ADDICTION, DEPRESSION, PAIN (PART ONE)

This post is titled in such a way (PART ONE) because the acu-point that I am going to write about is one of the BIG MAMA's of treatment for all these symptoms and more.  I will need to make several posts to describe its usage and benefits.  For now I will address the first thing and that is ADDICTION.  This is a true story from my clinical work.

Years ago in my Boston area offices I ran a six week weight loss program that included the use of acupressure, dietary therapy based in a TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and hypnotherapy.  Each participant in the program received two personalized private sessions as well as the six group meetings.  I mapped out specific programs for each member in addition to teaching them what they can do for themselves.  One of the participants, let's call her Lydia, needed to lose 30 pounds.  In our private treatment sessions I assessed and counseled her on her individual situation.  No one program works for everyone.  Each person has different needs for their foods and so much more.

Lydia worked in a woman's prison.  Talk about stress!  Imagine being a prison guard for women that all regulate their menstrual cycles to one another.  That is PMS 600 fold!.  As Lydia told me, “You think men are bad?  Try being around 600 women prisoners all cranky at the same time.  Men are mean but women are down right nasty!"  Wow.  Lydia worked in severe stress.  She had to deal with a very forceful negative energy and still keep her cool.

We had our session and I created her program then we scheduled a meeting for two weeks in the future.  At that appointment she weighed in at the same weight.  I couldn't understand why.  If she was following her personalized program something should have budged.  She swore she was doing all that I had outlined plus I had used the ear point highlighted in this post to quell any need for over-eating due to emotional issues.  And then this conversation happened.

“Patricia, I have a confession.”

Oh here it is I thought, she is going to tell me about the cookies and Twinkies.  “Yes, you can tell me.”

“I am addicted to smoking.”

That was not what I had expected.  “Well Lydia, how many cigarettes did you have today?”

“Three.”

My reply was, “Lydia that is not an addiction, that's a break.”

“No Patricia you don't understand.  Before you put these things on my ears I was smoking a pack a day.”

Shen Men is located on the ear.  It is often referred to as the NEUROGATE POINT.  It's a major point  to reduce pain and to boost serotonin levels.  This is the reason why I apply small magnets, steel pellets and in a pinch grains of quinoa to the Shen Men point.   The point reduces anxious feelings that can push a person to overeat, smoke, take mood altering drugs, gamble, shop, etc..  It is especially helpful for those moments when you get the blues for no apparent reason.  You cannot separate the body and the mind.  Remember that.  Just acknowledging that your feelings create your biology AND your biology creates your feelings helps to empower you. This is a fast, effective tool for you to use and it is literally at your fingertips.

I will be creating a new video soon to show you how to apply pressure pellets.  You can tape them on these ear points and be good to go without having to remember to massage the point throughout the day.  In the meantime, here are two video links with demonstrations of Shen Men's location and a massage technique that you can use right now.

And Michael Gach's video -

So what happened to Lydia?  Further investigation of the medications she was taking showed the reason for the weight loss block.  Three of the four depression medications she was taking had the side-effect of weight gain.  I told her not to make any changes on her own.  She needed to consult with her doctors and ask for their wise guidance and advice.

I hope you enjoyed this post and it was of service to you.  Please check out the main website BEBEST.COM to learn more about the seminars and workshops that I offer internationally and also subscribe to the youtube channel and this blog.  You may also email me with any questions or to schedule a SKYPE consultation.

Be Happy, Be Healthy, Be Best.

PS:  I am in Buenos Aires, Argentina at the present moment.  Feel free to contact me for a session.  I will be in the USA in the beginning of May and I will be posting my European cities and workshop dates here on the blog and on the BEBEST.COM web site in the near future.  Saluti!

"Patricia is truly passionate about empowering people to get the information that they need to make the best choices.  Her specialty is to take the complicated and make it simple, not by "dumbing" it down but by teaching in analogy and with stories.  After a workshop with Patricia you not only "get it" you can pass your new gained knowledge to those that you love.  All of her techniques and tips are simple to use and require no medications, herbs or supplements.  She is dedicated to freeing people from their dependence on pills and potions."

OH MY ACHING LOWER BACK!

LOWER BACK SPASMS

It happens to just about everyone whether they are active in sports or not.  Muscle spasms in the lower back can not only be painful, they can be down right debilitating.  I suffered from a bad back for eight long years.  Taking classes for Japanese bodywork was so difficult for me as we worked on the floor.  Getting up and down was such a painful experience.  I endured because taking those classes was also a blessing.  The training and skills that I received and the help from other bodyworkers and acupuncturists fixed my back completely.  It was the beginning of my journey toward my professional career in Asian Medicine.  It is said that, "The teacher arrives when the student is ready."  Boy was I ready!

What had I done to throw myself into acute lower back pain which became a chronic problem for eight years?  YOGA.  I had done a yoga workout with a television show called "Lilias, Yoga and You" on PBS.  One peaceful and quiet winter morning in my Boston apartment I followed along with the show. The spare room with the TV was a bit cool and I was not warmed up properly.  I went into a position and all hell broke lose.  OWWWWW!  My back went into a huge spasm.  I tried to release it but the pain was enormous and then I did the absolute WRONG thing, I tried to stretch the spasm out.  I learned later that is the worst thing that you can do.  I ended up on two weeks disability from my corporate manager job struggling to take the subway to visit a chiropractor three times a week (which was not covered by insurance - more pain).  I was on OTC anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants and needing my partner to help me on and off the toilet.  I crawled from room to room.  The chiropractor told me that by stretching my spasmed lower back muscles I had created tears.  My back was going to take awhile to heal.  Eight years later I was still in pain working on the floor. And then everything changed.

Rather than get into my story further I want to get right to one of the things that you can do to release the lower back muscles when they are spasming.  I doubt that you can find this information anywhere on the internet because the acu-point I am going to write about is not a traditional point on the acupuncture charts.  It is a Japanese Style Acu-point.  The charts on the internet do not include them.

HUKAYA'S LU 10

This acu-point is a special location of LU 10 and is also referred to as Master Hukaya's Impotence Point.  At first Hukaya called this point an impotence point since it successfully treated patients suffering from impotence problems but the point also was reported to improve lower back pain, specifically in the quadratus lumborm (see illustration below).

In Japan these muscles are called the "kidney muscles" as they are located by the kidneys.  Here is a great paragraph on back pain from wikipedia

The quadratus lumborum, or QL, is a common source of lower back pain.  Because the QL connects the pelvis to the spine and is therefore capable of extending the lower back when contracting bilaterally, the two QLs pick up the slack, as it were, when the lower fibers of the erector spinae are weak or inhibited (as they often are in the case of habitual seated computer use and/or the use of a lower back support in a chair). Given their comparable mechanical disadvantage, constant contraction while seated can overuse the QLs, resulting in muscle fatigue. A constantly contracted QL, like any other muscle, will experience decreased blood flow, and, in time, adhesions in the muscle and fascia may develop, the end point of which is muscle spasm.

Now let's get back to Japanese LU 10, its location and how to use it on yourself to help relieve the spasm.  The acu-point is located on the palm side of the hand on the thenar eminence (see the illustration).  Remember if you look on an acupuncture chart this location will be different.  If you are familiar with acu-points this point is located directly on the opposite side of LI 4.

Pressure pain on LU 10 is an indication of immunity problems presenting in the lungs and lung related organs such as the skin, nose, sinuses, throat, bronchi,, tonsils, etc.  You can massage this point to boost the overall lung energy.  For lower back spasms it is best that you massage this point at least one minute while you are seated.  If you have a chronic problem with your lower back it is recommended to massage Hukaya's LU 10 several times a day.

Well there it is, something so simple, easy to reach but not so well known.  I hope this information helps you and the ones you love.  Be Happy - Be Healthy - Be Best!

NOTE:  I am in South America until May but am able to answer your emails and SKYPE calls.  For more information visit the website.  Saluti!

Visit BeBest.com for more information on Patricia's International Wellness Workshops.  If you are a resort manager or center owner contact her as to her availability and speaker's rates.

APPETITE SUPPRESSION - HUNGRY? BLAST THAT HUNGER

Here is another Super Duper Tip for you.  This video was recorded a few months ago up in New England.  I have been in Buenos Aires, Argentina for the last few weeks and have not been posting. I promise I will do better with that.  My internet connection is quite slow to be uploading new videos to my youtube channel but I'll get it going very soon.

So back to the tip... Got Hunger?  With such busy lifestyles many times we can't stop what we are doing to eat a proper meal.  Rather than resort to eating bad food try this simple acu-point technique to stave off your hunger until you can get something really healthy to eat.  This point, Stomach 13, (ST 13) is also great for unclogging your sinuses and keeping your internal organs in place.  Watch the video for more information and remember to subscribe to this blog and to the youtube channel.

I cover so many more acu-points and techniques in the workshop Relief at Your Fingertips.  Let me know what is important to you and I will do my best to post helpful information here in the blog.

Check out the main web site BEBEST.COM.

And as always - Be Happy, Be Healthy, BE BEST!

Visit BeBest.com for more information on Patricia's International Wellness Workshops.  If you are a resort manager or center owner contact her as to her availability and speaker's rates.

BOOST THE LIBIDO - BLOW IN MY EAR AND I WILL FOLLOW YOU ANYWHERE

The loss of libido happens to everyone at one point or another.  Let's chat about that today.  There are several causes from stress, to trauma, to hormonal changes and more.  I don't have space here to cover all of those causes so I am going to give you a few simple techniques that hopefully will help.

Several years ago I was speaking at a convention of the contractors involved in Boston's BIG DIG. It was held at the Newport Marriott Hotel in Rhode Island and I was speaking on stage. I heard a man in the third row joke to his wife sitting next to him, “I wonder if she has a point to boost your libido.” Well... I take good cues in my presentations so I decided to go with it with a bit of humor.

As I was in a navy blue double breasted business suit with a little turtleneck sleeveless shell underneath and getting warm from the spotlights I paused to take my jacket off and place it on the chair that had been provided for me. But first I addressed the man in the third row.

“I heard that question. Let me say it louder for the rest of the audience. This gentleman would like to know if there are any acupressure points to stimulate the libido.” The audience laughed and jabbed one another. I continued, “Well yes there are.” I then slowly unbuttoned my jacket and removed it to the chair.

His wife screamed, OH MY GOD SHE IS GOING TO SHOW US!”

“Yes I am.” I laughed. But the acu-point is on your ankle. It is hot up here. I am ONLY taking off my jacket.”

The point that I demonstrated to the audience is KID 6. Other points on the kidney meridian may also be used. The easiest one to simulate are located on the leg but for now let's remind you of the location of K6.  This picture is from the post about INSOMNIA and not being able to sleep because you feel BUZZED.  K6 is where the thumb is pressing in this drawing.

And remember the point for WATER RETENTION, K1? That point can also be used. It is located on the bottom of the foot.

Here is a great explanation of using acu-points for the sex drive. Watch the first half of the video for the information. I would record a video for you to watch myself but I am on the road in South America at the moment. Dr. Sacha Landreneau, owner of Hillcrest Community Acupuncture presents the information fabulously and in a fun and easy to understand way.

Along with the kidney meridian Dr. Landreau refers to the Conception Vessel. You can massage points on that meridian in a gentle circular motion to increase libido.  These points are located slightly below your navel and to the pubic bone.

Another point that you can use in located on the ear. It is called the Bosch Point. The simplest way to stimulate it is with the tip of your finger. You can also use a blunted toothpick, or...dare I say your partner's tongue.

Quoting Rowan and Martin's Laugh In

“Blow in my ear and I will follow you anywhere.”

Oh and please note that boosting the libido is not just button pushing in an instant.  It can take some time.  And as for the Bosch Point please beware.  An hour or so after stimulating it an explosion of feelings can come.  Do you want that in the middle of the street or during a meeting?  Noooooo. A wise person once said, "Don't heat the coffee when there is no one there to drink it."

There it is – Have fun.

Be Happy, Be Healthy, Be Best.

Check out my website BeBest.com for more workshops.  I teach internationally. If you are a retreat center administrator or resort admin contact me.  PS:  I do not wear business suits anymore.

MUSCLE SPASMS - DRIVING IN PAIN

So you get into your car and are ready to go and you twist around to check other cars around you and OWWWW!  You get a pain in your chest.  You get anxious and do not breathe well and ask yourself "Am I having a heart attack?"

Well probably not but if you really think that you are here are the signs and heed them.  Pull over to the side of the road if you can and call 911. DEFINITELY - DO NOT HESITATE - GET HELP!  NOW!

But maybe you know it is a pulled muscle or spasm and you still need to be driving.  Here is a little tip to help take that tension out of your shoulder blade (scapula) that can radiate to your chest.  Then you can continue on without too much worry and more importantly distraction from the road.  Driving is a HUGE responsibility, not just for you and the people in your car but for others driving on the road.  You have a over a ton of volume plus velocity under your control so be safe, sane and responsible.

And if you are on your cell phone or texting you are just being - a DANGER for everyone so STOP IT!

Anyway - here is the rest of my tip.  BE SAFE PLEASE.

I hope that helps!

Be Happy - Be Healthy - Be Best! - BE SAFE!

I cover so many more acu-points and techniques in the workshop Relief at Your Fingertips  Let me know what is important to you and I will do my best to post helpful information here on the blog.  Check out the main web site BEBEST.COM

EMOTIONAL EATING - SILENCING THE HUNGRY HEART

USE THIS ACU-POINT TECHNIQUE SO THAT YOU DON'T OVER-STUFF YOURSELF.  I GUESS I SHOULD HAVE POSTED THIS LAST THURSDAY FOR THANKSGIVING BUT I AM KIND OF SIDE-TRACKED IN BUENOS AIRES.

Are you an emotional eater?  When you feel stressed do you reach for food?  Do you feel that if you just ate a "little" bit more that hollow feeling would be filled and satisfied?  It doesn't really work that well now does it?  Let me give you an acu-point that can ease that hollow empty feeling so you don't need to use the binge and destroy tactic.

In this short video I demonstrate how to use an acu-point technique that is simple and effective.  Check it out.

And here is an excerpt from my book "Acupressure for Balanced Weight."

CV 12 is also known as REN 12 or the Sea of Nutritive Energy. This point aids in the assimilation of food, eases lethargy and fatigue, eases symptoms of nausea, vomiting, hiccups, and an acid taste in the mouth. It helps to move food quickly and efficiently through the digestive system and breaks through obstructions to relieve gas, cramping, bloating and stomachaches. It helps to resolve dampness and phlegm in the digestive tract, muddled thinking, slurred speech, forgetfulness, dull throbbing headaches and sinus stuffiness.

CV 12 is located in the pit of the stomach mid-way between your navel and the lower end of your breastbone. A good way to measure would be to place your hand horizontally across your abdomen with your baby finger on your navel. CV 12 is located just above your index finger. Press in very gradually angling upwards until you feel a lump or a knot. Hold for a minute or two and breathe deeply.

Often we feel an discomfort at CV 12 or an emptiness, not only when we are hungry for food, but also when we are hungry in spirit. This discomfort or emptiness is often medicated with food. We try to fix this feeling by eating or overeating. Acupressure can help release the tension that is there and rebalance the system. Relieving the tension by pressing in on this point is a far better solution than overeating.

Excess worry can also create tension here. Excess worry and over-thinking is an imbalance of the Earth element. Find CV 12, breathe deeply, press and release the worry, anxiety and fear.

When you eat less you may feel a hollowness in your stomach or an empty feeling. Utilizing this Acu-point can help alleviate the achy feeling by making the area feel comfortably filled. In addition, pressing at CV 12 tones the abdominal muscles.

Utilize this Point Before You Eat.

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I  hope that helps you and the ones you love.  Be Happy - Be Healthy - Be Best!

Visit BeBest.com for more information on Patricia's International Wellness Workshops.  If you are a resort manager or center owner contact her as to her availability and speaker's rates.

COUGH SUPPRESSION - CHOP THAT COUGH

I am sure that this has happened to you.  You have a cold with a nagging cough and it interrupts your ability to communicate.  You need to stop chatting on the phone or presenting in a meeting.  I posted several weeks ago about what to do about the first onset of a cough to boost your system before it goes too deep.  You can find that post HERE.  But this situation is different.  The cough is already deep and down right annoying.  What can you do about it?  KARATE CHOP IT!

In this short video I demonstrate a really nifty technique to quell the need to cough in a pinch.  It was taught to me many years ago by a Japanese bodywork instructor.

You do not have to be so precise in the location of the acupuncture points because by hitting the two meridians or channels of energy you give the electrical circuitry an energetic jolt.  If you really want precise points look to these graphics below.  The specific points are LU 6 and LI 7 but chopping the areas work just fine.

I hope that helps!

Be Happy - Be Healthy - Be Best!

I cover so many more acu-points and techniques in the workshop Relief at Your Fingertips  Let me know what is important to you and I will do my best to post helpful information here on the blog.  Check out the main web site @ BEBEST.COM