I have been getting a weekly massage from the same therapist for approximately three months now - mostly swedish, but he has done some reflexology and what he calls "energy work" as well. it is all very rewarding and I am loving the new experiences he has introduced me to. He also spends some time pressing points on my face, head and and when on my stomach, what i assume is my pelvic bone at the base of my buttocks. He holds this pressure for anywhere from 30 seconds to a minute, and it is very soothing and enjoyable. Is this a form of accupressure, or just a personal technique in your opinion?
RE: accupressure points?
there are indeed pressure points on the face and i expect the ones being pressed are along the forehead and just below the eyes. these points are all good for calming the spirit within.
hmmm now the base of your buttocks is the top of your legs? or did you mean the base of your spine? that one i can understand... the sacrum. i always start and end my massages by pressing this area and sliding my other hand up to the base of the neck. it has a stretching and calming action. it also signifies the start and end, a time to settle and focus.
RE: accupressure points?
thanks so much for respondinf rosie - I am learning so much on my new journey and discussion time with my therapist is so limited when one has so much to know -
the fac points are beneath my checkbones, on the checkbones, in the hollow of each eye by the nose, forhead and several points on the scalp. I also receive pressure points on the sacrum, as you say, at tle beginning and end of the backwork which is most relaxing. But i also receive pressure on the bones beneath my buttock muscles in several spots, including the bones at the top of my legs deep under the buttock muscle tissue - can you tell me more about the purpose of this work? Thanks again Rosie -
RE: accupressure points?
Hi Chrish
The points you mention on the face on and around the cheekbone sound like they are the first 3 points on the Stomach meridian (Stomach 1, 2 & 3). Pressing here may promote better digestion, or help clear away blocked sinuses.
The forehead and scalp points could be several points, but are possibly on the GallBladder channel, which would promote a calming experience.
The buttock points have me a bit mystified. It sounds like you are having a point called Bladder 36, which is in the crease where the upper leg joins the buttock. This acupoint isn't particularly indicated for anything other than sciatica or other pain in this area. Do you have hip pain? It is possible your therapist is using points in and around the buttocks to help with this.
Best thing to do in my opinion is just to ask him! 😉
It could be that he is using acupressure points in a deliberate way, or just pressing areas and points of tension for a relaxing and calming effect.
Cheers!
Aragorn