Colds and Flu

Colds and Flu

Colds are caused by viruses that thrive in your nose and throat when e temperature, acidity, and moisture suit them. When you are run down and ur resistance is low, your ability to adapt to environmental changes eakens, making it easier to catch a cold, and the mucous membranes come a perfect breeding ground for viruses. Cold symptoms are the body's empt to protect itself from these intruders. When a virus enters your nose, r instance, the body secretes more mucus to flush it away. Because acupressure stimulates your body to expel the virus more ickly, it may seem at first that your cold is worsening. But your body is mply progressing through the symptoms faster than usual. Although upressure cannot cure a cold, working on certain points can help you get tter quicker and increase your resistance to future colds.

Seasonal Changes

Potent point B 36, called Bearing Support, is especially good for mulating the body's natural resistance to colds and flus. It's located near the spine, off the tips of the shoulder blades. ccording to traditional Chinese medicine, wind and cold enter the pores of the skin at this point. 1 The muscles in this per back area tend to get tense just before a cold or flu takes hold.2 Recently, one of my best friends, a realtor, was suffering from a bad cold with a stuffy nose, a hacking cough, ffiness around his eyes, and a pallid complexion. He hadn't slept well the previous two nights because of these scomforts and was very tired. After I briefly massaged his upper back, shoulders, neck, and chest, I showed him how to ess the decongestion points underneath the base of his skull and on his face. I also told him to drink ginger tea at least ice a day. When I saw John the next day, he told me he had slept soundly and felt much more refreshed. His eyes oked much clearer, and already he was no longer coughing and blowing his nose.

Potent Points for Relieving Colds and Flu Drilling Bamboo (B 2)

Location: In the indentations of the eye sockets, on either side of where e bridge of the nose meets the ridge of the eyebrows. Benefits: Relieves colds, sinus congestion, frontal headaches, and tired es.

Facial Beauty (St 3)

Location: At the bottom of the cheekbone, directly below the pupil. Benefits: Relieves stuffy nose, head congestion, burning eyes, eye igue, and eye pressure.

Welcoming Perfume (LI 20) Location: On either cheek, just outside each nostril. Benefits: Relieves nasal congestion, sinus pain, facial paralysis, and facial swelling.

Crooked Pond (LI 11) Location: At the outer end of the elbow crease. Benefits: Relieves cold symptoms, fever, constipation, and elbow pain; strengthens the immune system.

Joining the Valley (Hoku) (LI 4)

Caution: This point is forbidden for pregnant women because its stimulation can cause premature contractions in e uterus. Location: At the highest spot of the muscle on the back of the hand that protrudes when the thumb and index finger e close together. Benefits: Relieves colds, flu, head congestion, constipation, and headaches.

Gates of Consciousness (GB 20) Location: Below the base of the skull, in the hollows on both sides, two to three inches apart depending on the size the head. Benefits: Relieves headaches, head congestion, arthritis, neck pain, and irritability.

Wind Mansion (GV 16) Location: In the center of the back of the head, in the large hollow under the base of the skull. Benefits: Relieves head congestion, red eyes, mental stress, headaches, and stiff neck.

Third Eye Point (GV 24.5)

Location: Directly between the eyebrows, in the indentation where the bridge of the nose meets the center of your rehead. Benefits: Relieves head congestion, stuffy nose, and headaches.

Elegant Mansion (K 27)

Location: In the hollow below the collarbone next to the breastbone. Benefits: Relieves chest congestion, breathing difficulties, coughing, and sore roats.

Potent Point Exercises (You do not have to use all of these points. Using just one or wo of them whenever you have a free hand can be effective.) Lie down on your back or sit comfortably.

Step 1 Press into B 2: Use your thumbs on the upper ridge of your eye socket to press o the slight hollow near the bridge of your nose for one minute. Close your eyes d take a few deep breaths, letting the weight of your head relax forward onto your umbs.

Step 2 Press St 3 and LI 20: Place both of your middle fingers beside your nostrils d your index fingers next to them; gradually press up and underneath the eekbones for one minute. You can easily teach this step to your child to help ieve nasal congestion.

Step 3 Press both LI 11: Bend your arm and place your thumb at the- end of the bow crease on the outside of your forearm. Curve your fingers to press firmly into e elbow joint for one minute. Repeat on your opposite arm.

Step 4 Press LI 4 firmly: Spread your left thumb and index finger apart. Place your right thumb in the webbing on the back of your left hand and your fingertips on the palm directly behind your thumb. Firmly squeeze your thumb and index finger of your right hand together to press into the webbing. Angle the pressure toward the bone that connects with your left index finger, and hold for one minute. Then switch

nds.

Step 5 Firmly press GB 20: Now close your eyes and place your thumbs underneath e base of your skull, two to three inches apart. Slowly tilt your head back and ply pressure gradually, holding the position for one minute to fully release these portant cold-relief points.

Step 6 Firmly press GV 16: Place the tips of your middle fingers into the hollow in e center of the base of your skull. Keeping your fingers on the point, inhale as u tilt your head back and exhale as you relax your head forward. Continue to owly rock your head back and forward, and breathe deeply while you hold this portant point for relieving head congestion.

Step 7 Touch the GV 24.5: Bring your palms together and use your middle and index fingers to lightly touch the Third Eye Point located between your eyebrows. Breathe deeply as you hold this point for balancing your endocrine system.

Step 8 Firmly press K 27: Place your fingertips on the protrusions of your collarbone, then slide your fingers down and outward into the first indentation in between e bones. Press into this hollow as you breathe deeply and visualize the congestion earing.

Potent Points for Relieving Coughing A severe, repeated, or uncontrolled cough can be harmful and ou should always consult a physician. Many illnesses such as influenza, pneumonia, and hronic bronchitis can become serious if the condition continues unattended.

Sometimes, your physician will find it advisable to attempt to suppress a cough to prevent further irritation of the onchial tubes. Cough medications may be used, but acupressure can be an effective adjunct therapy. During a ughing fit, many of the large muscle groups in the upper back area can go into a spasm. Specific points on the chest, roat, neck, and upper back benefit the respiratory system, relax your body, and ieve coughs.

Vital Diaphragm (B 38)

Location: Between the shoulder blade and the spine at the level of the heart. Benefits: Relieves coughing, breathing difficulties, and respiratory problems. his calming point also helps balance the emotions.

Ding Chuan (Extra Point 17)

Location: To the side and a little above the vertebra that protrudes at the top of the spine when the head is tilted wnward. Benefits: Relieves throat problems, coughing, shoulder and neck pain, and thyroid imbalances.

Heavenly Pillar (13 10)

Location: One-half inch below the base of the skull on the ropy muscles one-half inch out from either side of the ine.

Benefits: Relieves sore throat, stress, burnout, overexertion, and heaviness in the head.

Heaven Rushing Out (CV 22) Location: At the base of the throat in the large hollow directly below the Adam's apple. Benefits: Relieves dry cough, bronchitis, sore throat, chest congestion, and heartburn.

Elegant Mansion (K 27)

Location: In the hollow below the collarbone next to the breastbone. Benefits: Relieves chest congestion, breathing difficulties, asthma, coughing, and anxiety. (You do not have to use all of these points. Using just one or two of them whenever you have a cough can be ective.)

Potent Point Exercises

(Although many of the following points can be held while you are sitting, it is eferable to lie down comfortably on your back.) Step 1 Hold both K 27 points: Place your fingertips on your chest and firmly press o the indentations directly below the protrusions of the collarbone. This is other point that you can easily teach a child.

Step 2 Use tennis balls3 on B 38: Place two small rubber balls or tennis balls gether on a clean carpet. Lie down, placing the balls between your shoulder ades at the level of your heart. Close your eyes and take three long, deep breaths you continue to press the K 27 points on your upper chest.

Step 3 Firmly press extra point 17: Slowly roll the tennis balls a few inches higher ward the base of your neck. If the tennis balls tend to slip, or you aren't using em, Sim ly use both middle fingers to press this important acupressure point at e base of the neck.

Step 4 Hold both B 10 points and CV 22: Press B 10 on the upper neck with one hand, using the fingertips. Use your other hand to lightly hold CV 22, an inch below the base of the Adam's apple, pressing lightly at a downward angle. Close your eyes and breathe deeply as you visualize healing energy soothing your throat.

For Sore Throats and Coughing

A small piece of fresh ginger can be one of the most natural and effective ways for soothing a sore throat. Simply place a very thin slice of fresh ginger on the back your tongue. If your throat is sensitive and the ginger feels hot, use a smaller, thinner piece and place it farther back ward your throat. Keep the ginger in the back of your throat for ten minutes. Repeat with a fresh piece several times a y as needed. A quarter cup of chopped ginger can also be simmered in a few cups of water and used as a tea for othing coughs and sore throats.

Additional Points for Relieving Colds and Flu

For illustrations of related points for relieving colds and flu, see chapter 8, "Asthma and Breathing Difficulties"; apter 20 "Headaches and Migraines"; and chapter 38, "Sinus Problems and Hay Fever." 1 Felix Mann, Treatment of Disease by Acupuncture (London: William Heinemann Medical Books, Ltd., 1976), 32, . 2 For more information and self-help techniques for colds and flu see Michael Reed Gach, Acu-Yoga (Tokyo: Japan blications, 198 1) pp. 138-142. 3 This step is optional. If you don't have tennis balls or a pair of small rubber balls, feel free to skip this point. © Copyright 1990 Michael Reed Gach & Bantam Books, All Rights Reserved

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Immune System Boosting

In a fast-paced world, it is easy to overwork yourself, take too many commitments, and extend yourself to the point of haustion. This energy imbalance weakens the immune system. If e take care of ourselves by eating properly, getting enough rest d exercise, and practicing techniques that release tension and lance our bodies - then our resistance to illness is strong. If, on e other hand, we abuse our bodies, push ourselves too hard, eat orly, don't exercise, and fail to release tension, our immune stem weakens, and we are more prone to illness. Acupressure and ep breathing strengthen the immune system and can help you ard off disease. Everyday stresses accumulate inside our bodies, causing oulder and neck tensions as well as anxieties that often make it rd to breathe. I use acupressure, deep breathing, and stretching ercises daily to counteract the common daily pressures in my life. We can only withstand a certain amount of stress. Each person s a different threshold, and each must determine for himself or rself how much is too much. When you cultivate an inner wareness of what's going on inside you, both emotionally and ysically, you discover your optimum balance of activity and rest. Traditional Chinese medicine discovered that excesses of rticular activities weaken the immune system by overstressing rtain acupressure meridian pathways. (The following potent ints are described in detail later in this chapter.) •

• •

• •

Excess standing damages the bladder and kidney meridians, which can cause fatigue and low backaches. To restore these meridians, stimulate the Sea of Vitality points (B 23 and B 47) by rubbing your lower back for one minute. Then hold Elegant Mansion (K 27) directly below your collarbone for another minute. Finally, hold the Bigger Stream (K 3) points on the insides of your ankles for one minute as you breathe deeply. Excess sitting can damage the stomach and spleen meridians, which can contribute to anemia or digestive disorders. Stimulate the Three Mile Points (St 36) on the outsides of your calves to benefit these meridians. Excess lying down can damage the large intestine and lung meridians, which can affect both respiration and elimination. For these meridians use Joining the Valley (Hoku, LI 4) in the valley between the thumb and forefinger and Crooked Pond (LI 11) on the upper edge of your elbow crease as directed on page 120. Excess use of your eyes (as in close desk work) or emotional stress can damage the small intestine and heart meridians, which can create emotional imbalances. The Sea of Tranquility (CV 17) on the center of your breastbone is an excellent point for balancing these meridians. Excess physical exertion can damage the gallbladder and liver meridians, which can cause cramps and spasms. Use Bigger Rushing (Lv 3) on the top of your feet to benefit these meridians.

By using these acupressure points regularly, balancing your activities, and practicing deep breathing you n counteract stresses, prevent fatigue, and boost your immune system. Deep breathing exercises alone can eatly increase your energy level and boost your immune system (see page 123). Diet also plays an important role in building resistance to illness. When we eat processed, preserved, or vitalized foods, we weaken our immune system and our resistance because these foods have been stripped of cessary nutrients and fiber. Certain foods, such as miso soup, parsley, beans, tofu, sea vegetables, fresh getables, and lightly toasted sesame seeds can strengthen the immune system and reinforce the body's ability protect itself.

Acupressure Points for Strengthening the Immune System

There is a particular acupressure point, Bearing Support (B 36), that governs resistance, especially sistance to colds and flu. It is located near the spine, off the tips of the oulder blades. The Chinese book The Yellow Emperor's Classic of ternal Medicine says, wind and cold enter the pores of the skin" at this int.1 It, as well as other points in this area, helps to strengthen the mune system. Conversely, these points around the tips of the shoulder ades are the first to get blocked up just before an illness, especially a ld or flu, takes hold. The following acupressure points are effective for dealing with a ndition that may be caused by a weak immune system. Elegant ansion (K 27) reinforces immune system functioning by strengthening the respiratory system. Steady, firm essure on the Sea Of Vitality points (B 23 and B 47) fortifies the immune system, rejuvenates the internal gans, and relieves pain associated with lower back problems. The Sea of Energy (CV 6) tones the abdominal uscles and intestines, and helps fortify the immune, urinary, and reproductive systems. Firm pressure on the hree Mile Point (St 36) immediately boosts the immune system with renewed energy. It helps tone and engthen the major muscle groups, providing greater endurance. Bigger Stream (K 3) on the inside of the kle helps balance the kidney meridian and strengthen the immune system. Bigger Rushing (Lv 3) and ooked Pond (LI 11),ire important points for relieving pain and strengthening the immune system. The Outer ate point (TW 5) helps to balance the immune system and strengthen the whole body. Hoku (LI 4) is a famous congestant and anti-inflammatory point; it relieves arthritic pain and strengthens the immune system Last, d most important of all, the Sea of Tranquility (CV 17) governs the body's resistance to illness and decreases xiety by regulating the thymus gland. Each of these important points benefits the immune system by enabling e internal organs to function at optimal levels.

Potent Points for Boosting the Immune System Elegant Mansion (K 27)

Location: In the depression directly below the protrusions of the collarbone. Benefits: Strengthens the immune system as well as relieves chest congestion, breathing difficulties, thma, coughing, anxiety, and depression.

Sea of Vitality (B 23 and B 47)

Caution: Do not press on disintegrating discs or fractured or broken bones. If you have a weak back, a few nutes of stationary, light touching instead of pressure can be very healing. See your doctor first if you have y questions or need medical advice. Location: In the lower back, between the second and third lumbar rtebrae, two to four finger widths away from the spine at waist level. Benefits: Fortifies the immune system as well as relieves lower-back hes and fatigue.

Sea of Energy (CV 6)

Location: Two finger widths below the belly button, between it and e pubic bone. Benefits: Strengthens the condition of the immune system and the internal organs as well as relieves dominal muscle pain, constipation, gas, and general weakness.

Three Mile Point (St 36) Location: Four finger widths below the kneecap, one finger width to the outside of the shinbone. If you are the correct spot, a muscle should flex as you move your foot up and down. Benefits: Strengthens the whole body, especially the immune system; tones the muscles and aids digestion well as relieves fatigue.

Bigger Stream (K3)

Dr.H.Bhojraj,B.E.(Hons.),M.D.(Acu) - Scientist Healer Your Alternate Health Consultant

General Acupressure Points to Stay Fit Acupressure and Reflex Points for Common Ailments General Acupressure Points to Stay Fit With the research based on the available literature, we could fairly establish that by checking and activating the following eight points daily, one can stay healthy.

These eight points are: 1. LI-4 Situated in the web of the thumb and index finger. (Fig. 19.)You can get this point at the centre of the mount which forms when you press your thumb close to index finger.

3. P-6 Situated at three fingers from the wrist joint at the centre. (Fig. 20)

2. TW-5 Situated at four fingers from the wrist crease. ( Fig. 19) 4. St-36 Situated at four fingers from 5. Liv-3 Situated just at the end of the cavity between the thumb the knee joint at the centre. and the second toe approximately one and half inch from (Fig. 21) the web. (Fig. 22)

6. K-3 Situated just one finger from the protruding ankle 8. GV-20 Situated at the crossing point of the line bone towards the heel. (Fig. 23) drawn from the centre of the ears and the midline of the skull. (Fig. 23a)

7. Sp-6 Situated three fingers from the protruding ankle bone towards the calf muscles.( Fig. 23)

YIN AND YANG MERIDIANS

Acupressure and Reflex Points for Common Ailments Asthma/BronchitisHeadache/MigraineBack ache/Neck pain/Shoulder pain Cold/SinusAcidity/ Indigestion and Flatulence ConstipationHigh BP Diabetes Arthritis

Asthma / Bronchitis Asthma •

Severe difficulty in breathing due to allergies, emotional stress and a number of other factors

Reflex Points

Acupressure Points

Solar Plexus

LU-1,5,7

Pituitary

K-3

Lung

Sp-6

Adrenal

St-40

Intestine

GV-14

Bronchitis • • •

The inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes Caused by bacterial or viral infection Lowered body resistance

•

Complication from frequent cold

Reflex Points

Acupressure Points

Solar Plexus

LU-1,5,9 & Li-4

Lung Reflexus

P-9 & K-2

Adrenal Gland

St-40 & TW-3

Lymphatic CV-17,22 & System GV-14 B-13,14 & Li-4

Reflex Points

Acupressure Points

Solar Plexus

LU-1,5,9 & Li-4

Lung Reflexus

P-9 & K-2

Adrenal Gland

St-40 & TW-3

Lymphatic System

CV-17,22 & GV-14 B-13,14 & Li-4

UP

Headache

Causes for HeadAche • • • • • •

Food Allergies and poor diet Tension in neck and shoulder muscles Vision problems Emotional Stress Excessive noise and light Toxic reactions of drugs and alcohol

Causes for Migraine • • •

Not well known Disturbances in blood circulation in the brain Stress and exhaustion

•

Glandular imbalances Allergies and High Blood Pressure

Reflex Points

Acupressure Points

Solar Plexus

B-2

Brain

H-5,7

Sinus

TW-3,4,5,23

Ear

GB-14,20

Eye

Li-4

Large Intestine

St-41,45

Arms and Shoulders

Sun-X

Spine

Liv-3

UP

Back-ache/Neck-Pain/Shoulder-pain

Causes for Back-ache • • • •

Poor Posture Pinched Nerves Muscle Strain Stress

•

Injury

Causes for Neck-Pain •

Reflex Points

Often from stress and tension Holding the head in improper position for a long time

Acupressure points

• • • • • • •

Solar Plexus Arms and shoulder Spine Reflexes Rotation of ankle,Knee,leg Thumb Rotation Toe Rotation 7th Cervical

•

Rotation of wrist,elbow,arm

o

B-10,GB-21,Si-12,TW-14,GV-14

Back-pain in Lower and Middle region Causes • • • • • •

Poor posture Stress and Tension Improper lifting Standing or sitting for a long periods of time Due to prostate problem for men During menstrual time and pregnency for women

Reflex Points

Acupressure Points

Solar Plexus

B-13,B-41

Kidney

B-21,B-47

Spine

B-23,B-51

Hip,Thigh and Leg

GB-30,GV 1 and 2

Sciatic Nerve

UP

Cold/Sinus Causes for Common Cold •

Infection due to wide variety of viruses

Symptoms • • • • • •

Nasal Congestion Sneezing Running nose and tears in eyes Muscular pain Coughing Occasional Fever

Sinusitis

•

Inflammation of the mucous membrane along the line of sinuses

Causes

• •

Allergies Exposure to pollutants

•

Exposure to extreme temperature Upper respiratory tract infection

Reflex Points

Acupressure Points

Pituitary

K-7

Sinus

H-7

Ear

Li-4,20

Lungs

St-2,45 B-2

Adrenal Lymphatic

GV-24

UP

Acidity, Indigestion and Flatulence

Symptoms • •

Burning sensation in the chest after taking food Uncomfortable feeling in the stomach and in the intestine due to excess gas

Causes • • •

Improper Food Improper timings Consuming oily, spicy or sour food stuff

•

Eating acid-forming, gas-causing food

Reflex Points

Acupressure Points

Stomach

B-22

Liver

Li-2,3,4

Gall Bladder

K-3

Intestine

St-25,36,41,42,45 Sp-5,6 GB-34

UP

Constipation •

Difficult or sluggish movement of bowels accompained by gas or abdominal discomfort

Causes o o o o

Improper Diet Lack of fibrous diet Stress Absence of convenient toilet facilities

o

Dehydration

Reflex Points

Acupressure Points

Solar Plexus

Si-3,4

Stomach

CV-25

Liver

K-3

Gall Bladder

TW-34 Liv-2,9 St-41,42,45 Li-4,11 Sp-3,5,15

UP

High Blood Pressure •

Heart is forced to pump harder to perform proper circulatory functions

Causes • • • • •

Hereditary predisposition Obesity Stress Kidney disorders Disturbances in the function of the glands (Pituitary, Thyroid and Parathyroid)

•

Disease of Heart

Reflex Points

Acupressure Points

Solar Plexus

GV-20,H-5,7

Pituitary

K-2,3 & P-6,7

Thyroid and Parathyroid

Li-4 & St-2,10

Heart Adrenal Gland Kidney

Relaxation Desserts • • • • • • • • •

Number One Feathering touch Number Two Side to Side Number Three Hook in ankles Number Four Spinal Twist Number Five Ankle Rotation Number Six Lung Press Number Seven Toe Rotation Number Eight Spinal rub Number Nine Shoulder rub Shavasana (a must) 15 min. daily

UP

Diabetes • •

Inability to burn up sugars Insufficient production of insulin

Symptoms • •

Frequent urination Loss of weight

•

Degeneration of small vessels (Eyes and Kidneys)

Reflex Points

Acupressure Points

Pancreas

Liv-3

Pituitary

K-3

Thyroid

B-23

Liver

St-40

Adrenal

Sp-6

UP

Arthritis •

Inflammation of one or more joints in the body

Causes

• •

Aging Obesity

•

Stress related tension

Reflex Points

Acupressure Points

Solar Plexus

Li-4,10,11

Thyroid and Parathyroid

Tw-5,15

Adrenal

Si-10

Kidney

B-10,47

Arms and Shoulder

GB-20,41

Spine

St-36

Hip,Thigh and Leg

Lu-10

Acupressure for Cold Acupressure helps your body expel cold viruses more quickly, and it can provide relief from congestion and muscle aches. For a cold with a dry cough and fever, use pressure points in the depressions directly below the protrusions on the left and right sides of the collarbone (K 27), underneath the base of the skull, two inches out from the middle of your neck (Gall Bladder 20), and at the outer edge of each elbow crease (Large Intestine 11). To work these points, follow this sequence: Starting with K 27, press both points for one minute while breathing slowly and deeply. Move to Gall Bladder 20 and press both points with the thumbs for one minute. Then move to Large Intestine 11, stimulating one of the points with the middle finger of your opposite hand for one minute before switching hands. Then return to K 27 and repeat the entire sequence. This should be done at least three times a day for maximum relief. For sniffly, sneezy cold symptoms, apply one minute of pressure each on points: Large Intestine 4: This point is located in the webbing between the thumb and index finger. Relieves congestion and headaches. Large Intestine 20: This point can be found on the face just beside the nostrils. (either cheek in the groove beside each nostril.) Bladder 2: This is located in the upper ridges of the eye sockets, close to the bridge of the nose. Caution: If you are pregnant, avoid pressure point Large Intestine 4, because stimulating this point can activate uterine contractions. Other Salient Points Apply steady, penetrating finger pressure to each of the following points for 3 minutes. Stomach 3: This relieves congestion and itchy eyes. It's located at the bottom of either cheekbone, directly below your pupil. Bladder 11, 12, 13, and 14: These clear and balance a distressed respiratory system. Lung 7 clears upper respiratory tract infections. Points along either side of the spine improve circulation, relax the nervous system, and balance the respiratory system.

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Acupressure for Common Cold It often starts with a scratchy throat, and soon after, “achOO!” These are frequently the telltale signs that the common cold is coming on. Fortunately, there are ways to

combat this miserable virus. One of them is acupressure. This therapy is attractive for many reasons; it is noninvasive and easy, and it can be quite effective for treating the common cold. Performing Acupressure for Colds One of the more useful aspects of acupressure is that it can be self administered for your cold or by another’s healing hands. Having another individual apply acupressure, ideally an experienced professional, will provide the best results in helping to combat your common cold. However, with some training and experience, you can learn to treat yourself between acupressure treatments to maintain their effects and provide quick relief. The best strategy is to try acupressure at the first signs of the common cold; however, acupressure can be used at any stage of a cold. It can also be beneficial as a preventive measure, to strengthen the immune system and decrease the chance of coming down with the common cold.

Detailed Instructions on Acupressure for the Common Cold Acupressure involves pressing several points on the body to help address issues around the common cold. The patient does not need to use all of these and can experiment, based on which symptoms are present. The relevant pressure points, along with the symptoms they can help, are as follows: Name

Location

Common cold symptoms that can be helped

B36: Upper back, between the Weakened immune system (stimulating Bearing Support spine and the tips of the this point can activate the body’s shoulder blades resistance to colds) B2: Indentations of eye Sinus congestion, frontal headache Drilling Bamboo sockets, on either side of where nose bridge meets ridge of eyebrows St 3: Facial Beauty

Bottom of cheekbone, directly below pupil

Stuffy nose, head congestion, burning eyes, eye fatigue, eye pressure

LI20: Welcoming

Either cheek, just outside Nasal congestion, sinus pain

Perfume

each nostril

LI11: Crooked Pond

Outer end of elbow crease General cold symptoms

LI4: Joining the Valley

Highest spot of muscle on back of hand that protrudes when thumb and index finger are close together

GB20: Gates of Consciousness

Below base of skull, in Headache, head congestion hollows on both sides, two to three inches apart depending on size of head

GV16: Wind Mansion

Center of back of head, in Head congestion, red eyes, headache large hollow under base of skull

GV24.5: Third Eye Point

Directly between Head congestion, stuffy nose, headache eyebrows, in indentation where bridge of nose meets center of forehead

K27: Hollow below collarbone Elegant Mansion next to breastbone

Head congestion, headache CAUTION: If you are pregnant, avoid LI4, because stimulating this point could prompt contractions of the uterus.

Chest congestion, breathing difficulty, coughing, sore throat

Take the time to become relaxed before the acupressure session, and make sure the room is at a comfortable temperature. Also assure that one’s hands are clean and pleasantly warm. Sit or recline during the acupressure session, depending on which is more comfortable. Take deep, gentle breaths before, during, and after the acupressure session. The following is a sample technique that can be used on the classic common cold with the symptoms of sniffles and sneezing. Gently but firmly press with the finger(s) on the acupressure point LI4 for one minute, then LI20 for one minute, then B2 for one minute. CAUTION: Those who are pregnant should avoid LI4, because stimulating this point could prompt contractions of the uterus.

For the treatment of common cold, it can be beneficial to use acupressure on both sides of the body (left and right) in order to experience the best results from an acupressure session. Follow the same procedure used on the other side of the body. Or as appropriate, press on the right and left acupressure points at the same time. EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) is similar to acupressure and has become quite popular for many conditions, including the common cold. It involves tapping on the pressure points for the condition—in this case, the common cold. Does Acupressure Work? Because acupressure can help to stimulate blood circulation throughout the body and can strengthen the immune system, it is evident that it can help with treating, and possibly even preventing, the common cold. As most people know, there is no cure for the common cold, but acupressure can at least promote quicker healing from this virus. What is Acupressure? Acupressure involves pressing on key points on the body for various health conditions and complaints. It subscribes to the ancient, yet still relevant, belief that energy flows through the body and that proper flowing of this energy promotes health and healing; conversely, blockages in this energy can lead to illness and various health conditions. Acupressure is based on the same system of medicine as acupuncture, and provides treatment to the same locations without the use of needles. Many people like using acupressure because it is noninvasive, can be performed on oneself (or by someone else, preferably a trained professional), and can provide relatively rapid results. What is the Common Cold? Unfortunately, as the name implies, the common cold is quite common year round. A person is more susceptible to catching the dreaded common cold when he or she is run down and the immune system is thus not as strong as it needs to be to fight off viruses, most commonly the rhinovirus. Symptoms include sore throat, sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, coughing and fatigue.

Acupressure Points For The Common Cold November 19, 2009 in Freddy, Uncategorized

In the spirit of the winter season approaching, I am sharing some easy-to-access acupressure points that I normally teach my patients and students for the treatment of sniffles/sinus congestion and the accompanying symptoms of the common cold. These first three points are all located on the face and are part of a seven-points routine that can be used both preventatively and at the moment of affliction. A couple of points (no pun intended) when applying self-acupressure for this particular routine: • • • • •

Firm, prolonged finger pressure for about 2-3 minutes on each point is ideal. A general guideline to follow: the pressure should be firm enough that you feel a “good hurt,” somewhere between pleasant and firm pressure. Index or middle finger are best, except the thumb when indicated Apply pressure on the point at a 90-degree angle Combine deep abdominal breathing as you hold the points, inhaling deeply into the abdomen, letting your belly expand

The first poetic-sounding name for each point is the Chinese name translated, and the letter/numeral in parantheses is the TCM nomenclature for the point.

DRILLING BAMBOO- (B2) Location – In the indentation of the eye sockets, on either side of where the bridge of the nose meets the ridge of the eyebrows. Benefits – Relieves colds, sinus congestion, frontal headaches & tired eyes. FACIAL BEAUTY- (ST3) Location – At the bottom of the cheekbone, directly below the pupil. Benefits – Relieves stuffy nose, head congestion, burning eyes, eye fatigue & eye pressure. WELCOMING PERFUME- (LI20) Location – On either cheek, just outside each nostril. Benefits – Relieves nasal congestion, sinus pain, facial paralysis & facial swelling.

Holding these three points should take you about 5-6 minutes. In the part 2 follow-up to this post, I will list four more points to complete this routine. Doing all of them should take you no longer than 10-12 minutes, or you can just press one point individually as needed.