofpressure topointsonthehandsorfeet,whichcorrespondtocertainpartsofthe body. Although it is commonly believed thatreflexologycame fromChina, there isevidence that itwas also used in Ancient Egyptian, Babylonian andNative North American cultures. A carving at aphysician’stombinSaqquarainEgypt(datingto2350BC) depicts what looks like both a foot and handreflexologytreatment.
ThelongitudinalzonesThereflexologyusedintheWesttodayhasitsorigininnineteenth-century Russian and Germany scientificenquiry. An American, Dr William Fitzgerald, whostudied reflex theory while working in Vienna,consolidatedsomeof this researchalongwithhisowntheoriesandpublishedthebookZoneTherapyin1917.Fitzgeralddividedthebodyinto10equallongitudinal
zones of energy, running from the feet, up the legs,downthearmsandup intothebrain.Thezoneswerenumbered from one to five, from the middle of thebodytotheoutside,onbothsides.Fitzgeraldtheorizedthat any impairment to the free flow of life-forceenergyorchi,wouldaffect thevitalpartsof thebody
andtheorganswithinthatspecificzone.
ReflexzonesofthefootFitzgerald taught zone therapy to a friend andcolleague, Dr Shelby Riley. However, it was Riley’sassociate, Eunice Ingham, a physical therapist, whobecame particularly enthusiastic about the work.Ingham experimented with the effects of working ondifferent areas of the feet in relation to the 10longitudinalzones,untilshewasabletomaptheentirebodyonthefeet.
PractisingreflexologytechniquesBecause the reflex areas are minute, they must bestimulated directly and precisely. Circular friction-massage or back-and-forth rubbing is not as effectiveas pinching an area, rotating on a point or thumb-walking.
1Pinching
PINCHING
Pinchingisexactlywhatitsoundslike–youpinchwithyour index fingerand thumb topreciselystimulatean
area.Thethumbisusuallythetoolthatstimulatesthereflexzone,whiletheindexfingerstabilizesthethumbontheothersideofthehandorfoot.
2Rotatingonapoint
ROTATINGONAPOINT
Forthistechnique,placeyourthumbonthereflexzoneandyourother fingersaround thebackof the footorhand.Pressintotheareawithyourthumb,supportingthe pressure with your fingers from the other side.Then rotate your thumb as you continue to hold thepressure.
3aThumb-walking
3b
THUMB-WALKING
This technique may take a little more practice. It isoften described as using the thumb to crawl like acaterpillar over the reflex zone. Place thepadof yourthumbonyouroppositepalm.Nowbendtheknucklesothatyourolluptothetipofyourthumb(see3a).Next,flattenyourthumbagain,butmoveitforward
about 0.5 cm (¼ inch). Never let your thumb losecontactwiththeskin(see3b).Repeat theactionoveryour palm several times until it becomes an easyrepetitiveaction.
OthermassagetechniquesOtherstylesofmassagesuggestedinthisbookincludetrigger-point therapy, Indian head massage, manuallymphaticdrainageandaromatherapymassage–allofwhichusesimplemassagetechniques.Ifyoufollowtheinstructions carefully, you will have no difficulty inimplementinganyofthetechniques.
AnxietyForsomepeople, situationssuchasbeing interviewedfor a job or giving a speech can be paralysing. Self-massage can help to reduce anxiety andmake theseeveryday situations easier to copewith.While chronicanxiety should always be addressed by a healthprofessional, the techniques given below may bothalleviate everyday anxiety and complement aprofessionalapproachtomoreseriousanxietyissues.
Self-massagehelp
AIMStoloosenupthemusclesinvolvedinbreathingandhelprelieveanxiety
FREQUENCYtwiceaday
CONTRAINDICATIONSanychroniclungorheartcondition
CROSS-REFERENCEBreathingissues
Anxietycreatesmentalandemotional tension,aswell
1
as difficulty in breathing and an increased heart rate.Massaging the chest can help to relieve musculartension, make breathing easier and alleviate theemotionalcomponentofanxiety.
Withyourfingersseparated,massagethemusclesbetweentheribswithyourfingertips.Startattheouter
partofyourchestjustunderthecollarboneandmassagetowardstheheart.
2 Moveyourfingertipstotheribsinfrontofthearmpitsandcontinuemassaging.Massagetowardsthesternum
(breastbone),firstfromthearmpittotheareaoutsidethenippleandthenfromtheareainsidethenippletothesternum.
Herearesomeothertipstohelpyoucopewithanxiety-producingsituations:
Getregularcardiovascularexerciseandplentyofsleep.Cutdownoncaffeineconsumptionorcutitoutaltogether.Insteadofreachingforcigarettestoquellanxiety,findagentleyogaclassandattendseveraldaysaweek.Addingafewdropsoflavenderessentialoiltoawarmbathortooilforafootmassage(seeTiredfeet)canhelp.
3
4
Considerschedulingaprofessionalmassagethedaybeforeaparticularlyanxiety-producingevent,suchasapubliclectureorbusinessmeeting.
Placeyourfingertipsbelowyourbreasttissueandmassagethelowerribs,fromthesidesofthebodytowardsthe
bottomofthesternum.
Next,takeadeepbreath.Asyouarebreathingin,taparoundthewholeribcagewithyourfingertips.
5 Asyouexhale,slapyourchestandlowerribswiththepalmsofyourhands.Repeatsteps4and5forthreeto
fourdeepbreaths.
Acupressurehelp
AIMStocalmthemindandbody
FREQUENCYseveraltimesaday,asneeded
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
CROSS-REFERENCEMenstrualdiscomfort
ALSOBENEFICIALFORP8–fatigue,hardeningofthearteries,highbloodpressure
1
P6–nausea,morningandmotionsickness,vomiting,insomnia,palpitations,epilepsy
The hands have several acupoints that are useful forhelping to calm the mind. In old movies, whensomethinggoeswrongthere isoftenascene inwhichtheheroine is found “wringingherhands”. This hand-massagingisactuallyaninstinctivewayofcopingwithstress.Massaging the hands is very soothing and canhelptodiminishanxiety.ThePericardiummeridian,which runsstraightdown
the middle of the inside of the arm, is particularlyimportant in treating anxiety and stress. Thepericardium itself is the sheath or covering whichprotectstheheart.IntermsofChinesemedicine,whichis more metaphorical and poetic than westernmedicine, this “protection” is not only physical, it isemotionalaswell.
Slowlyandcompletelymassageyourhands,fingersandwrists.Payattentiontoanysoreareasandgivethem
someextratime.
2
3
MassagePericardium8:placeyourthumbinthecentreofthepalmandmassageincirclesforaboutoneminute.
Repeatontheotherhand.
MassagePericardium6:placeyourthumbinbetweenthetendonsontheinsideofthewrist.Slideupabouttwo-and-
a-halffingerwidths.Massageincirclesforaboutoneminute.Repeatontheotherwrist.
Chakra-balancingself-help
AIMStocalmthemindandbody
FREQUENCYseveraltimesaday,asneeded
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
ALSOBENEFICIALFORcentring,groundingandfocusingattention
This self-massage is used to balance the chakras.Easternmedicinebelievesthattherearemajorenergycentres(chakras)insevenmainplacesalongthespine,whichresonateoutthroughboththefrontandbackofthe body. Imbalances in the chakras lead tomental/emotional imbalances. In this massage,visualize using the calming, healing energy of yourhandstobalancethechakras.Boththefourthandsixthchakras contain acupoints that are beneficial foranxiety. After completing the following exercise, youcanuseyourfingertipstodosmallcircularmassageoneacharea.
1
2
Closeyoureyesandplacethefingertipsofonehandinthesixthchakra(betweentheeyebrows)andthefingertipsofyourotherhandinthecenterofthefourthchakra(inthe
middleofthechest).Breathedeeplyandfeelaconnectionbetweenyourhands.
Afterseveraldeepbreaths,removeyourfingersfromthesixthchakraandplacethathandoveryourstomachatthe
navel.Letyourbreathandattentionmovedownyourbody.Imaginethatyouranxietyismeltingawayandpouringdownintotheearth.
3 Next,restbothhandsinyourlapforafewdeepbreathsbeforeopeningyoureyes.
ArthritisSelf-massage can provide great relief for peoplesuffering from arthritis. Because there are so manydifferentkindsofarthritis,certaintechniqueswillworkbetterforsomepeoplethanforothers.Tryafewtoseewhich technique is right for you. Do not massageinflamed jointsdirectly,becausemassage canactuallymakeinflammationworse.Ifyoursymptomsareflaringup,itisbesttouseacupointsawayfromthesiteofthearthritis and to massage around, but not directly on,the joint.Herearesomeself-massagesuggestions forspecificarthritisissues.
Self-massageforhandpain
AIMStoeasesoreandachingjointsinthehands
FREQUENCYfive-minutemassageonceortwiceaday
CONTRAINDICATIONSinflamedjoints
CROSS-REFERENCEJointmobility
1
2
ALSOBENEFICIALFOR:overworkedhands
When your symptoms are not active, daily self-massage to the areawhere you have arthritis can bevery helpful. It is important to emphasize range ofmotion in the joints. For range of motion, supportaround the jointwithoneorbothhands(herewearemassaging the finger so you can only use one hand,butonanankleortoe,youshouldusetwo).Movethejoint gently in all directions. If you feel pain, you arestretchingthejointtoofar.
Massagethejointsthataremostarthritic.Rotateeachfinger;bendandstretcheachfinger.
Massagethebonesaroundthejoint.Slideyourfingersupanddownandsqueezeeachboneseveraltimes.Thiswill
massagethenervesthatfeedintothepainfuljoint.
3 Squeezethetipofeachfingerandthenquicklypullyourhandofftheendtostimulatebloodflow.
Acupressureself-helpforhandpain
AIMStoeasesoreandachingjointsinthehands
FREQUENCYseveraltimesaday
CONTRAINDICATIONSpregnancy
CROSS-REFERENCEHeadaches,Jointmobility,Toothache
ALSOBENEFICIALFORconstipation,headache,toothache,facialpain,colds
This acupoint is excellent formany types of pain. Forthebestresults,use it inadditiontotheself-massageforhandpaingivenopposite.
1 PressLargeIntestine4:tofindthispoint,slideyourthumbdowntothepointwherethebonesofthethumbandindex
fingermeet,thenturnyourthumbupandpressintotheindexfingerbone.Youwillfeela“zingy”ornervysensation.Massagethepointinsmallcirclesforonetotwominutes.
Acupressureself-helpforkneepain
AIMStorelievekneepain,especiallyarthriticpain
FREQUENCYtwotothreetimesaday
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
CROSS-REFERENCEKneepain
ALSOBENEFICIALFOR
1
2
constipation,stomachproblems,fatigue
This massage will prove to be especially beneficial ifyoucanpractiseitatleastonceaday.
Beginbybrisklyrubbingthekneebetweenbothpalms.Massagethemusclesaroundtheknee.Continuefortwoto
threeminutes.
Massageacupoint“Xiyan”,locatedonbothsidesofthetendonjustbelowthekneecap,withyourindexandmiddle
fingers,foronetotwominutes.
3 Next,usetheknucklestorubStomach36,locatedaboutfourfingerwidthsbelowtheoutsideofthekneecap,for
onetotwominutes.
BreathingissuesYoucanuseself-massagetechniquestohelpcalmthebody so that breathing is more comfortable. Themassages shown here will help to strengthen andrevitalize the lung and kidney chi and can makebreathingalittleeasier.Whileself-massagetechniqueswill not cure breathing issues, they can complementmedicalcareandactastoolstoenableyoutotakeanactiveroleinyourownhealingprocess.
Self-massagehelp
AIMStohelpimprovebreathing
FREQUENCYtwoorthreetimesaday
CONTRAINDICATIONSforseriousbreathingconditions,suchasChronicObstructivePulmonaryDisease(COPD),alwayscheckwithyourdoctorfirst
CROSS-REFERENCEAnxiety
1
2
Poor posture and shallow breathing can inhibit thechestmusclesandcompromisebreathingcapacity.Thisself-massage techniquewill help to release tension inthechestandfreeupthemusclesusedinbreathing.
Quicklytaptheupperfrontribswithyourfingertipsasyoutakeadeepbreath.
Exhalethroughyourmouthandrepeatedlyslaptheupperribsusingyourwholepalm.Repeatsteps1and2three
times.Repeatthewholeprocessthreetimesonthelowerfrontribs.
3 Makefistswithyourhandsandmassagethekidneyarea,locatedjustundertheribsintheback,withyourknuckles.
Massageforaboutoneminute.
Acupressureself-help
AIMStoeasecolds,coughs,asthma,bronchitisandfever
FREQUENCYtwotothreetimesaday
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
CROSS-REFERENCENeckandshouldertension
ALSOBENEFICIALFORshoulderandupperbackpaincausedbyrespiratoryissues
Foracoldorcough,practisethismassageafewtimesa day. Do not be concerned about finding acupoints
1
precisely. In acupressure, we can think about pointsbeing as large as a medium-sized coin. Even if yourpoint location is a little off, the massage itself isrelaxingandwillhelp.Thismassagecanalsobehelpfulforchronicbreathingproblems.If you have time, combine this treatment with the
self-massage help shown opposite to create betterresults.
Inthespacebeneaththecollarboneonbothsidesofthebody,wherethecollarboneshoulder,youwillfindasoft
areathatmayfeeltenderasyoupressinwithyourfingers.ThisisthegeneralareaofacupointsLung1and2,whichareexcellentpointstohelpfreeupthelungsandmakebreathingeasier.Placetwoormorefingersinthissoftareaandmassageingentlecirclesforatleastoneminute.
2 Next,findtheacupointLung10,whichislocatedinthecentreofthepadofthethumb.Thisexcellentacupointis
alsogreatforfreeingupthebreath.Itiseasytofindbecauseitoftenfeelsabittender.Massagethispointonbothhandsforatleastoneminuteeach.
CirculationissuesThere are many causes of poor circulation, some ofthemmoreseriousthanothers.Ifyourcirculationhasrecentlybecomepoor,itisessentialthatyouconsultadoctor, determine the reason and treat the conditionappropriately. Some of the causes of poor circulationinclude diabetes, arteriosclerosis (hardening of thearteries), Raynaud’s disease, smoking, high bloodpressure, high cholesterol, obesity, varicose veins andphlebitis (inflammation of the veins). But poorcirculation may also simply be a case of prolongedexposuretocoldorlackofexercise,ormaybecausedbyhereditaryfactors.Whateverthecause,massageisgenerallyawaytohelpimprovecirculation.Ifyouhavea serious circulatory problem, consult your doctorbeforetryingtheseself-helptechniques.
Self-massagehelp
AIMStoimprovethecirculationingeneral,specificallytothehandsandfeet
FREQUENCYtwiceaday
CONTRAINDICATIONS
1
footulcersoranyotheropenwounds
CROSS-REFERENCEJointmobilityTiredfeet
ALSOBENEFICIALFORcalmingthemind,grounding
Massageisanexcellentwaytoimprovethecirculation.In fact improved circulation is oneof themostwidelytouted health benefits of massage. For more detailedinstructions on these massages, see the cross-referenceslistedopposite.
Usequick,strongstrokestocompletelymassageyourhands,fingersandwrists.Payparticularattentiontoany
soreareas,givingthemsomeextratime.Youmaywanttousemassageoilorcream.
2 Applymassageoilorcreamtoyourfeet.Usequick,strongstrokestocompletelymassageyourfeet,toesandankles.
Again,payparticularattentiontoanysoreareas.
Reflexologyself-help
AIMStoimprovethecirculationingeneral,specificallytothehandsandfeet
FREQUENCYtwiceaday
CONTRAINDICATIONSopenwounds,footulcersinthereflexzone
CROSS-REFERENCEEnergy-boosters
ALSOBENEFICIALFORfatigue
Massagingtheadrenalreflexareaofthefeetcanhelpto improve circulation. This reflex area may seemdifficult to locate, but it is generally sore, tender ortightonmostpeople(becausemostofusaska lotofouradrenalglands!)
1 Withyourfootplacedonyouroppositethigh,tracealinestraightdowntowardsyouranklefromtheinsideofthebig
toe.Theadrenalreflexzoneisalittlelessthanhalfwaydown(seeabove)Usethumb-walkingonthisarea.Continuefortwominutes,thenrepeatontheotherfoot.
ComputerstrainIf you spend a lot of time at the computer, you willknowthateventhoughyouaresittingstill,yourbodytakes a beating. Having an ergonomically correctworkspace can ease the strain of intense computerwork.Your feetshouldbe flaton the floor,your lowerbacksupported,thescreenshouldbeateyelevelandyourwristsandforearmsstraight.Lookawayfromthescreen frequently and get up and take a break everyhour.Evenifyoufollowtheseguidelines,youstillmaysuffer from tired eyes, sore wrists or carpal tunnelsyndrome,apainful lowerback, andaching shouldersandneck.However,self-massagecanhelp.
Self-massagehelp
AIMStorelievethestraincausedbycomputeruse
FREQUENCYfive-minuteroutine,threetofourtimesaday
CROSS-REFERENCECirculationissues,Eyestrain,Jointmobility,Lowbackache,Neckandshouldertension
ALSOBENEFICIALFOR
1
othertypesofrepetitivestrainactivity
Hereisaquickroutinethatyoucanuseduringaworkbreaktohelphealyourbodyfromtheoverallstrainofsitting for long hours at the computer. If you have aspecific ailment from using your computer (forexample,lowerbackpain),usethecross-referencestohelpyoufindamoreextensivemassageforthepartofthebodyinquestion.
Beginbyrubbingyourhandstogethertowarmthem.Placeyourwarmpalmsoveryoureyesandtaketwodeep
breaths.Repeattwotothreetimes.
2 Useyourrighthandtokneadyourleftshoulder.
3
4
Next,kneadyourupperarm,andcontinuethisactiondowntoyourwristandhand.
Repeattwotothreetimes.Spendsomeextratimesqueezingyourwrist.
Nowsqueezeandtwisteachfingerinturn.
5 Placeyourrightthumbinthecentreofyourouterwristcrease.Withdeeppressure,strokeyourthumbupyour
forearmaboutone-thirdofthewaytoyourelbow.Repeatthisstrokeseveraltimes.
Usethesameactionontheinsideofyourforearm.Repeatthewholesequenceontherightside.Finally,makefistswithyourhands.Leanforwardandvigorouslyrubthelowerbackwithyourknuckles,upanddownandfromsidetoside.Continueforatleastoneminute.
ConstipationIfconstipationisachronicproblemforyou,tryoneoftheseroutinesdailyforaweekortwoandyoumayseesome significant results. One technique may workbetter than another or be more convenient for yourlifestyle. Constipation should also be addressed byreassessing your diet and making the appropriatechanges.Forexample,youmayneedtoaddmorefibreand decrease your intake of refined foods. Thefollowing self-massage techniques can be helpful forchronicaswellasoccasionalconstipation.
Self-massagehelp
AIMStoimprovetheperistalticactionofthelargeintestine
FREQUENCYdailyforchronicconditions;severaltimesadayforoccasionalconstipation
CONTRAINDICATIONSanyseriousabdominalinjury,surgeryortumours
CROSS-REFERENCEIndigestion
1
2
ALSOBENEFICIALFORsoothinganupsetstomach
In addition to helping ease the occasional bout ofconstipation, this simple self-massage will soothe andstrengthenyourdigestivesystem.
Sitonachairorlieonthefloor.Makeafistwithyourrighthandandplaceitontherightsideofyourabdomen.Clasp
yourrighthandwithyourlefthand(left).
Breathein.Asyouexhale,pressdownwithyourhandsandslidethemaroundyourabdomeninalarge,clockwise
circle.Completethecircleasyoufinishonefull,slowexhalation.Repeatthisstep10times.
3 Next,imaginethatyouhavealargeclockonyourabdomen.Useallofyourfingertipstogethertomassage
each“hour”oftheclockwithsmall,clockwisecircularpressure.Startonyourrightside(ataboutnineo’clock,if12o’clockisjustunderyourbreastbone)andworkyourwayaroundinacircle.Massageeachhouroftheclockforabout15seconds.Maketwocompleterounds.
Acupressurequickfix
AIMStorelieveconstipation
FREQUENCYseveraltimesaday
CONTRAINDICATIONSpregnancy
CROSS-REFERENCEArthritis,Toothache
ALSOBENEFICIALFORdiarrhoea,rashes,toothandfacialpain
1
2
One of the most powerful and well-known acupoints,LargeIntestine4,hasavarietyofapplications.Itisaneasy-to-accessacupointthatyoucanuseatanytime.
FindLargeIntestine4,locatedonthebackofthehand,inthewebbetweenthethumbandindexfinger.Toaccess
thepointmosteffectively,slideyourthumbtotheplacewheretheindexfingerandthumbbonesmeet,thenpressintotheindexfingerbone.Youwillprobablyfeela“zingy”ornervysensationwhenyoufindthepoint.Pressandholdforoneminute,ormassageinsmallcircles.Massagethispointusingcircularpressureforaboutoneminute.Repeatontheotherhand.
MassagefromthetipofyourindexfingerdownastraightlinebacktoLargeIntestine4.Thisisthebeginningofthe
LargeIntestinemeridian.Massagingthislineencouragestheflowofenergyintherightdirectionandcanhelpalleviateconstipation.Repeatonyourotherhand.
3
4
Now,placeyourknucklesonStomach36onbothlegs,locatedjustbelowthekneecapontheoutsideofthe
shinbone.Rubthisareawithyourknucklesbrisklyforaboutoneminute.
Next,placeyourfistjustbetweenyourpubicboneandnavel,andgentlypressintoyourstomach.Useyourwhole
fisttomassagetheareaofConceptionVessel6–acommonlyusedacupointforconstipation.
Reflexologyself-help
AIMS
torelieveconstipation
FREQUENCYtwiceaday
CONTRAINDICATIONScolitis,irritablebowelsyndrome
ALSOBENEFICIALFORdiarrhoea
Thecolonreflexzoneonthefeetstartsatthebottomof the right foot andmoves over to the left foot (seebelow) Following this sequence exactly allows you totrace the path of the large intestine and help toimprove the flow of energy through this part of yourbody.Notethatifyouhavediarrhoea,youshouldtreatintheoppositedirectiontoreversetheenergyflow.
Useyourleftthumbtoworkonthebottomofyourrightfoot.
3
1
2
Thumb-walktowardsthelittletoeinthereflexzone,asshownhere.
Next,thumb-walkacrossthecentreofyourrightfoot.
Switchfeet.Useyourleftthumbtoworkthebottomofyourleftfoot.Thumb-walkacrossthecentreofyourleft
foot,fromtheinsideofthearchtotheoutside.
4
5
Next,thumb-walkdowntheoutsideedgeofyourfootusingyourrightthumb.
Finishbyusingyourrightthumbtothumb-walkacrosstheheeltotheinsideofthefootagain.Repeattheentire
sequencethreetimes.
Energy-boostersIffatiguehassuddenlybecomeaproblemforyou,youneed to checkwith your doctor to ensure there is nounderlying serious condition. Formany people a dailyenergy slump is an annoying problem, rather than atrue illness. Still, afternoon fatigue can interfere withyour work and make life in general less enjoyable.Eating a well-balanced diet (which emphasizes high-quality protein) and getting regular cardiovascularexercise can help – as can these self-massagetechniques. Justmake sure that you use thembeforeyougettootired.
Acupressureself-help
AIMStoimprovekidneyandadrenalenergy
FREQUENCYattheonsetoffatigue
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
CROSS-REFERENCEArthritis,Indigestion,Kneepain
1
ALSOBENEFICIALFORBL23–dizziness,irritability,weaknessST36–generalwell-being,weakness,painbelowthenavel
The acupoint Bladder 23 is known as the Gate ofVitality,andmassaging thispointcanhelp to improveenergy and concentration. Massaging Stomach 36, orThree Mile Point, is also known to improve energylevels.
Wrapyourhandsaroundyourwaistandslideyourthumbstowardseachother.Feelforthebandofmusclethatruns
alongthespineoneachside,thenslideyourthumbsupalittlesothattheyarejustbelowyourribs.ThisistheGateofVitality.Leanbackintoyourthumbsandmassagetheseareasinsmallcircles.Continueforoneminute.
2 Next,placeyourknucklesonStomach36,justbelowthekneecapontheoutsideofyourshinboneoneachleg.Rub
thisareabrisklyupanddownforaboutoneminute.
Reflexologyquickfix
AIMStoimprovekidneyandadrenalenergy
FREQUENCYasneeded
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
CROSS-REFERENCECirculationissues
ALSOBENEFICIALFORkidneycomplaints
Usethetechniqueofrotatingonapointontheadrenal-glandreflexzone,asshownbelow.
Self-massagequickfix
AIMStoimproveenergylevels
FREQUENCYattheonsetoffatigue
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
CROSS-REFERENCELowbackache
1
ALSOBENEFICIALFORlowbackache
When your symptoms are not active, daily self-massage to the area can be very helpful in reducingpain and inflammation. It is important to emphasizerangeofmotiontechniques(movingthefingerorhandinmanydifferentdirections),which canhelp tobreakdownrestrictionsinthejoints.
Makeafistandplaceyourknucklesjustundertheribsofyourlowerback.Rubvigorouslyforatleastoneminute.
EyestrainEyestrainisespeciallycommonincomputerusersandotherswhodoclosework,suchassewingorknitting,and is exacerbated by poor lighting, glare from thecomputerortelevision,andnottakingsufficientbreaks.If you suffer from eye strain while you are working,makesurethatyoutakeabreakevery15–30minutesby looking away from your work and focusing on adistantobject(atleast6m/20ftaway)for20seconds.Herearesomeself-massagetechniquesthatcanhelp.
Acupressureself-help
AIMStorelieveeyestrain
FREQUENCYseveraltimesaday
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
CROSS-REFERENCEComputerstrain,Hangovers,Mentalclarity
ALSOBENEFICIALFORST2and3–sinusconditions,facialpain,headaches,dry
1
eyes,headcongestionL3–headaches,hangovers,dizziness,allergies,footcramps
This sequence, which can bringmore energy (chi) totheeyearea,willsupplementbreaksoffocusingawayfrom the work you are doing. If your work involvesusing your eyes intensely, use this self-treatmentseveraltimesthroughouttheday.
Beginbyrubbingyourhandstogetherbrisklyuntiltheyarewarm.Placeyourwarmhandsoveryourclosedeyesand
taketwodeepbreaths.Repeat.
2
3
PlaceyourindexandmiddlefingersrespectivelyonStomach2,locatedatthecentreofthecheekbone,and
Stomach3,locatedatthebottomofthecheekbone(bothinlinewiththepupil).Massagethisareaintinycirclesforonetotwominutes.
Placeyourrightfootonyourleftthigh.UseyourleftindexandmiddlefingerstomassageLiver3,locatedwherethe
bonesofthebigandsecondtoesmeet,foronetotwominutes
(seeabove).Youwillfeela“zingy”ornervysensationwhenyoufindthepoint.Repeatonyourleftfoot.
Reflexologyself-help
AIMStorelieveeyestrain
FREQUENCYasneeded
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
ALSOBENEFICIALFORheadachesrelatedtoeyestrain
This is a simple technique that can help ease eyestrain.Useitwhileyouaretakingabreakfromyourorrelaxingafterwork.
1 Locatethereflexareaoftheeyesonthefoot,asshownhere(seeabove).Rotateonthepointandpinchthisarea
foraboutfiveminutesoneachside.
HangoversSelf-massage can help alleviate the symptoms of anoccasionalboutofover-indulgence,includingheadache,nausea and mental fuzziness. Because alcohol is adiuretic, it forces fluids out of the body and causes aloss of potassium. Eating a banana can help balancepotassium loss and stabilize blood-sugar levels, andsince bananas have an antacid effect, they can alsohelpwithnausea.Obviouslydrinkingalotofwaterthemorning after can help address the dehydrationbroughtbyabinge.Herearesomemassagetechniquestotry.
Indianheadmassageself-help
AIMStorelieveheadaches
FREQUENCYseveraltimesthemorningafterabinge
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
CROSS-REFERENCEEyestrain,Headaches
1
ALSOBENEFICIALFORstimulatingcirculation,encouraginglymphflow,releasingtoxins
Youmay want to try this self-massage while you areusingacoldpackonyourforehead.
Liedownonthefloororabed,orreclineinachair.Withyourfingertips,usecircularfrictiontomassagethe
musclesdirectlyunderthebaseoftheskull.Startwithyourhandsclosetoeachother,justoutsidethespine,andworkyourwayaroundtotheears.Continueforonetothreeminutes.
2 Next,massageyourtemplesinslowcirclesforoneminute.Changethedirectionofthecircleandcontinuefora
furtherminute.
Hydrotherapyquickfix
AIMStorelieveheadaches
FREQUENCYseveraltimesthemorningafterabinge
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
CROSS-REFERENCEHeadaches
ALSOBENEFICIALFORheadachesfromovereatingoreatingthewrongfoods
The tried-and-trusted coldpackon the forehead is anexcellenttreatmentforahangover.Coldhelpstoshrinkthe blood vessels and can ameliorate a throbbingheadache.Useanicepackwrappedinatowel.Ifyoudon’thave
anicepack,placesomeicecubesinaplasticbag,andwrap the bag in a towel. Apply this for about 10minutes. Take a break, then prepare a fresh pack ifnecessary.
Acupressurequickfix
AIMStorelieveheadachesandnausea
FREQUENCYthreetofiveminutesoneachpoint
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
ALSOBENEFICIALFORL3–releasingtoxins,soothingtheeyes,clearingthemindP6–insomnia,indigestion
1
2
Liver 3 is an excellent detox point. Pericardium 6 isfamous for relieving nausea. Together these twoacupointsmayhelpyourecovermorequickly.
PressLiver3,locatedwherethefirstandsecondtoebonesmeetonthetopofthefoot,onbothfeetforaboutone
minute.Youcanalsotrymassagingthispointinsmallcircles.
PressPericardium6,locatedontheinnerarm,two-and-a-halffingerwidthsabovethewristcreasebetweenthe
tendons,ontherightarmforaboutoneminute.Youmayprefertomassagethispointinsmallcircles.Repeatontheleftarm.
HeadachesIfyousufferfrommild,occasionalheadaches,youmaybe able to find relief with a few simple self-massagetechniques. If you have frequent headaches orrecurrent migraines, it is essential to get a diagnosisfromadoctorandseekappropriatetreatment.Herearesomemassage techniques that you can try forminorheadaches.
Self-massagehelpfortensionheadaches
AIMStorelievethepainofatensionheadache
FREQUENCYrepeatafteronehour,ifthefirsttreatmentdoesnotresolvetheheadacheoriftheheadacherecurs
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
CROSS-REFERENCENeckandshouldertension
ALSOBENEFICIALFORstiffneck,tightshoulders
1
Tension headaches are often caused by muscletightness in the neck and shoulders – this kind ofheadachewillfeeltightorsqueezing.Thegoodnewsisthat tension headaches respond exceptionally well toself-massage.
Lieonthefloororsitinachairandclaspyourhandsbehindyourneck.Squeezeandslideyourpalmstowards
eachother.Repeatthisaction,startingfromjustunderyourskullandworkingyourwaydowntowardsyourshoulders.Continueforoneminute.
2
3
Useyourfingertipstomassagetheneckmusclesoneithersideofthespine,usingsmall,circularmotions,fromthe
baseoftheskulldowntotheshoulders.Massageforonetotwominutes.
Placeyourrighthandonthethickbandofmusclebetweentheneckandshoulderontheleftside.Cuptherightelbow
withthelefthandforsupport.Squeezeandmassagethisareaforatleastoneminute.Switchsidesandrepeat.
Reflexologyself-helpfortensionheadaches
AIMStorelievethepainofatensionheadache
FREQUENCYrepeatevery1–2hours,asneeded
CROSS-REFERENCEToothache
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
ALSOBENEFICIALFORtoothaches,sorethroat,commoncold
This treatment uses the reflex points associated withthespineandbraintohelprelievetheheadache.
1 Useyourrightthumbandindexfingertopinchthetipofyourleftthumb(seeabove).Applyfirmpressureandhold
forfiveseconds.Repeat10times.Repeattheentiresequenceonyourrighthand.
Acupressureself-helpforsinusheadaches
AIMStorelievethepainofasinusheadache
FREQUENCYasneeded
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
CROSS-REFERENCEEyestrain,Toothache
ALSOBENEFICIALFORblurryvision,eyestrain,allergies,nasalcongestion,facialswellingtoothache
Thistypeofheadache,whichmanifestsintheforeheador around the eyes and cheeks, often respondsextremelywelltoacupressure.Youwillbesurprisedathowquicklyyoufeelthepressurebeingrelievedbythistreatment. If the sinus pressure returns after sometime,simplyrepeatthesequenceofpoints.Makesureyou consult your physician if sinus conditions are achronicproblemforyou.
1 Usingyourindexfingers,findStomach3,locatedatthebottomofthecheekbonebelowtheeyeonbothsides.
Massagethesepointsgentlyincirclesforoneminute.
2
3
Determinewhichpointismoretender,thencontinuetoholdStomach3onthatside,whilemovingyourother
handtoLargeIntestine20,locatedjusttothesideofthenostril,ontheotherside.Massagebothpointsinsmallcirclesforoneminute.
MovethefingerthatisonLargeIntestine20toBladder2,locatedontheinnercorneroftheeye,andhold.Movethe
fingerthatisstillonStomach3toLargeIntestine20onthesamesideandmassageinsmallcirclesforoneminute.
4 FinishbyholdingBladder2onbothsidesforafurtherminute.Restandtakeseveraldeepbreaths.
Acupressureself-helpfordigestiveheadaches
AIMStorelieveaheadachecausebydigestivedisturbances
FREQUENCYseveraltimesaday
CONTRAINDICATIONSpregnancy
1
CROSS-REFERENCEArthritis,Constipation,Jointmobility,Toothache
ALSOBENEFICIALFORdiarrhoea,constipation,rashes,toothpain,facialtension
Someheadachesarecausedbydigestivedisturbances,such as overeating or constipation. One of the mostwell-known acupoints, Large Intestine 4, can helpstimulate the digestive system to enable the body togetridofthetoxinsthatarecausingtheheadache.Youcan use this treatment several times a day, until theheadacheeases.
PlaceyourrightthumbonLargeIntestine4onthelefthand.Slideyourrightthumbdownintothewebbing
betweenthefingersandpressintowardsoftheindexfingeruntilyoufindaslightlynervyarea.Massagethispointinsmallcirclesforonetotwominutes.
IndigestionIndigestionisacatch-alltermforthingsgoingwronginthestomachandotherpartsofthedigestivesystem–including heartburn, excessive burping and gas, andfeelings of bloating and heaviness. These sensationsmay be accompanied by constipation or diarrhoea,nausea,vomiting,and/orageneralfeelingofweaknessand fatigue. Indigestioncanbecausedbypooreatinghabits, suchaseating too fastor toomuch,oreatingexcessively greasy food. Stress and anxiety, smokingand drinking alcohol also seem to aggravate (if notcause) indigestion. Allergies, lactose intolerance andlackofexercisemaycontributetotheproblem.
Reflexologyself-help
AIMStorelieveheartburn
FREQUENCYeveryhouruntilsymptomsresolve,oronceadayforimprovingsymptomsingeneral
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
CROSS-REFERENCE
Constipation
ALSOBENEFICIALFORdiarrhoea,constipation,gas
It is importanttounderstandwhichkindof indigestionyou are experiencing and to treat it accordingly.Chronic indigestion can lead to other more serioushealth conditions, such as peptic ulcers, an inflamedoesophagusorgallstones.Ifyouhavechronicdigestiveproblems, consult your doctor. Self-massage cancomplement other therapies, and here are sometechniquesfordealingwithoccasionalindigestion.When the lower sphincter of the oesophagus goes
intospasmsor isweak,gastric juicecaneasilysplashup into the oesophagus and cause heartburn.Massaging this reflex zone can help diminish theseverityoffrequentheartburn.
1 Usethetechniqueofpinchingandrotatingonapointonthereflexzoneofthelefthand,asshownhere.Continue
fortwotothreeminutes.
Acupressureself-help
AIMStorelieveindigestion
FREQUENCYattheonsetofsymptoms,ortwiceadayforprevention
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
1
ALSOBENEFICIALFORstomachpain,abdominaldistension,diarrhoea,vomiting
This acupressure massage is helpful in relieving thesymptoms of indigestion and strengthening thedigestivesystem.
Reclineslightlyinachair.PlacethethumbsofbothhandsonConceptionVessel12,halfwaybetweenthebottomtip
ofthebreastboneandthenavel.Pressinandslightlyup.Massagegentlywithcircularfrictionforuptotwominutes.
2
3
Next,crossyourleftankleoveryourrightthigh.Usethefingertipsofyourrighthandtostrokedowntheoutsideof
yourleftshinbone,fromjustunderthekneetothetopofthefoot.Continuestrokingfortwominutes.
Useyourthumbtostrokeupwardsonyourlowerleg,justinsidetheshinbone,fortwominutes.Repeatontheright
leg.
JointmobilityInjuries,flu,coldweather,arthritis,overuseofthefeetorhandsandexcessiveacidityinthedietcanallcausejoint stiffness. In Chinese medicine, the joints areconsideredimportantplacesinthebody,wherethechior energy gathers; many of the major acupoints arelocatedinthewristsandankles.Painfuljointsgenerallybenefit from mild stretching (as long as there is noacute inflammation) and gentle massage. Dailymassagetothewristsandanklescanhelppromotetheflowofchi throughout thewholebody.Herearesomeself-massagetechniquestotry.
Self-massagehelp
AIMStoeasesoreandachingjointsinthehands
FREQUENCYfive-minutemassageonceortwiceaday
CONTRAINDICATIONSdonotmassageinflamedjointsdirectly
CROSS-REFERENCEArthritis,Computerstrain
1
ALSOBENEFICIALFORcarpaltunnelsyndrome
A linimentsuchasTigerBalm(oranycamphor-basedover-the-counter product) can make this massagemoresoothing.Thissequenceisdesignedforthewrist,butyoucaneasilytransferittotheankle.
Ifyouareusingaliniment,beginbyrubbingagenerousamountintoboththefrontandbackofyourwrist.Ifnot,
gostraighttostep2.
2
3
Carefullymassagetheentirewristjoint.Startontheinsideofyourwristandmakesmallcircleswithyourthumballalongthewristcrease.Continueforatleastoneminute.
Next,makesmallcirclesintheareaaroundthewristcrease.Continueforatleastoneminute.
Turnyourhandover,holdthelittle-fingersideofyourhandwithyourfingers,andcontinuetousesmallcircles
withyourthumbtomassagetheothersideofyourwrist.Continueforatleastoneminute.
4 Turnyourhandoveragainandgraspthewristfirmlywiththefingersoftheotherhand.Squeezegentlyseveral
times.Thisactioncreatesmorespaceinthecarpaltunnel.Finishwithahandmassage.Repeatsteps1–5ontheotherside.
Trigger-pointself-help
AIMStoeasesoreandachinganklesandfeet
FREQUENCYseveraltimesadayuntilthepainlessens
CONTRAINDICATIONSlimitedmobilityinthehips
CROSS-REFERENCETiredfeet
1
2
Releasing this trigger point on your shin may helppainfulanklesandfeet.
Siteitherinachairoronthefloor.Thefirststepinthismassageistofindthetriggerpoint.Itislocatedonthe
outsideofyourshinbone,aboutone-thirdofthewaydownfromtheknee.Locatingthispointcanbetrickybecausethemusclesareusuallyverythickhere.Liftyourtoesandyouwillfeelamuscleontheoutsideoftheshinbonepopout.Keepingyourfingersonthatmuscle,relaxyourtoesandthenmoveyourfingersdownyourshinaboutone-thirdoftheway,feelingaroundforatightortenderarea.
Nowplacetheheelofyouroppositefootoverthisgeneralarea.Usetheheeltorubtheareastrongly.Continuefor
onetotwominutes.Repeatontheotherleg.Finishyourtreatmentwithasoothingfootmassage.
KneepainKnee pain can be caused by arthritis, tendonitis,bursitis,damaged ligamentsor cartilage,orvery tightquadricepsmuscles. It is important to understand thenatureofchronickneepaininordertotreatitproperly.If youhave occasional kneepain, someof these self-massage techniques can be very helpful. If you havechronickneepain,usingoneormoreofthetechniquesdailywillgreatlycomplementanyothertreatmentthatyouarereceiving.
Trigger-pointself-help
AIMStorelievekneepain,especiallywhenaccompaniedbytightthighmuscles
FREQUENCYdaily
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
ALSOBENEFICIALFORstiffthighs
1
Knee pain is often the result of thick knots in thequadriceps muscle, caused by over-exercise or over-exertion.Ifyouhavekneepainunderthekneecap,trythefirsttechnique.If the pain in your knee is a little above the knee
joint,youmaywanttotrythissecondtriggerpoint.
Placeyourthumbonthetopofthethigh,justbelowthegroin.Moveyourthumbarounduntilyoufindatightor
“knotty”area.Massagethisareainsmallcircleswithboththumbs,orusetheoutsideofyourwrist.Continueforthreetofiveminutes.
2 Placeyourthumbonthecentretopofthethigh,equidistantfromthegroinandthetopoftheknee.Move
yourthumbarounduntilyoufindatightor“knotty”area.Itshouldfeeltenderorevenpainful.Massagethisareainsmallcircleswiththethumbs,orusetheoutsideoftheheelofyourhandforthreetofiveminutes.
3 Next,feeltheoutsideofyourthighandnoticeifthisareaisalsotight.Ifitis,takeafewminutestomassageitwith
thefingertipsofbothhands,workingfromtheupperthightowardsthekneejoint.
Acupressureself-help
AIMStorelievekneepain(especiallyusefulforarthritis)
FREQUENCYtwotothreetimesaday
CONTRAINDICATIONSifyouhavehadrecentkneesurgery,consultyourdoctor
CROSS-REFERENCEArthritis,Constipation,Energy-boosters
ALSOBENEFICIALFORconstipation,stomachproblems,fatigue
Youwillfindthismassagewillbeespeciallybeneficialifyoupractiseitdaily.
1
2
Beginbybrisklyrubbingthekneebetweenbothpalms.Massagethemusclesaroundtheknee.Continueforabout
twominutes.
Findacupoint“Xiyan”(itisan“extra”pointanddoesnothaveanumber),locatedjustbelowthekneecaponeither
sideofthetendon.Massagebothsidesofthetendonwiththeindexandmiddlefingersofbothhandsforaboutoneminute.
3 Next,useyourknucklestorubStomach36,locatedaboutfourfingerwidthsbelowthekneecapontheoutsideofthe
shinbone,foraboutoneminute.
Reflexologyquickfix
AIMStorelievekneepain
FREQUENCYonceaday,ormore
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
ALSOBENEFICIALFORhipandlegpain
1
2
Removeyourshoes.Usetheheeloftherightfoottopresstheoutsideoftheleftfoot,asshownhere.Continuefor
abouttwominutes.Repeatontheotherside.
Alternatively,placetheleftfootontopoftherightthighandstimulatethetopofyourleftfootwithyourfingers.
LowbackacheAt one time or another about 90 per cent of thepopulationwillexperiencelowerbackpain.Avarietyofsituations can create low backache, including poorposture, prolapsed intervertebral discs, strainedmusclesorligaments,inflammationofthepelvicjoints,chronic constipation and pre-menstrual tension.Backache is sometimes combinedwith sciatica,apainthat travels down the leg. Back pain often respondswell to professionalmassage, chiropractic care and/orphysicaltherapy.Thefollowingself-massagetechniquescancomplementprofessionaltreatment.
Self-massagehelp
AIMStorelievebackache
FREQUENCYseveraltimesaday
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
CROSS-REFERENCEEnergy-boosters,Do-inself-massage
1
2
ALSOBENEFICIALFORsciatica,paralysisofthelowerextremities
This is a simplemassage that you can do atwork orhome,sittinginafirmchair.
Makefistsandleanforwardslightly.Placetheknucklesoneithersideofyourspineandrubbrisklyupanddownand
fromsidetoside.Continueforaboutoneminute.
Next,placeyourhandsonyourwaistwiththethumbspointingbackwardsandpressintothetightlowerback
musclesandthesacrum.Leanbackintoyourthumbs.Move
3
yourthumbstoanewspotandthenleanbackagain.Usecircularmassageforafewsecondsbeforemovingyourthumbstoanotherspot.Continuepressingintoyourbacklikethisforoneortwominutes.
Nowclaspyourhandsbehindyourbackwiththethumbsstraightandpressedagainsteachother.Taporpoundthe
thumbsideofyourhandagainstyoursacrum.Continueforaboutoneminute.
Lower back pain can also be the result of very tighthamstring muscles (the muscles in the back of yourthigh).Manypeopleholdstressintheirhamstringstheway others hold it in their neck and shoulders.Stretchingandmassagingyourhamstringscangreatlybenefityourlowerback.
1
2
3
Usethebacksofyourhandstostronglytopthebackofyourthighs.Itmayfeelgoodtousealotofpressure.Tap
foraboutoneminute.
Next,kneadthebackofyourthighwithbothhands.Continueforaboutoneminute.Repeatsteps1and2on
yourotherleg.
Whenyou’vefinishedmassagingthebacksofyourlegs,stretchthembothoutinfrontofyou.Placeyourhandson
yourshinsoryouranklesandgentlyleanforward.Ifyoufeelthestretchinyourlowerback,tryflexingyourfeet.Youshouldmainlyfeelthestretchinthebacksofyourlegs.
Acupressureself-help
AIMStorelievebackache
1
FREQUENCYseveraltimesaday
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
CROSS-REFERENCEMenstrualdiscomfort
ALSOBENEFICIALFORsciatica,paralysisofthelowerextremities
Someofthebestacupointsfortreatinglowerbackacheare in the leg and ankle. These points are easy toaccessandcanhelprelieveminorsymptoms.
FindBladder40onyourrightleg,locatedinthecentreofthebackoftheknee.Itmayfeelverytight.Useyour
thumbstogentlymassagethispointforonetotwominutes.
2 Next,placeyourrightfootonyourleftthighandfindBladder60,locatedbetweentheAchillestendonandthe
outeranklebone.Massageforonetotwominuteswithyourthumb.Repeatontheleftleg.
Reflexologyself-help
AIMStorelievebackache
FREQUENCYseveraltimesaday
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
CROSS-REFERENCEMenstrualdiscomfort
ALSOBENEFICIALFORsciatica,paralysisofthelowerextremities
The inside of the foot, from the heel to the big toe,holdsmanyreflexpoints for thespine.Massaging thiswholeareacanbenefit the lowerback.Ifyourhipsorback are too stiff to place your foot on top of youroppositethigh,trythereflexpointsonyourhands,asshown.
1 Grasptheinsideoftherightfootwithbothhands.Twistandwringtheinsideofthefoot.Thenuseyourleftthumb
tothumb-walkuptheinsideofthearch,fromheeltotoe.Continueforonetotwominutes.
2Next,useyourleftthumbtothumb-walkupthelowerhalfofyourfootarch.Continueforonetotwominutes.Repeatontheleftfoot.
Handreflexologyquickfix
AIMStorelievebackache
FREQUENCYseveraltimesaday
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
ALSOBENEFICIALFORsciatica
Ifyourhipsorbackaretoostiff toplaceyourfootontopofyouroppositethightomassageyourfeet,trythereflexpointsinyourhands,asshownbelow.
1 Thumb-walkoverthereflexarea,asshownhere.Continueforabouttwominutes.Repeatseveraltimesaday.
MenstrualdiscomfortDiscomfortbefore,duringoraftermenstruationcanbecaused by a variety of factors, including tight lowerback muscles and/or pelvic muscles, hormonalimbalances,lackofexercise,anaemiaandconstipation.It is important to consult your doctor to try tounderstand the underlying causes of your specificmenstruation-related symptoms and get appropriatetreatment.Thesesimple self-massage techniquesmayhelp.
Self-massagehelp
AIMStorelievethelowerbackpainandpelvictensionthatcausemenstrualdiscomfort
FREQUENCYonceortwiceaday
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
CROSS-REFERENCELowbackachep.56
ALSOBENEFICIALFOR
1
lowbackache,sciatica
Liedownonyourbackonacarpetedfloororpaddedsurface.Raiseyourkneesandbringyourfeetupflaton
thefloor.Liftyourhipsandslideyourfistsunderyourlowerback,withtheknucklesfacingup,oneithersideofthespine.Gentlyrockyourhipsfromsidetoside,allowingthebackmusclestobemassaged.(Youcanalsotrythistechniquewithtennisballs.Puttwoinasock,tiethetopandplaceunderyourback.Rockyourhipsfromsidetoside.)
2Next,liftyourhipsandflattenyourpalmstothefloor.Slideyourhandsdowntoyoursacrum(lowerback).Loweryourhipsontoyourhands.Continuetorockfromsidetoside
andincircles,massagingthesacrum.
Acupressureself-help
AIMStorelievemenstrualdiscomfort
FREQUENCYtwotothreetimesaday,beginningoneweekbeforetheonsetofyourperiod
CONTRAINDICATIONSdonotusethisacupointtorelieveanydiscomfortduringthelasttwomonthsofpregnancybecauseitcaninitiatelabour
CROSS-REFERENCELowbackache
ALSOBENEFICIALFORwaterretention,genitalpain,stomachdiscomfort
Thisacupointiswellknownforitsbeneficialeffectsonallsortsofmenstrualdiscomfort.Useitseveraltimesaday in the week leading up to menstruation, thenduringthefirstfewdaysofyourperiodwhenyouhavediscomfort.
1 PlaceyourrightfootontopofyourleftthighandfindSpleen6,locatedfourfingerwidthsabovethetopofthe
inneranklebone,justontheinsideoftheshinbone.Itwillprobablyfeelalittletender.Massageinasmallcircularmotionforaboutoneminute.Repeatontheotherleg.
Handreflexologyquickfix
AIMStorelievemenstrualdiscomfort
FREQUENCYseveraltimesaday
CONTRAINDICATIONS
1
noneknown
ALSOBENEFICIALFORthebrainandthepituitarygland
This easy technique can be used at any time,anywhere.
Usethepinchingtechniqueonthefirstknuckleofeachthumb,asshownhere.Stimulatethecreaseofthis
knuckleforaboutoneminute.
MentalclarityIftheneck isstiffandtight,bloodflowtothebrain isconstricted and this can result in mental fatigue.Unfortunately,manyofusassumeapoorposturewhenwe are doing concentrated mental work. Sittingslumped or without proper support of the lower backforlonghoursatacomputercancontributetotensionintheneck,shouldersandbackofthehead.Massagingyour shoulders and correcting postural misalignmentsmaybe very helpful in staving offmental fatigue andfogginess.Trytheseself-helptechniques.
Self-massagehelp
AIMStoimprovementalclarity
FREQUENCYatleasttwiceaday,duringbreaksfromwork
CONTRAINDICATIONSforseriousneckinjury,suchaswhiplash,checkfirstwithyourdoctor
CROSS-REFERENCEHeadaches,Neckandshouldertension
1
ALSOBENEFICIALFORstiffneckandshoulders,tensionheadaches
AROMATHERAPYTIPmixafewdropsofgrapefruit,peppermintorrosemaryessentialoilwithacarrieroilonyourhandsandrubthemtogetherbeforebeginningthismassage.Theseessentialoilsarewellknownfortheirabilitytoimprovementalclarity.
This simple exercise takes just five minutes andprovidesagreatdealofrelief.
Lieonthefloororsitinachair.Withyourfingertips,massageyourtemplesinsmall,slowcircles.Continuefor
aboutoneminute.Changethedirectionofyourcirclesandcontinuemassagingforanotherminute.
2
3
Next,claspyourhandsbehindyourneck.Squeezeandslideyourpalmstowardseachother.Repeatthisaction,
startingfromjustunderyourskullandworkingyourwaydowntowardsyourshoulders.Continueforaboutoneminute.
Nowuseyourfingertipstomassagetheneckmusclesoneithersideofthespine,usingcircularfriction,fromthe
baseoftheskulldowntotheshoulders.Massageforonetotwo
4
minutes.
Placeyourrighthandonyourleftshoulder.Supportyourrightelbowwiththelefthand.Kneadandusecircular
frictiononthisareafortwominutes.Payspecialattentiontoanyknots.
Acupressurequickfix
AIMStoimprovementalclarity
FREQUENCYseveraltimesaday
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
1
CROSS-REFERENCEEyestrain,Headaches
ALSOBENEFICIALFORtensionheadaches,poormemory,painthatinhibitstheabilitytoconcentrate,dizziness,coldsymptomsincludingsinuscongestion,swolleneyes
Thehealingpropertyofthisacupointissuggestedinitsname The Gates of Consciousness. This point has avariety of uses,many ofwhich are directly related tobrainfunction.
Sitinastraight-backedchair.Placeyourthumbsbehindtheearsandjustunderyourskulloneachside.Relaxyour
headbackintoyourhandsandagainstthechairback.Now
slideyourthumbstowardsthebackofyourhead.Stopjustbeforeyoucometothethickmuscleband–thisistheacupoint.Yourthumbswillbeabout5–7.5cm/2–3inapart.Massageforaboutoneminute.Youcanalsodothismassagelyingonyourback.
Reflexologyquickfix
AIMStoimprovementalclarity
FREQUENCYseveraltimesaday
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
CROSS-REFERENCEHeadaches
ALSOBENEFICIALFORdizziness,fainting,fever
Stimulating the brain reflex area can help dissipatemental fatigue. This is agreat techniquebecauseyoucan do it in themiddle of a businessmeeting, on anaeroplane, or anywhere else when you need a quickboost.
1 Usethetechniqueofpinchingandrotatingonapointinthecentreofthepadofthethumbforabouttwominutes.
Repeatontheotherhand.
MusclecrampsMusclescancrampupasaresultofoveruse,which iswhy athletes are often plagued with this condition.Simplymassaging the crampedmuscle and stretchingtheareaoftenworkstorelievethecramp.Sometimesmusclecrampsarerelatedtomineralimbalancesinthediet. If you suffer from frequent muscle cramps, seeyourdoctor.Herearesomeself-massagetechniquestohelpwithoccasionalmusclecramps.
Acupressureself-helpformusclecramps
AIMStorelievemusclecramps
FREQUENCYrepeatwhenevercrampingoccurs
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
ALSOBENEFICIALFORheadaches,allergies,arthritis,eyestrain
The acupoint Liver 3 is recommended for musclecrampsingeneral,andspecificallyforfootcramps.
1 Placeyourrightfootonyourleftthigh.Useyourleftindexandmiddlefingerstomassagetheareawherethebones
ofthebigandsecondtoesmeet,foraboutoneminute.Youwillfeela“zingy”ornervysensationwhenyoufindthepoint.Repeatonyourleftfoot.
Acupressureself-helpforlegcramps
AIMStorelievecrampinthecalfmuscle
FREQUENCYrepeatwhenevercrampingrecurs
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
CROSS-REFERENCELowbackache
ALSOBENEFICIALFOR
1
lowerbackpainandsciatica
Massaging the acupoint Bladder 57 can help relieve acrampinthecalfmuscle.Evenifyouonlyhavecrampin one leg, it is good to massage the point on bothsidesofthebody.
TofindBladder57,slideyourthumbstraightdownthemiddleofyourcalfmuscle,untilyoucometothebottomof
themuscle.Thisisthepoint.Ifyourcalfisinspasm,thiswillbeveryeasytofeel.Useyourthumbtomassagethispointuntilthespasmresolves.Repeatonyourothercalf.
NeckandshouldertensionFor most people, neck and shoulder tension is anunfortunate symptom of modern life. During the 10yearsIhaveworkedasamassagetherapist,almostallofmyclientshavecomplained,atonetimeoranother(if not at everyvisit), of sore shoulders and/or a stiffneck. The cause can often be traced to everydayposture – including working at a desk, typing on acomputer, slouching in front of the television anddrivingacar.Inadditiontobadposture,poordigestioncanalsobeafactor.Twoimportantmeridians,theGallBladderandSmallIntestine,runthroughtheneckandshoulderarea.Modifyingyourdietbycuttingdownongreasy foods and salt, and eating slowly and in arelaxedmood, can often help to eliminate some neckandshouldertension.
Self-massagehelp
AIMStorelieveneckandshouldertension
FREQUENCYonceortwiceadayforchronicconditions,moreoftenforacute
CONTRAINDICATIONS
1
noneknown
CROSS-REFERENCEHeadaches
ALSOBENEFICIALFORtensionheadaches
This isa short treatment thatyoucaneasilydowhilesittingatyourdesk.
Makeafistwithyourrighthand,butkeepthefistlooseatthewrist.Supportyourrightelbowwithyourlefthandif
necessary.Tiltyourheadslightlytotherightandpoundyourfist(withasmuchstrengthasyoulike)intothehardmusclebandthatrunsontopofyourshoulderupintoyourneck.Continueforaboutoneminute,thenrepeatontheotherside.
2
3
Squeezethesameareaontopofyourshoulderwithyourrighthand.Slideyourhandfromtheshoulderuptothe
neckandsqueezetheneckmusclesforaboutoneminute.Repeatontheotherside.
Useyourfingertipstomassagetheneckmusclesonbothsidesofthespine,usingsmall,circularmotions,fromthe
baseoftheskulldowntotheshoulders.Massageforonetotwominutes.
Reflexologyquickfix
AIMStorelieveneckandshouldertension
FREQUENCYseveraltimesaday
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
CROSS-REFERENCEStress
ALSOBENEFICIALFORgeneraloveralltension,ulcers,whiplash,headache,fainting
This simple techniquewon’t wear you out. If you aretoo tiredor sore togiveyourselfaneckandshouldermassage,trythereflexzoneinyourhands.
1Pinchtheareabetweenthefingers,thenthumbwalkdowntheedgeofthethumbtothepalm.Continueforabouttwominutes.Repeatontheotherhand.
Trigger-pointself-help
AIMStorelieveneckandshouldertension
FREQUENCYtwiceaday,ormoreaften
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
CROSS-REFERENCEHeadaches
ALSOBENEFICIALFORheadache,jawpain
Almosteveryonewillexperienceatightnessinthetwotriggerpointsofthetrapeziusatsometimeoranother.These points can cause a lot of the tension on top ofthe shoulder, in the neck and between the shoulderbladeandspine.Somesimpleself-massagewillhelptobringrelief.Trigger-point therapygenerallyworksbestwhenyourepeatitdailyforaweekormore.
1
2
Findthethickmusclerollontopofyouroppositeshoulder.Moveyourfingersaroundthisareauntilyoufindthe
sorestspot–thisisthetriggerpoint.Itisnotverydeep,anditmightfeelaboutasthickasapencilunderyourfingers.Massagethispointwiththefingertipsforabouttwominutes.Repeatontheotherside.
Next,lieonthefloorwithatennisballunderyourback,betweenyourshoulderbladeandyourspine.Rollaround
yourshoulderbladeuntilyoufindthesorestarea.Massagethisareabyrollingupanddown,andbackandforthforabouttwominutes.Repeatontheotherside.
PregnancydiscomfortSelf-massagecanbehelpful inaddressingavarietyofpregnancy-related discomforts, from nausea andheartburn to sore feet and back pain. It is always agreat ideatogetaprofessionalmassageorhaveyourpartnermassageyouwhenyouarefeelingthestrainofpregnancy; however, these self-help techniques canalsobringgreatrelief.
Aromatherapymassageself-help
AIMStorelievesorefeet,fatigue,generalillfeelingandemotionalsensitivity
FREQUENCYonceaday,generallyintheevening
CONTRAINDICATIONSbecarefulnottospendtoomuchtimeonthelittletoeorjustabovetheinneranklebonenexttotheshinbone,asthesearebothpointsthatcaninitiatelabouravoidroseoilduringthefirstfourmonthsofpregnancy
CROSS-REFERENCETiredfeet
1
Choose an essential oil such as lavender, eucalyptus,orangeor rose tomixwitha few tablespoonsofpurevegetable oil, such as sesame, almond or sunflower.Lavenderessentialoil isagoodchoicefor itsrelaxing,pain-relievingqualities;youmaywanttotryeucalyptusororangeifyoufeelasthoughyouneedapick-me-up,orroseifyou’refeelingparticularlyblue.
Aftersoakingyourfeetinhotwaterforafewminutes,drythemandsitinacomfortablechair.Spreadatowelacross
yourthighandresttheoppositefootonthetowel.Useaboutoneteaspoonofyouroilmixtureandbegintoworkitintothesoleofyourfootwithslowsweepingthumbstrokes.
2
3
Payspecialattentiontotheinsideofyourheel,belowandtothesideoftheanklebone.Makesureyoumassageeachtoe.
Massagethetopofyourfootwithyourfingers.Strokebetweenthebones.Continueforaboutfiveminuteson
eachfoot.Whenyouarefinished,propyourfeetup(makingsureyoukeepthemwarm)andrelax.
Acupressureself-help
AIMStorelievenausea
FREQUENCYcanbeusedwhenevernauseaarises
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
1
CROSS-REFERENCESinuscongestionandpain
ALSOBENEFICIALFORinsomnia,palpitations,epilepsy,motionsickness
This acupoint is well known for its ability to controlnauseaandvomitingandcanbeusedsafelyduringallstagesofpregnancy.It isalsoexcellent forcontrollingmotionsickness.
FindPericardium6,locatedtwo-and-a-halffingerwidthsabovethewristcrease,betweenthetendonsinthecentre
ofyourforearm.Pressthepointdeeplywithyourthumbandholdthepressurefirmlyforfivetotenlong,slowbreaths.Repeatontheotherside.Continueonalternatesidesuntilthenauseasubsides.
Self-massagehelpforheartburn
AIMStoquellheartburn
FREQUENCYwheneverthesymptomarises;usepreventivelytowardstheendofpregnancy
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
CROSS-REFERENCEMentalclarity,Stress
ALSOBENEFICIALFORcalmingthemind
Performthismassageoveryourclothing.Thetechniqueworksbest in conjunctionwithothernatural therapiessuch as taking a calcium supplement or digestiveenzymes.
1
2
Useyourfingertipstostrokedownthebreastbone.Beginatthenotchinyourcollarboneandslideyourfingers
downtoyourabdomen.Repeatforoneminute.
Next,usingthesamestrokingmotion,slideyourfingersstraightdowntothetopofyourabdomen.Uselight
pressureifyouareinyourlasttrimester.
SinuscongestionandpainSinusesmaybecomeirritatedbyallergies,coldsorflu.Both acute and chronic sinus problems can indicate amoreseriousconditionthatneedstobeevaluatedandtreatedbyadoctor.Self-massagecanbeanexcellentadjuncttoothertherapies.
Acupressureself-help
AIMStorelievesinuscongestionandpain
FREQUENCYseveraltimesaday
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
CROSS-REFERENCEEyestrain,Neckandshouldertension
ALSOBENEFICIALFORST3–eyeirritation,sinusheadaches,facialpainBL10–headache,rigidityoftheneck
Thesetwoacupointscanhelpclearupblockedsinuses
1
2
andmaybeusedatanytime,anywhere.
FindStomach3byplacingbothindexfingersunderyourcheekbonesandpressingupintothebone.Rubyour
fingersbackandforthalongtheridgeoftheboneuntilyoufeelaslightdepressioninit–thisistheacupoint.Itwillprobablybetender–moresoonthesidewhereyouarefeelinggreatercongestion.
Holdthepointwithfirm,steadypressureonbothsidesandtake10deepbreaths.
3 Next,findBladder10byplacingyourthumbsintothemusclesoneithersideofthespineatthebaseoftheskull.
Thisacupointisrightonthemuscleband.Tiltyourheadslightlyforwardandbegintomassagethearea,makingslow,deepcircleswithyourthumbs.Evenifyouarenotexactlyontheacupoint,massageofthisareawillfeelgoodandwillhelprelievesinuscongestion.Massagethispointforabouttwominutes.
Reflexologyself-help
AIMStorelievesinuscongestionandpain
FREQUENCYtwiceaday
CONTRAINDICATIONS
1
noneknown
ALSOBENEFICIALFORfacialpain
Massagingthereflexzonesonboththehandsandthefeet can help soothe the sinuses. Remember, ingeneral, the feetareamoreeffective treatmentarea,but if youare inasituationwhereyoucan’tmassageyourfeeteasily,thehandsareagreatsubstitute.
Usethetechniqueofpinchingandrotatingonapointinthereflexzonesonthehands,asshownhere.Repeaton
eachdigitforaboutoneminute.
2 Thesinusreflexzonesinthefeetarelocatedinthecorrespondingplaces.Repeatthepinchingandrotating
techniqueonthefeet.
SleeplessnessJust about everyone has trouble sleeping sometimes.The causes can range from drinking too much coffeeduring the day to anxiety and not getting enoughexercise. Jetlag, the side-effects of medication andback pain can also cause occasional insomnia. If youareexperiencingchronicinsomnia,itisessentialtoseeyour doctor for appropriate treatment. If you haveinfrequent bouts of sleeplessness, self-massage canhelp you relax and get a good night’s rest. Thefollowingtechniquescanhelp.
Acupressureself-help
AIMStorelieveinsomnia
FREQUENCYasneeded
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
CROSS-REFERENCEEyestrain,Menstrualdiscomfort
ALSOBENEFICIALFOR
1
2
BL62–eyestrain,epilepticfitsatnightKD6–irregularmenstruation,prolapseduterus
Youcanusethistreatmentinbedjustbeforetryingtoget to sleep, or if you wake up in the middle of thenightandcannotgetbacktosleep.
FindBladder62,locatedontheoutsideoftheankle,aboutathumbwidthdirectlybeneaththebottomoftheankle
bone.Kidney6isdirectlyoppositeBladder62,beneaththeinsideoftheanklebone.
Usethefingertipsofbothhandstomassagethesepointsinslow,circularstrokesforabouttwominutes.Repeaton
theotherankle.
3 Ifyouarelyinginbedanddon’twanttositup,tryusingtheheelofyouroppositefoottomassagethearea
beneaththeinneranklebone.Continueforabouttwominutesoneachsideandthenrelax.Repeatifnecessary.
Reflexologyself-help
AIMStorelaxthebodyandmindinordertofallasleep
FREQUENCYrepeatuntilyoufallasleep
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
ALSOBENEFICIALFORsinusproblems,headaches,bloodsugarproblems
1
Thereflexzonesonbothofthehandscanbeusefulineasing insomnia – and you can treat yourself whilelyingdown.
Usethepinchingandrotatingtechniqueonthereflexzonesofthehandsasshownhere.Repeatoneachdigitfor
aboutoneminute.
Meditationhelp
AIMStorelieveinsomnia
FREQUENCYdaily
CONTRAINDICATIONS
noneknown
ALSOBENEFICIALFORgeneralanxiety,tension
Try this simple meditation to help you get a restfulnight’ssleep.
1.Liecomfortably,eitheronyourbackoryourside.
2. Close your eyes and breathe deeply through yournose. Concentrate on the breath coming in throughyournoseandslowlyleavingthroughyournose.
3. Now take your awareness to your feet. As youbreathe in, tell yourself, “my feet are heavy.” As youbreatheout,tellyourself,“myfeetarerelaxed.”Repeatthis phrasewith the breath three times. Feel a warmrelaxingsensationspreadthroughyourfeet.
4.Next,takeyourmindtoyourankles.Asyoubreathein,tellyourself,“myanklesareheavy.”Asyoubreatheout, tell yourself, “my ankles are relaxed.” Feel thewarm relaxing sensation spread from your feet intoyourankles.Repeatthreetimes.
5.Continuethismeditationwitheachpartofyourbody.If you have not fallen asleep by the time you reachyourhead,begintheprocessagain.
StressIn today’s fast-paced world it is hard to find anyonewho doesn’t experience occasional stress. One of thebestthingsyoucandoforyourselfwhenyouareunderstress is to take a break and get amassage. In fact,stress reduction is one of the most highly toutedbenefitsofmassagetherapy.Whileitisgreattoreceiveamassage fromaprofessional,self-massagecanhelptoo.Tryoneofthefollowingtechniquesandseewhichworksbestforyou.
Indianhead-massageself-help
AIMStoeasestressandtension
FREQUENCYdaily
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
CROSS-REFERENCEEnergy-boosters,Eyestrain,Headaches
ALSOBENEFICIALFORheadaches,fatigue,tiredeyes
1
Indian head massage has been used for centuries tohelprelievestressandtension.Hereisasimpleroutinethatwilltakeyoulessthanfiveminutes.
Liedownorsitinachair.Beginbyusingyourfingertipstorubyourtemplesinsmall,slowcircles.Continueforabout
oneminute.
Next“shampoo”yourscalp.Beginjustbehindthetemplesandmakesmallcircles,rubbingtowardsthebackofyourhead.
3
2Massagethewholescalp.Continueforatleastoneminute.
Finishby“combing”yourscalpwithyourfingertips,fromthehairline,overthetopandsidesoftheheadanddown
thebackofyournecktotheshoulders.Repeatthisstrokeabout10times.
Reflexologyquickfix
AIMStorelievestress
FREQUENCYseveraltimesaday
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
CROSS-REFERENCEEnergy-boosters
1
2
ALSOBENEFICIALFORfatigue
Youcanusethismassagewhenyouareunderalotofstress,butdon’thavetimetotakecareofyourselfwitha longer self-massage treatment. The benefit of handreflexology is that it can be performed without otherpeoplebecomingawareof it,so the treatmentcanbedoneduringastressfulmeetingorwhilecommuting.
Usethetechniquesofpinchingorrotatingonapointonthereflexzone,asshownaboveContinueforuptofive
minutesoneachhand.
Alternately,placeamarbleorasmall,hardballbetweenyourpalmsandsqueezethemtowardseachother.Rollthe
ballaroundtheinnerpartofyourpalm.
Meditationhelp
AIMStorelievestress
FREQUENCYtwiceadayormore
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
ALSOBENEFICIALFORsleepissues,anxiety
Meditation is a tried and true remedy for stress.Because the point ofmeditation is to concentrate themind, it can help divert yourmind from the cause ofyourstresslongenoughtorealizeitismanageable.Inthe past few years,much research has been done toconfirm that meditation helps reduce stress andpromotes healing. Here is a short meditation to helpyoucopewithstress.
1.Sitinacomfortableposition–eithercross-leggedonthefloororinachair.
2. Close your eyes and breathe slowly and deeplythroughyournose.Concentrateon thebreath cominginandout throughyournose.Count fromdown fromtentoone.Youcanvisualizethenumbersinyourheadif it helps you to focus onbreathing and ignore other
thoughts.
3.Whenyougettoone,repeatthecountdownagain.You may want to repeat it a few more times beforeproceedingtothenextstep.
4. Take your awareness to the centre of your chest.Feelagentlewarmthandloveinthispartofyourbody.Overthenextfewbreaths,allowthatfeelingofwarmthand love to spread out fromyour heart until you feelyourwholebodygently radiatingwith it. Ifyourmindwanders, allow your awareness to come back to thecentre of the chest. Whenever a stressful thoughtarises, imagine wrapping it up in the warm, healingenergy of your heart until you feel it dissolve there.Continue this meditation for at least 10 minutes anduseitwheneveryouneedtorelievestress.
SwellingWater retentionand swelling (alsoknownasoedema)can be an annoying nuisance or a serious problem.Swelling fromkidney, liver or heart disease, diabetes,AIDSorotherdiseasesisaconditionwhichneedstobetreatedbyaphysician.Inanycase,itisgenerallynotagood idea togiveyourself a firm,deepmassageoveran area that is swollen. However, a specific kind ofmassage therapy, known as manual lymphaticdrainage,istremendouslybeneficialforit.Thistherapyis most effective when performed by a trainedprofessional, although simple self-massage can bringrelieffromminorswelling.
Manuallymphaticdrainageself-help
AIMStohelpreduceswelling
FREQUENCYtwiceaday
CONTRAINDICATIONSconsultadoctoraboutyourspecificcondition
CROSS-REFERENCECirculationissues.Kneepain,Pregnancydiscomfort,Tired
1
feet
Manual lymphatic drainage is a very light-touchmassagedesigned tohelp improve the flowof lymph.Excessive lymph that has not drained properly maybuild up in the soft tissues and cause swelling. Thismassage is aimed at reducing swelling by redirectinglymph towards the lymph glands, where it can beprocessedandrecirculated.
Startbytreatingtheneckarea,wheretherearealotoflymphnodes.Placeyourhandsoneithersideofyourneck
withyourfingerstogether,justundertheears.Letyourfingersstaystill,whileyoumoveyourarms.Movingyourwholearm,tracefiveveryslowcirclesunderyourears.
2 Moveyourhandsdownabout2.5cm/1inandrepeatthetechnique.Moveyourhandsoneortwomoretimes,
repeatingthissamelightcircularactionuntilyoureachthebaseoftheneck.Repeatthewholesequencethreetofivetimes.
5 Next,movetotheareathatisswollen.Ifitisanarm,youwillonlybeabletouseonehandatatime;ifitis
anywhereelseonthebody,usebothhands,asyoudidfortheneckmassage.Massagetheareainslow,lightcircles,workinginthedirectionofthelymphflow.Repeatthreetofivetimes.
•Forthefeet,anklesandshins:worktowardstheknees.•Forthethighs,lowerabdomen,hipsandlowerbuttocks:worktowardsthegroin.•Forthelowerback:worktowardsthewaist.•Fortheupperabdomen,chestandarms:worktowardsthearmpits.•Fortheneckandshoulders:worktowardsthecollarbone.•Forthefaceandhead:worktowardsthejawornapeoftheneck.
Acupressurequickfix
AIMStorelieveswellinginthelowerhalfofthebody
FREQUENCYthreetofivetimesaday
CONTRAINDICATIONSdonotpressdirectlyonswollenareas
CROSS-REFERENCEKneepain,Menstrualdiscomfort
ALSOBENEFICIALFORkneepain,menstrualcramps
Thisacupointisusefulfortreatingswellinginthelowerlegsandfeet.
1
2
FindSpleen9byslidingthefingersofyourrighthanduptheinsideofyourrightshinbone.Wherethebonerunsinto
theknee,youwillfeelacurve.Stophereandyoushouldfeelaslightlytenderarea,justunderthecurve–thisistheacupoint.
Findtheacupointontheleftlegwiththelefthandand,withbothhands,useacircularactiontomassagethepoint
onbothlegs.Continueforabouttwominutes.Ifpossible,elevateyourfeetafterwards.
TiredfeetAlthoughfeetworkhardallday,theyareoftenunder-appreciatedandneglected.Poorlyfittingshoes,stiflingsocksandstanding for too longall contribute tosore,aching feet. Because the feet contain so many nerveendings, footmassage can help rejuvenate the entirebody. A foot self-massage is a great way to treatyourselfattheendofalongday.
Shiatsuself-help
AIMStorelievesorefeet
FREQUENCYdaliy
CONTRAINDICATIONSdonotmassageulcersoropenwounds
CROSS-REFERENCEEnergy-boosters,Pregnancydiscomfort,Stress
ALSOBENEFICIALFORfatigue,tension,grounding,pregnancydiscomfort
1
If you are flexible enough, sit on the floor with yourlegscrossedandbacksupportedforthismassage.Youcanalsoperformitwhilesittinginachair.
Beginbyplacingyourrightfootonyourleftthigh.Withyourthumbstogetherandyourfingerswrappedaround
thetopofyourfoot,pressinastraightlinefromthecentreoftheheelupwards.Next,usethesametechniquefromtheinsideoftheheel,alongthearch,andfinallyfromtheoutsideofyourheeluptoyourlasttwotoes.Repeatthesequence.Eachtimeyoupress,holdforaboutonesecond.
Next,makeafistwithyourlefthand.Rolltheknucklesupthe
3
4
2sole,workingfromtheheeltothetoes.Repeatthisactionthree
orfourtimes.
Nowtakeeachtoebetweenyourthumbandfingers.Rollandsqueezeeachtoeforabout15seconds.
Ifyouareflexibleenough,taketheelbowofyourleftarmandpressitintothesoleofyourfoot.Makesmallcircles
withyourelbow.Afterseveralseconds,movetoadifferentpoint.Concentrateonthesoreareas.
5 Finishbysqueezingyourfootbetweenyourfingersandthumbs.Startneartheheel,holdforoneortwoseconds
andthenmoveuptowardsyourtoes.Repeatthesequencetwice.Thenrepeatitonyourleftfoot.
Self-massagequickfix
AIMStorelievesorefeet
FREQUENCYdaily
CONTRAINDICATIONSdonotmassageulcersoropenwounds
CROSS-REFERENCEEnergy-boosters,Pregnancydiscomfort,Stress
ALSOBENEFICIALFORfatigue,tension,grounding,pregnancydiscomfort
This is a technique that is perfect to do while sittingandworkingatadesk.
1.Useagolfballunderyourfoot.Pressdownandrolltheballaroundwithyourfoot.
2.Makesureyoupressunder thearchandunder thetoesofthefoot.
3. Use your other foot to help hold the golf ball inplace.
4.Repeatontheotherside.
ToothacheTooth pain can be caused by cavities or other dentalproblems. It is important to see your dentist and getthe problem corrected professionally. Try these self-massagetechniques tohelpyoucopewith thepain intheshortterm,andtorecoverfromdentalwork.
Reflexologyself-help
AIMStorelievetoothache
FREQUENCYasneeded
CONTRAINDICATIONSnoneknown
ALSOBENEFICIALFORthyroidimbalances,neckpain
While this reflexology treatment will not cure yourtoothache,itmaygiveyousometemporaryrelief.
1
2
Thereflexzonefortheteethisthefirstknuckleofallthefingersandtoes,(seeabove).Beginbyusingtheindex
fingerandthumbofonehandtostimulatethefirstknuckleofeachfingerontheother;alsoincludethefirstjointofthethumb.Usepinchingonthearea.Treateachfingerforaboutoneminute.
Next,pinchthefirstjointofthetoes(exceptthebigtoe)inthesamemanner.
Acupressurequickfix
AIMStorelievetoothache
FREQUENCYasneeded
CONTRAINDICATIONS
1
pregnancy
CROSS-REFERENCEConstipationHeadaches
ALSOBENEFICIALFORconstipation,headaches,facialpain
The well-known acupoint Large Intestine 4 can helprelievetoothache.Itcouldalsobeusedtorelievepainexperiencedafterdentalwork.
TheacupointLargeIntestine4islocatedinthewebbingofthethumbandindexfingeronthebackofthehand.To
findthepoint,slideyourthumbtowherethebonesoftheindex
fingerandthumbmeet,andthenpressintotheboneoftheindexfinger.Pressarounduntilyoufindatenderarea.Massagethispointdeeplyinsmallcirclesuntilthepainlessens.
Do-in:atraditionalAsianself-massageDo-in is a traditional self-massage from Asia, whichrelaxes tension, stimulates acupoints, loosens stiffjoints and reinvigorates the entire body. Today,manyacupressuremastersbelievethattheirartdevelopedinancient times out of the natural tendency to rub andpress sore areas of the body. Taoist monks were thefirsttosystematizethisself-healing instinctandcalledtheir method Tao-Yin (“The Way” or “Gentleapproach”).Tao-Yinwasconsideredbothahealingtooland amethod for promotinggeneral health; the termbecame “do-in” in Japanese, and today this techniqueisusedasaformofself-helpshiatsu.Theaimofthisstyleofself-massageistoharmonize
the energy flow through each meridian (a specificchannel of energy used in Chinese medicine). Do-inhelps release toxins, tone the muscles and skin,improve circulation, increase flexibility, reduce achesandpains,andpromoteself-awareness.Youcandoiteitherstandingorsitting.Do-incanbe
employed as a quick, five-minute re-energizingmassage,orasanhour-longhealingsession,whenyouwork more deeply into the joints, muscles and soreacupoints. It is nice to relax for a while after thismassage to allow the effects to settle into your bodyand mind. You can do this by sitting in a chair andclosingyoureyes fora fewminutes,orby lyingdown
on your back on the floor and resting for around 10minutes.Followthesequencesetout,whichstartsfromtheheadandworksdowntothefeet;orchoosepartsof the sequence, if you wish to concentrate on aspecificareaofthebody.
1
2
Head
Makefists,butkeepyourwristsveryloose,andtapthetop,sidesandbackofyourhead.
Usingthesameloosefists,tapincirclesaroundeachsideofthehead.
3 Useyourfingertipstomassagefromthetopoftheforeheadoverthecrownoftheheadanddowntothenape
oftheneck,withacombingand/orcircularfrictionaction.
1
2
Theface
Useyourfingertipstomassagetheforeheadwithcircularfriction.Startatthemiddleandmassageoutwardstothe
temples.
Continueusingsmallcirclesonthejawmusclesandthecheeks.
3
4
Rubthetipofyournoseinacircleusingyourfingertips.
Rubandsqueezeyourears.
1
2
Neck
Useyourfingertipstobrisklystrokeupthethroat.
Kneadthemusclesonthebackandsidesoftheneck.
3 Takeadeepbreathand,asyouexhale,stretchyourrighteartotherightshoulder,inhaleandthenstretchyourleft
eartotheleftshoulder.Inhaleandstretchyourchintowardsyourchest.Inhaleandlookup,tostretchthefrontofthethroat.Karate-chopthebackofyourneckfromthenapetotheshoulders.
12
Shoulders
Useloosefiststopoundtheshoulders,usingtherighthandontheleftshoulderandviceversa.
Graspandkneadtheareafromthebaseofyourneckouttotheshoulderjoint.Repeatontheotherside.
43 Circleyourshouldersbackandforwardsseveraltimes.
Inhale,drawyourshouldersuptoyourears,exhalestronglyandthrowyourshouldersbackdowninashrug.
Repeatthreetimes.
1
Handsandarms
Usealoosefisttotapdowntheinsideofthearm(fromtheupperarmtothepalmofthehand)anduptheoutside
ofthearm.Repeatthreetimes.
2
3
4
Knead,squeezeandtwistthemusclesofyourarm,fromjustbelowthearmpittothehand.
Brisklybrushdownyourarm.
Stretchyourwristinbothdirections.
5
6
7
Gentlypullingyourfingersdownwillhelptostretchthewrist.
Useyourfingertipstomassagethespacesbetweenthebonesofthehand.
Squeezeandtwisteachfingerandthethumbfromthebasetothetip.
8
9
Useyourthumbtomassagethepalmofthehand.
Giveyourwholearmashake.Repeatontheotherhand.
1
Torso
Bendyourfingersandmakethemfirm.Usethetipsofyourfingerstoquicklytapthefrontoftheribcagewhile
takingadeepbreath.
2
3
Exhalethroughyourmouthandrepeatedlyslaptheribsusingyourwholepalm.Repeatthreetimes.
Repeatthissteponthesidesoftheribs.
4 Bringyourfingersjustundertheribcage.Takeadeepbreathand,asyouexhale,bendforwardandmassage
deepintotheabdomenwithyourfingertips.Repeatthreetofivetimes,movingyourfingerstoaslightlydifferentplaceontheabdomeneachtime.
5 Useallofyourfingertipstogethertomakesmallcirclesonyourabdomen.Beginjustunderyourbreastbone,asifthis
was12o’clock.Massageforabout15seconds.Nextmoveyourfingertipstooneo’clockandmassageinsmallcirclesagain.Continueuntilyou’rebackat12o’clock.Nowreversethedirectionfor12morecircles.
1
Back
Makeloosefistswithyourhands.Tapyourlowerback,fromtheribsdowntowardsyourtailbone.Thentapyour
tailboneandyourbuttocks.
2 Placeyourhandsonyourwaist,withyourfingerswrappedaroundthefrontandyourthumbstotheback.Moveyour
thumbstothemusclesalongthespine.Leanbackasyoupressyourthumbsintoandmassagethesemuscles.Moveyourthumbsdownalittlefurtherandrepeat.
1
Legsandfeet
Youcandothissectionsittinginachairoronthefloor.
Useloosefiststotapdowntheoutsideoftheleganduptheinside.Usestrongpressure.Repeatthreetimes.
2 Usethebackofyouropenhandtotapdownthebackoftheleg.Usestrongpressure.Repeatthreetimes.
3
4
Usebothhandstosqueeze,twistandkneadallthemusclesoftheleg,fromthegroindowntotheankle.
Placeonefootontopofyourthigh,toworkonthefoot.(Sitinachairifnecessary.)Grasptheanklewithboth
handsandshakeyourfootvigorously.
5
6
Stretchyourtoesbackandusealoosefistontheoppositehandtotapthesoleofthefoot.
Usethethumbstomassagethesoleofthefoot.
7
8
Usethefingertipstomassagethespacesbetweenthebonesontopofthefoot.
Massageandtwisteachtoe.
9 Gentlybounceyourwholeleg.Repeatthewholesequenceontheotherleg.Nowrelaxfor5–10minutes,eitherlying
onthefloororreclininginachairwithyoureyesclosed.Breathedeeplyandallowtheabdomentoriseandfallwitheachbreath.Whenyouareready,openyoureyes,getupandnoticethepositiveshiftinyourenergy!
index
aacupressure,techniques18anxietyacupressure26chakra-balancing27self-massage24–5
arms,self-massage15,89aromatherapymassage,pregnancy68arthritis,self-massage28
bbackacheseelowbackachebreathingissuesacupressure31self-massage30
cchakra-balancing27Chinesemedicine18–19circulationissuesreflexology33self-massage32
classicmassageseeSwedishmassagecomputerstrain,self-massage34–5
constipationacupressure37reflexology38–9self-massage36
coughs,acupressure31
cramp,acupressure65
ddigestiveheadaches,acupressure49digestiveproblemsseeindigestiondo-in,self-massageroutine86–93
eenergy-boostersacupressure40reflexology41self-massage41eyestrainacupressure42–3reflexology43fatigueenergy-boosters40–1
seealsomentalclarity
ffeetself-massage81shiatsu80–1Swedishmassage14
hhandpainacupressure29self-massage28
hangoversacupressure45hydrotherapy45Indianheadmassage44
headachesacupressure48–9reflexology47self-massage46–7
heartburnself-massage69
seealsoindigestionhydrotherapy,forhangovers45
iIndianheadmassage44,74indigestionacupressure51reflexology50
jjawmassage17jointmobilityself-massage52–3trigger-point53
kkneepainacupressure29,55reflexology55trigger-point54
ilegcramps,acupressure65lowbackacheacupressure58reflexology58–9self-massage56–7
mmanuallymphaticdrainage78–9meditation73,76menstrualdiscomfortacupressure61handreflexology61self-massage60
mentalclarityacupressure63reflexology64self-massage62–3
meridians,acupressure18musclecramps,acupressure65
nneckandshouldertensionreflexology67self-massage66trigger-point67
ppregnancydiscomfortacupressure69aromatherapymassage68self-massage69
rreflexology,techniques20–1
sshiatsu,fortiredfeet80–1shouldersSwedishmassage16seealsoneckandshouldertensionsinusproblems
acupressure48–9,70reflexology71
sleeplessnessacupressure72meditation73reflexology73
stressIndianhead-massage74meditation76reflexology75
Swedishmassage,techniques12–17swellingacupressure79
manuallymphaticdrainage78–9
ttiredfeetseefeettoothacheacupressure83reflexology82
trigger-pointsjointmobility53kneepain54neckandshouldertension67
wwellnessroutine,do-inself-massage86–93
bibliography/acknowledgments
GeneralMassageDavies,Clair,TheTriggerPointTherapyWorkbook.Oakland,CA:NewHarbingerPublications,Inc.(2001)
Maxwell-Hudson,Clare,CompleteMassage:AVisualGuidetoOver100Techniques.NewYork:DKPublishingInc.(2001)
AcupressureandChineseMedicineGach,MichaelReed,Acupressure’sPotentPoints:AGuidetoSelf-CareforCommonAilments,NewYork:BantamBooks(1990).
Maciocia,Giovanni,TheFoundationsofChineseMedicine:AComprehensiveTextforAcupuncturistsandHerbalists,Edinburgh:ChurchillLivingstone(1989)
Shen,Peijian,MassageforPainRelief:AStep-by-StepGuide.NewYork:RandomHouse(1996)
ReflexologyDougans,IngewithEllis,Suzanne,TheArtofReflexology:AStep-by-StepGuide,Rockport:MAElementBooksInc.(1992)
Kunz,KevinandBarbara,HandandFootReflexology:ASelf-HelpGuide,NewYork:Fireside(1992)
IndianHeadMassageBrown,DeniseWhichello,TeachYourself:IndianHeadMassage,Chicago:ContemporaryBooks(2003)
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AllphotographsshotbyNeilSutherland,except:MaryEvansPictureLibraryWernerFormanArchive
ArtworkbyJulietPercival
I’dliketothankmyteachers:MichaelReedGachandtheinstructorsattheAcupressureInstituteinCalifornia,andSaulGoodmanandtheinstructorsattheInternationalSchoolofShiatsuinPennsylvania.ThankstoReneStephens,ValerieHartmanandGenieHardeeforreadingthemanuscriptandofferingtheirsuggestionsandexpertise.I’dalsoliketothankJaneEllisatChrysalisbooksforherpatientandmethodicalorganizingandediting,andJulietPercivalforherbeautifulartwork.AspecialthankstomydearfriendMartinaBarnesforherlove,supportandencouragement.Finally,thankstomyhusbandBhaveshandmybabyboyBhaeravaforcreatingthespaceinourlivesforthisbooktocomeintobeing.
KristineKaoveriiWeber
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Thisbookcanbeordereddirectfromthepublisheratwww.pavilionbooks.comFrontcoverphotography:ShutterstockPhotographybyNeilSutherlandSafetyNoteTheinformationinthisbookisnotintendedasasubstituteformedicaladvice.Anypersonsufferingfromconditionsrequiringmedicalattention,orwhohassymptomsthatconcernthem,shouldconsultaqualifiedmedicalpractitioner.