Acupuncture Meridians & Fascial Lines
The picture shows the fascial plane of the superficial back line (SBL) which corresponds closely to the UB meridian.
This image is based on extensive research into fascia, as presented by Tom Myers in his book Anatomy Trains. His research is based in Western science, anatomy, and dissection of cadavers.
Through understanding current findings on the fascia and their lines of connection, we can gain a deeper insight into the meridians and the effects of acupuncture.
Acupuncture points on the UB meridian (SBL) on the legs and around the ankle can treat conditions like lumbar pain, neck pain, and occipital headaches. Points like UB 40, UB 57, and UB 60 are commonly used for treating these conditions.
This image reveals a direct Western anatomical basis for comprehending how UB points on the legs can benefit the back, neck and occipital region.
Acupressure & Myofascial Lines
Acupressure can have profound benefits on our health and well-being in many ways. It can be useful for physical and mental health conditions including headaches, neck pain, back pain, sinus congestion, sleep, anxiety, depression, and more.
Traditionally, one learns acupressure by learning about meridians and the functions of pressure points. To better understand how acupressure works, it is very useful to integrate myofascial anatomy into our studies.
For instance, the image of the Superficial Back Line (SBL) is very similar to the bladder meridian in traditional meridian theory. Acupressure points in the calves and hamstrings are also very effective for back pain, and we can understand why since the points on the legs have a direct myofascial connection to the whole SBL.
This image reveals an anatomical basis for comprehending how bladder meridian points on the legs can benefit the back, neck and occipital region.
Acupressure anatomy & the Meridians
Fascial Line Anatomy
Muscles are connected through myofascial lines which provide functional and structural support to the body.
The image of the back and arms show how various muscles are interconnected through the fascia. On the left side of the image we see the Deep Back Arm Line (DBAL), which is similar to the small intestine meridian. The right side of the image shows the Superficial Back Arm Line (SBAL) which includes much of the triple warmer and large intestine meridians.
Points on the SBAL such as large intestine 4 and triple warmer 5 are frequently used points for pain, colds, flus, and digestive problems.
Integrating Fascial Line Anatomy with Your Knowledge of Acupressure,
Will Give You a Whole New Command of Point Functions.
The image shows the lung meridian and Superficial Front Arm Line (SFAL). You can see that they are very similar as they pass along the anterior arm.
Points on the lung meridian and forearm are used for lung disorders such as colds and asthma, but they are also very useful for back pain. Notice how the latissimus dorsi is also on the SFAL. This helps us understand why pressure points on the forearm can be useful for back pain.
Points on the thumb can also be useful for back and neck pain. When we understand how myofascial anatomy relates to meridian lines, we can get better at acupressure.
In my classes I demonstrate how to most effectively use acupressure points, as well as how to use stretches and movements to benefit each of the meridians and fascial lines.
Acupressure Points on the Forearm and Lung Meridian
The points on the forearm and lung meridian are some of my favorites for alleviating pain in the upper back. In the region of LU 6, about halfway down the forearm, are a series of points that are very beneficial for pain in the area between the scapula and spine. In this area the trapezius is on the superficial level and the rhomboids are at the deeper level.
Watch the video to learn more about the lung points on the forearm.
Pressure Points on the Thumb
The lung meridian passes through the thumb and is associated with the thenar muscles. When using acupressure it is often more effective to use points located near the traditional acupuncture points. For instance, lung 10 (LU 10) is located on the edge of the first metacarpal, but the points 22.01 and 22.02 are on the palm and are more responsive to pressure. These points are good for respiratory disorders that occur with colds and flus, as well as for neck pain.
Try pressing these points now and apply a cross fiber massage technique going against the grain of the muscle fibers. (Massage from the thumb towards the center of the palm.)
When pressing these points for neck pain it is useful to tilt the head to the opposite side. This will alleviate pressure on the nerves while you apply acupressure and massage techniques.
A Stretch for the Lung Meridian
When using pressure points it is often best to combine acupressure with movement. Additionally, stretches that target the lung meridian are also useful. By combining acupressure with specific movements and stretches better results can be obtained for you and your clients.
Watch the video to see a stretch that targets the lung meridian.
The Triad of Effective Acupressure & Bodywork
Acupressure
Movements
Stretches
Acupressure can easily be integrated into massage routines for various purposes. This can be very relaxing and therapeutic. When massage and acupressure are combined with movement and stretching the results can be even more profound.
Yoga poses and stretching also provided additional knowledge about structure and alignment. Yoga itself may even be considered a therapeutic form of movement, and yoga therapy is becoming increasingly popular as people recognize the health benefits of yoga. By combining acupressure with specific movements, yoga poses, and stretching powerful results can be seen for conditions like neck, back, and shoulder pain. Additionally, other benefits can be achieved such as stress reduction and regulation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS).
Want to learn more?
Let me show you how to make learning acupressure easier. Rather than trying to memorize what each pressure point does, I can teach you a simple way to get fast and effective results.
Sign-Up to get free information, videos, tips, promotions, and more. When you do I will send you videos and a pdf file on how to start using acupressure with stretches, movements, and more.
You will also learn how to combine points and how to properly apply stimulation to various pressure points.
My Acupressure & Myofascia online course will give you ever greater insights into pressure points, anatomy, meridians, and more.
Whether you're at a beginner, intermediate, or advanced level, this course will give you the tools and knowledge to improve your skills. The course includes:
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In depth coverage of over 50 points
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PDF files with detailed anatomical illustrations
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5 hours of detailed video files
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5 hours of audio recordings
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Immediate access to files
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Email support
Acupressure & Myofascia
Online Course
