Acupressure Point - GB 20

Hi All,

Hope you're all doing well.  I know many folks out there have had a pretty severe winter.  Hopefully Spring is going well for you.  It's pretty nice here in Phoenix, AZ....getting warm quickly.

I came across a little graphic and write up on facebook about an acupressure point - GB-20.  The write up talked about how applying pressure to GB-20 can be very helpful to your health.  When I saw this it brought a smile to my face.  I used to study Okinawan Kempo years ago and learned a very different use for GB-20.

Graphic showing the location GB-20, just below the Occiput (or base of the skull).

According to traditional Chinese medicine, you have several energy meridians.  These meridians have points along them, that are numbered.  These points are landmarks to be worked on with needles, like in acupuncture.  They can also be worked on with fingers, as you would in acupressure.  GB-20 is the 20th point along the Gallbladder Meridian (see illustrations).  It's at the base of the skull, approximately 4 finger widths apart.  There's a GB-20 on each side of the spine.  The meridians run down both the left and right side of the body - so there's two of each point.

GB-20 is also referred to as the "gates of consciousness."  Working these points can have some very profound health benefits.  You may find relief from headaches, tension, sinuses, neck pain, irritability and depression.  Working GB-20 is said to help harmonize the immune system and regulate circulation to the brain, and more.  I would think it's such a vital point because of it's location.

Graphic showing the Gallbladder Meridian.

How do you "work" GB-20?  Reach up and hold the top of your head, interlacing your fingers.  Your thumbs will point down.  Put your thumbs into GB-20, apply pressure and hold for 3-5 minutes while breathing deeply and slowly.  Do this 2-3 times daily. 

This is an excellent, easy way to practice self-care and hopefully find some very profound results.  Of course there are many points that you can work that help with many, many issues in the body.  There are books, classes, and info on-line as well, detailing acupressure and how to work with GB-20 and other points.  Check it out.

I hope you found this to be helpful.  Have a great day and enjoy.  Let's be kind to one another and help make this world just a little bit better.

Peace,

Tom

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Acupressure Point - Shen Men

Hi All,

Hope you're well today.  Things are going well here in Phoenix, AZ.  We're having 90 degree days regularly now.  Spring training for Major League Baseball is just about over and soon the water will be warm enough for swimming (at least for us desert dwellers).

Part of my reflexology training included auriculotherapy, or reflexology thru the ear.  Like foot or hand reflexology; in auriculotherapy you can address health concerns in the body by working various points in the ear.

As I was looking around on the internet the other day, I came across a video about Shen Men - a point on the ear.  The video showed how you can gently massage Shen Men for a couple minutes a day, and how that can contribute to stimulating good health.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTRpU4w2VCs#t=41

I'm including a link to the You Tube video.  It's a good little how to video that shows very simply how you can work Shen Men.

The point marked in the upper portion of the ear is the Shen Men point.

Shen Men is a point that comes from Chinese medicine and translated means "Heavenly Gate."  In most auriculotherapy protocols, Shen Men is used.  It's known to be related to the heart.  It's good as a relaxation point and can assist in pain relief, reducing inflammation and addiction.  As the video shows, it's good for overall health.

Simply holding the ear in front and back and gently massaging Shen Men with your thumb can assist with energy and good health.  Try it for a couple minutes once or twice a day and see if you notice a difference.  You may want to try it for a week or more.  Do it while watching tv or sitting or whenever your hands are free - or while quietly relaxing.

Hope this is helpful for you.  It should be good - give it a try.  Acupressure and Auriculotherapy can be very powerful and helpful means of stimulating healing in the body.  If you'd like more info about how I can assist you with Auriculotherapy, contact me.  I'm happy to give you more info and treatment also.

Take care and have a great week. 

Peace,

Tom

Tom Kreienbrink
Massage and Holistic Therapist

www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com

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