Powerful Points - STOMACH (ST) 36

Sorry about lack of input over last few days - a combination of being too busy writing the book and generally catching up with life and leting my neck settle. I'm carrying on with important acupoints (let me know if you want any different stuff that hasn't been covered over the past 2 years).

Today I describe one of the most influential acupoints on the body that may be used with needle, moxa and pressure giving different reactions with this polychrest of a point. ST 36 is situated within the fibres of the tibilais anterior muscle, approximately one finger width lateral to the tibial crest (shin bone) with the quadriceps insertion on the tibial tuberosity. When using needle you have to be aware that there is a distinct de qi sensation and often the patient will gladly inform you that you have 'hit a nerve' They will feel the sensation travelling right down to the ankle. This point answers very well to moxa either as a cone or a stick and is also a brilliant self help point in acupressure.

Indications : Afflictions of the mouth, bitter taste, frequent vomiting, gastralgia and gastro-enteritis, chronic constipation, colic and diaphragmatic spasms. The general indications are anxiety, hypertension, dyspnoea, urethritis, incontinence and difficulty in urination, ezcema, headaches, vertigo, pain, leg weakness and oedema.

The special properties with this point is that it is probably our greatest point in the treatment of tiredness, lethargy and general lack of fibre. To remedy these symtoms you can either use stimulating needles, better still moxa or vigorous acupressure. I well remember using this point to great effect when doing pre-event acupressure/acupuncture on top class athletes. To treat the more acute gastric problems e.g. gastritis and upset tummy, you just need to hold the point with a fairly deep contact. It is a great self help point in spinal muscle and diaphragm muscle spasm. The point is directly associated with the mid thoracic region that gives its sympathetic nerve flow to the diaphragm and stomach - that's why it works. More anon - JRC

Powerful Points - Triple Energizer (TE) 17

Sorry to be so long with this blog - put it down to general decrepitude and sloth! I'm now almost 7 weeks post surgery and, although, the pain is still quite intensive at times, it is starting to settle a little. Fingers crossed! I continue to take life very easily and give the neck every opportunity to heal - there's no other way.

I thought I'd continue with the Powerful Points theme started last year - to introduce you to seemingly ineffectual points that have more 'oomph' to them than you may think at first glance. Today is TE 17. To those of you old enough to know differently, the TE meridian used to be called Triple Heater, Three Heater, Triple Warmer, Triple Burner or by its traditional name of Sanjiao.

TE 17 is located directly behind the ear lobe at the centre of the depression formed between the mastoid process and the lower jaw. It is a surprisingly deep point to effect with an acupuncture needle - anything up to one cun (just over 2 cms). It is, though, its use with acupressure and touch therapy where it can work miracles, simply because of its energetic links with other parts of the body. Firstly it is a very influential acupoint in many conditions of the ear itself. Symptoms and conditions include tinnitus, diminished hearing, earache, acute or chronic otitis, and general ear inflammation. It is also excellent in the treatment of Meniere's syndrome, dizziness, vertigo, TMJ stiffness, headache, nausea and some facial nerve disorders.

Through my work with the chakra energy system, this acupoint has taken on new significance as it is often called the Ear chakra - one of the 21 minor chakras. Significantly it is associated with the Intercostal (minor) at SP 21 and the Heart chakra (major) at Con 17. It is therefore very influential, either treatment on your clients or as self help, for stress release (especially long term), clearing the mind and treating old emotional 'blockages' such as grief, worry and anxiety. The best way to treat this point is to lie down on a bed and place the middle finger pads in to the bilateral points. Visualisation of what you want to achieve will help as you continue with the session. It is a brilliant point in gently lowering hypertension if caused by stress and anxiety, due to its links with the heart. Try and treat the bilateral points for about 5 minutes, then place one hand over the centre of the sternum (Heart chakra) and the other over the anterior Brow chakra for a couple of minutes to complete the treatment. Very relaxing!! More next time - JRC