From esh6h@fulton.seas.Virginia.EDU (Erik Scot Hatcher) Wed May 19 00:05:58 EDT 1993
Newsgroups: alt.backrubs
From: esh6h@fulton.seas.Virginia.EDU (Erik Scot Hatcher)
Subject: Re: Massage partner?
Message-ID: 
Keywords: Ankles, Acupressure, Meridians
Sender: usenet@murdoch.acc.Virginia.EDU
Organization: University of Virginia
References: <49593@sdcc12.ucsd.edu> <1993May18.144348.27150@zoo.bt.co.uk>
Date: Tue, 18 May 1993 20:49:57 GMT
Lines: 29

I've been a silent observer to this group, now I have something to add.

The point which he is talking about is actually three acupressure/
acupuncture points that meet.  The area is called Three Yin Meeting,
being that the acupuncture meridians on the inside of the leg are
considered Yin.  The meridians are Spleen, Kidney, and Liver.
Very sensitive point to the touch.  We use it in the martial art
which I study as an attack.  I'm not sure exactly how it is
used in acupuncture, but I assume very carefully.

I'll find out more about these points and post later.

	Erik

p.s.  How does the direction of massage relate to the meridians, etc?

----------------------------------------------------
In article <1993May18.144348.27150@zoo.bt.co.uk> journeyman@spliff.demon.co.uk writes:
>
>I've been lead to believe, and my personal experience *doesn't* confirm it, that massaging
>(specifically thumb pressure) 3" above the ankle on the inside of the leg is not only 
>relaxing but also an erogenous (sp?) zone. Now, self massage is difficult at the best of
>times so i've had to experiment on my partner/SO who showed no change (xcept for falling
>asleep on a couple of occasions). I *was* lead to believe it's also an acupuncture point
>for a similar purpose but i know little about this art.
>
>Andy 'Journeyman' Settle
>---
>The sigs in the post


From ron.roth@rose.com (ron roth) Wed May 19 11:54:32 EDT 1993
Newsgroups: alt.backrubs
From: ron.roth@rose.com (ron roth)
Subject: sensitive points
Date: Wed, 19 May 1993 08:54:36 GMT
Message-ID: <1993May19.075440.17581@rose.com>
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     markp@cs.uq.oz.au (Mark Pedersen) writes:

M(>  My fiance and I often swap backrubs and we've noticed that she has two very sens
M(>  just either side of her spine, just below her shoulder blades. Whenever I hit te
M(>  body stiffens very suddenly, arching her back so that her shoulders and head con
M(>  her legs curl up slightly - its all quite involunatary of course. Effluerage is,
M(>  unless I'm pressing hard and touch these points, and tapotment is fine everywheI
M(>  don't dare go near the sensitive points. We're not really worried about this, bt
M(>  curious if anyone knows what these points are.
M(>  
M(>  Thanks in advance,
M(>  
M(>  Mark.

    Just about below the shoulder blades should be T-9. You may want
    to consult with a chiropractor and see what opinion h/she would
    have regarding your fiance's sensitivity in that area; myself, I'm
    an acupuncturist and would place that area in the neighborhood of
    Bl-18, a couple of points about 1 1/2 inches lateral to the spine
    next to T-9.

    Bl-18 controls liver functions in classic Chinese acupuncture and
    according to modern (acupuncture) research,  this point (one on 
    each side of the spine) is used in the treatment of jaundice, in-
    tercostal neuralgia, bitter taste in mouth, bad temper, epistaxis,
    insomnia, migraines..... and in electronic mineral testing (EMR), 
    these points can be used to evaluate your estrogen, manganese and 
    iron metabolism.

    Sensitivity at any particular area in or on the body may the re-
    sult of a local disturbance (vertebral narrowing in our example),
    previous trauma to that location, or referred pain syndrome, where
    an organic disturbance causes a "neurological"-type pain somewhere
    else; this is the reason why acupuncture can affect for instance
    a migraine by stimulating points on the big toe, or in the ear,
    through a meridian (neurological) pathway.

    Chances are, there is nothing wrong with your fiance. If the 
    sensitivity persists, ask her to see if any particular medical 
    problem she may be experiencing somehow improves or worsens at
    the same level as the sensitivity, or if she knowingly suffers
    from any similar disorders of the ones mentioned above.
   
    If things are severe enough to cause concern, see a health pro-
    fessional for peace of mind and have things checked out, and then 
    just go ahead, relax and enjoy your backrubs.

      Ron Roth
 =====================================================================
 --  Internet: rn.3228@rose.com  -  Rosenet: ron roth@rosehamilton  --

 *   Behind every succesfull man is woman with nothing to wear
---
   RoseReader 2.10  P003228 Entered at [ROSEHAMILTON]
   RoseMail 2.10 : Usenet: Rose Media - Hamilton (416) 575-5363


From sykopath@leland.Stanford.EDU (Mickey) Wed Oct 14 08:04:03 EDT 1992
Article: 756 of alt.backrubs
Newsgroups: alt.backrubs
Path: newshost.uwo.ca!torn!cs.utexas.edu!uunet!morrow.stanford.edu!leland.Stanford.EDU!sykopath
From: sykopath@leland.Stanford.EDU (Mickey)
Subject: Re: HELP WANTED - Neck Trouble
Message-ID: <1992Oct12.231809.17981@leland.Stanford.EDU>
Sender: news@leland.Stanford.EDU (Mr News)
Organization: DSG, Stanford University, CA 94305, USA
References: <0S6-8T-@engin.umich.edu>
Date: Mon, 12 Oct 92 23:18:09 GMT
Lines: 117

In article <0S6-8T-@engin.umich.edu> you write:
>Greetings and salutations to the field experts of alt.backrubs!

And greetings to you, most noble student.

(damn but that sounds patronizing. and I ain't no expert. let's try that again)

Hey, dude, like...welcome!

(ouch.  I am *not* a hippie, hair and tie-dye to the contrary)

Greetings and salutations to thee, friend George.

(ahhhhh.  Much, much better.  Run with it.)

>I come to you with a bit of a problem.  I suffer from headaches
>every day, and have endured this problem for years.  Most of my

(possibly) helpful suggestion on headaches in general.

I always used to (privately, so as not to be rude) scoff a little
at acupressure and "pressure points"...not seeing any reasonable
way that pressure on the soles of the feet could relieve discomfort
in the stomach, or whatever.

Then I tried a pressure point once.  It worked.

I thought, "coincidence".  So I tried it again, the next time the 
problem recurred.  

It worked.

The "problem" mentioned above was (probably stress-related) headaches,
starting from the neck and moving forward.

The pressure point was the fleshy web of skin between the thumb and the
first finger.  

Take your left hand, hold it out palm-down in front of you.  Take your
right hand, position it with the back facing towards you and up
towards your face, and the fingers pointing out to your left.  Move
the hands together such that the left thumb is pointing along the back
of the right thumb, the tip of the right first finger is touching the
center of the flesh between the left thumb and first finger (on the
outside, i.e. back, of the hand), and the right thumb is touching the
corresponding spot on the palm of the left hand.

Squeeze the right hand gently (I get best results when there is a tiny
bit of discomfort, but no pain, and definitely no strain in the right
hand) onto the left hand, so that the finger and thumb are applying
pressure to the center of the flesh between the left thumb and first
finger (NOTE: I get best results when my right thumb and finger are
more or less vertical to the plane of the flesh they are pinching, i.e.
applying pressure directly downward on it).

As always, your mileage may vary...
...so experiment with it, and see if you can make it work for you.

It works unbelievably well for me, and I hope it does at least
something for you...

(NOTE: if all you have between the pinching fingers is a piece of skin,
you're too near the edge of the fleshy part.  You should be holding
onto an appreciable chunk of muscle as well as skin...
...basically, move inward from the edge of the flesh until your fingers 
pass over the first lump of muscle, and settle into the depression
right behind it.  That's where you need to apply the pressure...
...and don't give up.  It takes a minute or two to have an effect)

>good.  As my headaches (and tension) seem to be rooted in my sleep,
>I have experimented with numerous types of pillows to little effect.

Try, just as a suggestion (if you haven't already), getting one of those
"travel pillows" which deliberately supports the neck more than the head,
or a therapeutic pillow designed to support the head in more or less
one position...
...or, try experimenting with different sleeping surfaces (i.e. waterbeds,
very firm beds, very soft beds, etc...), and even possibly
with sleeping without a pillow at all.

You'll probably have a few really hellish mornings, when something
just *doesn't work*, but you might find a partial (or even complete)
solution this way...

>[partially effective neck relaxation massage described]

Sorry it doesn't work better for you.
Suggestion: try also putting the tips of your fingers on the skull
at or right below where the muscles attach, and pressing quite hard,
and making small circles with your fingertips (not sliding them over
the skin, just circling them in place within the limits of what the
skin will allow...)
Do this with your head *well* supported, so that the muscles aren't
trying to hold it up, and can relax...

>Thanks in advance for your assistance!

Hope it helps...

...oh, one other thing...have you experimented with gentle heat
before/during/after massage, before/during/after sleep?

Try, for example, a warm, moist towel across the neck first thing
in the morning...it might help...

Also, you might want to think about seeing a sleep therapist, if this
is happening as a result of sleep...
...you might have some sleep pathology that is causing unnecessary neck
tension.

Just some suggestions...

Best of luck in finding a cure.

*hugs*,

Mickey "so dawn goes down to day; nothing gold can stay" Phoenix.


From dwheeler@twain.ucs.umass.edu (Diane M Wheeler) Mon Mar 28 14:38:32 EST 1994
Article: 2529 of alt.backrubs
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From: dwheeler@twain.ucs.umass.edu (Diane M Wheeler)
Newsgroups: alt.backrubs
Subject: Re: Hello (I'm a newbie)
Date: 28 Mar 1994 17:49:25 GMT
Organization: University of Massachusetts, Amherst
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Bill Arnett (Bill_Arnett@mindlink.bc.ca) wrote:
: From: Terri Bennett,R RCSC,7
: Address : tbennett@dekalb.dc.peachnet.edu
: >While my cousin was giving me a wonderful massage (and yes that is legal
: >in this state *giggle*),

: I don't understand what the giggle was for.  Why *wouldn't* it be legal?

: > he mentioned that he learned in massage school
: >some connection between massaging the ankle and the uterus contracting.
: >He says this relieves the cramps for his girlfriend.

: Sounds like he was using a reflexology point.  There is a point just
: below the ankle bone that corresponds to the ovary (or testicle). The
: wrists have reflex points for the ovary/testicle and the uterus/prostate.
: (Does the ankle also have the uterus reflex point?  I don't know.)

: I don't know much about reflexology, so I can't give you any more info.
: You want to get a good book on reflexology if you want to try this out.

: Cheers. Bill.
: --
: Bill_Arnett@mindlink.bc.ca
: PO Box 32593, Aberdeen Centre P.O., Richmond, BC.  V6X 3S1


Bill is correct in reflexology there is a reflex to the uterus/overies 
along the ankles..  and your friend is right that if you are pregnant you 
should not have these areas massaged -- unless you are late in delivery.  
You can utilize massage in this area to help "get things started" if you 
a passed your due date.  Your friend should also be sure to work gently 
on you feet when you are pregnant due to realease of toxins in the system 
after reflexology.  A great massage for pregnant women is a circulatory 
massage.  Then "how to's" are in a book Evolutionary Traditions by Robert 
Berube, DSc, DC.  He is also my teacher so we were taught this technic 
from him.  If you can't find the book let me know and I will give you a 
source.

Diane


From rip@sequent.com (Paul T Taylor) Mon Apr 25 16:55:46 EDT 1994
Article: 2734 of alt.backrubs
Newsgroups: alt.backrubs
Path: falcon.ccs.uwo.ca!torn!howland.reston.ans.net!cs.utexas.edu!uunet!sequent!muncher.sequent.com!rip
From: rip@sequent.com (Paul T Taylor)
Subject: Myotherapy
Message-ID: <1994Apr25.162556.11989@sequent.com>
Keywords: Fibromyalgia
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Hi, me again.  I wanted to give a quick update on what was going on
with my friend.  She gave me another book she had, this on call "Pain
Erasure with trigger point therapy", by Nancy(?) Prudden, (I left the
book at home).  I read most of it this week-end and it looks like it
might have some possibilities.

The basis of this treatment is to find certain 'trigger points'
through-out the body in the muscles.  When one is found you press on
it for 7 seconds and then move on to the next one, then you stretch
the muscles in that area.  For example for the lower arm on the front
side you would start just below the elbow and move in one approx inch
increments, or until you find another trigger point, down the middle
of the arm, back to the elbow and down one side then down the other.
Once this is done you stretch the arm out.  To apply the pressure you
use your fingers, knuckles, elbows, and what the book refers to as a
'bodo', basically a wooden pestle with an oversized flat hand on it
for control.  The bodo can be use to do these techniques to yourself,
or for certian places on the feet and hands.

These trigger points are all over the body and some of them really
hurt!  Anyway, I just got the book and hope to be trying out some of
the techniques in the next couple of days.  So, if anyone has ever
tried this or even heard of it, let me know!

Paul
-- 
Truly great madness can not be achieved without significant
intelligence.
                -- Henrik Tikkanen


From dcdoc@aol.com (DC DOC) Tue Apr 26 07:30:33 EDT 1994
Article: 2739 of alt.backrubs
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From: dcdoc@aol.com (DC DOC)
Newsgroups: alt.backrubs
Subject: Re: Myotherapy
Date: 25 Apr 1994 22:02:03 -0400
Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364)
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The author is Bonnie Pruden and it is a very valuable therapy.  It hurts at
first but feels great later .

DC DOC



From millner@sps1.phys.vt.edu (Robert Millner) Wed Apr 27 13:35:47 EDT 1994
Article: 2751 of alt.backrubs
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From: millner@sps1.phys.vt.edu (Robert Millner)
Newsgroups: alt.backrubs
Subject: Re: Myotherapy
Date: 27 Apr 1994 15:34:43 GMT
Organization: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
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	Most of the acupuncture points can also be masaged with the pads
of your fingers to provide some effect.  A good map of the major points
along with a refrence of which ones or combinations are effective for
releaving stress would be a good study guide.  
	Rob
--
millner@sps1.phys.vt.edu             |"Strange how laughter looks like
millner@vt.edu                       |crying with no sound; raindrops
millner@cebaf.gov                    |taste like tears, without the pain."
Finger millner@sps1.phys.vt.edu for  |                 -Queensryche
	info and PGP public key.    


From rip@sequent.com (Paul T Taylor) Wed Apr 27 18:38:08 EDT 1994
Article: 2754 of alt.backrubs
Newsgroups: alt.backrubs
Path: falcon.ccs.uwo.ca!torn!howland.reston.ans.net!news.intercon.com!udel!news2.sprintlink.net!news.sprintlink.net!news.world.net!guardian.up.edu!sequent!muncher.sequent.com!rip
From: rip@sequent.com (Paul T Taylor)
Subject: Re: Myotherapy
Message-ID: <1994Apr27.174751.11032@sequent.com>
Sender: usenet@sequent.com (usenet )
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Date: Wed, 27 Apr 94 17:47:51 GMT
Lines: 23

In article <2phsmr$goa@search01.news.aol.com> dcdoc@aol.com (DC DOC) writes:
>The author is Bonnie Pruden and it is a very valuable therapy.  It hurts at
>first but feels great later .

Yeah, I went back home and felt pretty dumb for not remembering her
name...  :-) I tried some of the stuff on myself and I found place
that *really* hurt and I have a very high pain threshold!

I used some of the neck and upper trap triggers to relieve a headache
caused by tighness in the traps yesterday.  I got some pretty wild
facial expressions when I landed on a trigger point!  But her headache
went away...

I get the feeling that you have to be somewhat sadistic to want to put
people through something like this... 'for their own good' of course.

:-)

rip
-- 
Truly great madness can not be achieved without significant
intelligence.
                -- Henrik Tikkanen


From Richard Vaughan  Sun May 15 14:25:36 EDT 1994
Article: 2846 of alt.backrubs
Path: falcon.ccs.uwo.ca!torn!howland.reston.ans.net!noc.near.net!news.delphi.com!usenet
From: Richard Vaughan 
Newsgroups: alt.backrubs
Subject: Re: Triggers???
Date: Sun, 15 May 94 13:55:20 -0500
Organization: Delphi (info@delphi.com email, 800-695-4005 voice)
Lines: 24
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References: <2r33e7$2ga@cs.pdx.edu>
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X-To: The Fletch 

The Fletch  writes:
 
>	My question is concerning two references about on Triggers.  Where
>	are the triggers for the traps and neck area.  I looked in the archive files
 
Go three finger withs out from the place where the traps meet the neck
an push one finger or thumb deep into the muscle. You'll feel a knot
or ball there. It will feel tender and slightly painful. ( It raises the hair
on my arms) Go halfway up to the base of the skull along the same line as the
first point, push the tip of the index fingerin towards the cervicle. Last,
have the client lie down and form a hhok with your fingers. Place them on
either side
 of the skullabout 1&1/2 inches from the center and allow the clients skull
wieght to sink down on the fingers at the same time you pull slightly
back.(you'll
pull the hooks up into that hole.
Happy hunting. I just had it done last night.
Check out Iona Teegarden's book on Jin Shin Do or call (602) 998-9331
for the materials brochure on jin shin jyutsu. Great chart and self help books.
$5.00 for the small chart laminated and the books are only $12 each.
The school is in Scottsdale but the training seminars are all over. I'll
Probably do the one in Del Mar CA this October.
 
RV


From jpschmid@nyx.cs.du.edu (James Schmidt) Mon May 16 07:12:17 EDT 1994
Article: 2849 of alt.backrubs
Path: falcon.ccs.uwo.ca!torn!howland.reston.ans.net!spool.mu.edu!agate!boulder!tali.hsc.colorado.edu!mnemosyne.cs.du.edu!nyx.cs.du.edu!not-for-mail
From: jpschmid@nyx.cs.du.edu (James Schmidt)
Newsgroups: alt.backrubs
Subject: Re: Backrubs a method of suduction?
Date: 15 May 1994 22:33:07 -0600
Organization: /usr/lib/news/organi[sz]ation
Lines: 28
Message-ID: <2r6t23$3to@nyx.cs.du.edu>
References: 
Keywords: back rubs

In article , Ryan Williams  wrote:

>give them a backrub.  I quess my question is, Is it that i just 
have magic 
>hands or has anyone else noticed this.  Aslo what can i do if i don't like 
>person I'm giving the mesage, to keep them from getting aroused.

I have been told too many times to count that I have "magic 
hands" as well, so you're not alone in that department.

As for the not arousing them part, that's going to be kinda hard to work 
with wihout knowing your technique.  I learned that by using the flat of 
the hands more and the fingers and fingertips less, I got less of a 
response, and in many cases, a more reelaxed recipient.  Also, *your* 
mood will have a great deal to go with it.  Just concentrate more on 
which muscles you are working with, and less on the person you are 
massaging, and things should work out better.

And one other idea; be careful if you fdo lower back massages, around the 
base of the spine and the hips.  I realized once that  alot of my own 
tension setled there, so when I started working those areas on my 
"customers" (well, they were willing to pay me :) ), I noticed they were 
becoming more aroused.  I looked up this area in a friends accupressure 
books, and found that the base of the spine was some sort of stimulation 
center for females (but don't qoute me, this was 5 years ago).  Just a 
thought or two...

-- Jim Schmidt


From rip@sequent.com (Paul T Taylor) Mon May 16 16:52:34 EDT 1994
Article: 2851 of alt.backrubs
Newsgroups: alt.backrubs
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From: rip@sequent.com (Paul T Taylor)
Subject: Re: Triggers???
Message-ID: <1994May16.184809.10850@sequent.com>
Sender: usenet@sequent.com (usenet )
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Date: Mon, 16 May 94 18:48:09 GMT
Lines: 66

In article <2r33e7$2ga@cs.pdx.edu> fletch@cs.pdx.edu (The Fletch) writes:

>My question is concerning two references about on Triggers.  Where
>are the triggers for the traps and neck area.  I looked in the
>archive files but they dont say anything about this.  Thanks for your
>help ahead of time
>
>
>       Signed
>       The Fletch


The following is e-mail I recieved from Jamie reguarding this post,
and my e-mail reply back to her and Fletch.

**********

From: Jamie

>       Information about trigger points in the alt.backrubs archive
>is stored in the accupres.pt file.  (I've added index entry
>trigger.pt->accupres to the archive.)  There is additional information
>(including references to two books) in head.aches, knots, self.mas,
>and fibromyalgia.  I'm not sure exactly what you are looking for so I
>can't be certain you'll find a satisfactory answer in the archive.
>       I'm sending a copy of this note to Paul T Taylor since he has
>written about trigger points in alt.backrubs recently.  Perhaps he'll
>write you or post with some details.  I hpoe one of you posts some
>detailed information so it can be put into the archive.
>--
>Jamie Blustein 

My reply:

Triggers are areas of muscle that have spasmed and not let go.  They
are in a perpetual state of 'tightness'.  According to Bonnie
Prudden's book, the best way to relieve these points is by direct
pressure, and immediate stretching.  The idea is to relieve the
triggers and then stretch the muscle so that it will forget that it
was suppose to be tight.

The trigger points in the traps affect the points in the neck,
shoulders and the lats.  The points in the neck affect the points in
the lats, head and chest.  You can see where this is leading to.  The
muscles are all tied together and what affects one group affects
another.

Anyway, the book suggests that you to cover the traps, you start at
the lower back at the belt line and to one side of the spine and work
your way up in about one inch increments.  By the time you get up to
the traps they should already start loosening up.

And like I said, the neck is tied into the traps, so clear them
first, and then work on the major muscle of the neck, the
sternocledomastoid, (I love that word!).  Then the top of the traps
and then the front of the chest.

If you want to know more, pick up the book "Pain Erasure" by Bonnie
Prudden.

Hope this helps.

rip
-- 
A husband is what remains of a lover after the backbone has been
removed.


From rip@sequent.com (Paul T Taylor) Thu May 19 17:59:01 EDT 1994
Article: 2863 of alt.backrubs
Newsgroups: alt.backrubs
Path: falcon.ccs.uwo.ca!torn!spool.mu.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!hookup!news2.sprintlink.net!news.sprintlink.net!news.world.net!guardian.up.edu!sequent!muncher.sequent.com!rip
From: rip@sequent.com (Paul T Taylor)
Subject: Re: Trigger points
Message-ID: <1994May19.180801.7358@sequent.com>
Sender: usenet@sequent.com (usenet )
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References: 
Date: Thu, 19 May 94 18:08:01 GMT
Lines: 36

In article  amazon@sgi.com (Stormwind) writes:

**deleted stuff**

>uses on my neck and back, i'm trying to locate really
>good reference material for finding the trigger
>points that would assist in relaxing the outer
>thigh muscles.  if you've got locations for these
>trigger points, or a really good recommendation
>for books covering trigger points across the
>entire body, i'd like to hear from you.
>
>                               stormwind
>
>                               hell's amazon

>From what I can remember of Bonnie's book, you would want to hit
triggers in the lower back, butt, and all down the thigh to the knees.
Using her method you would use your elbow to work the thigh on the
side, front, between these two, the back, etc.  So you go down 5 or 6
different lines down the leg.  And don't forget to stretch the muscle
out from time to time.

One nice thing about this book, is that there are 'maps' of the muscle
groups showing where the major trigger points are and the lines you
want to follow.

Your friend may need to have several sessions before the muscle
finally decides it doesn't want to be tight anymore, so keep at it!

rip
-- 
The secret of attracting the opposite sex is the mutual sniffing of
butt.

                              Buck Bundy


From S9010499@PITVAX.XX.RMIT.EDU.AU (P.MARTIN) Wed May 25 07:29:46 EDT 1994
Article: 2885 of alt.backrubs
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From: S9010499@PITVAX.XX.RMIT.EDU.AU (P.MARTIN)
Newsgroups: alt.backrubs
Subject: Tp's - Trigger points
Date: 24 May 1994 06:56:25 GMT
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Ihave only just started using this service so please be patient
I have been reading a book on trigger points which you may be interested in.
It is called Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual and is
written by J.G. Travell and David Simons: puplisher willians and wilkins.
This book details the common trigger point locations and discusses treatment
etc.                                      Hope this is of some help,           
                                                            yours sincerely    
                                                                   me
vati


From amazon@kisio.esd.sgi.com (Stormwind) Sat Jun 18 19:19:00 EDT 1994
Article: 3064 of alt.backrubs
Newsgroups: alt.backrubs
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From: amazon@kisio.esd.sgi.com (Stormwind)
Subject: Re: Cracking backs
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Date: Fri, 17 Jun 1994 22:29:57 GMT
Lines: 81

Sylvan  wrote:
>I crack my girlfriend's back [...]
>
>There are ways to crack your own back alone involving twisting and
>leaning off the edge of a bed, but I don't think I'd be able to
>describe them in a post (I can barely explain it in person).

my chiropractor actually does not recommend 
cracking one's own back and/or neck.  he 
says that it is too easy to misalign the
bones, and furthermore if you get in the 
practice of doing this on a regular basis,
it loosens up the muscles in the area so
that it makes it that much easier for the
joints/bones to slip out of place when you
don't want them to.

personally, i won't crack someone else's
back either without more training in that
area.  it is, after all, the central nervous
system, and one small slip could have 
catastrophic consequences.  i always make sure
to visit the chiropractor when my neck or back
starts making repeated cracking/popping sounds
accompanying movement...this tells me something
is seriously out of alignment and needs to be
put back into line.

along other lines, i recently have had some
success (finally!) with the acupressure point
for sinus problems.  this point is located 
along the eyebrow ridge, about 1/4" to 1/2"
out from where the eye socket meets the nose.
i have heard stories where the sinus reaction 
has been so dramatic that a woman with a cold
not only felt her sinuses draining, but both 
people involved audibly heard the sinuses pop
open.  my own attempts to find this point 
have met with relatively little success, until
last night...

a friend of mine showed up with a cold, unable
to breathe through his nose.  i produced the 
usual herbal remedies, and since he looked absolutely
miserable decided to try a few acupressure points.
the first few tries met with the usual marginal
reaction.  after he grew relaxed enough to flop 
over onto his back, i tried again from a slightly
different angle, and this time he reported that
he was getting the most amazingly weird sensation
from his sinuses, and within a minute was able to
breathe freely through his nose.  this was duplicated
several hours later while he was sitting upright
on a sofa. 

it would appear that for him, anyways, the correct
angle for these points is to apply pressure *upwards*
and in.  this is most easily accomplished while the
vict....er, subject...is on their back.  if you 
work on necks, shoulders, heads from behind your 
subject, it can be very difficult to get the right
angle.  

the downside to massage/pressure points/trigger
points when people aren't feeling well is that most
people tend to get somewhat lethargic when ill.
combine this with a massage or acupressure session,
and the subject will typically fall asleep somewhere
in the middle regardless of whether they usually do
or not.  when the subject wakes up again, while they
are more relaxed, they are still ill enough that 
they can't really enjoy it, and they are now not
only muzzy from being ill but they are also tired 
and somewhat sleepy.  in some people, this tends to
make them crabby.  regardless, ill people should
probably be worked on at their own home so they 
don't have to drive afterwards.

				stormwind

				hell's amazon


From amazon@kisio.esd.sgi.com (Stormwind) Tue Jun 21 07:05:46 EDT 1994
Article: 3086 of alt.backrubs
Newsgroups: alt.backrubs
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From: amazon@kisio.esd.sgi.com (Stormwind)
Subject: Sinus acupressure points (was Re: Cracking backs)
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References:  
Date: Tue, 21 Jun 1994 03:50:07 GMT
Lines: 75

Robin E. Baylor wrote:
>(Stormwind) writes:
>: along other lines, i recently have had some
>: success (finally!) with the acupressure point
>: for sinus problems.  
>
>Can I get a little more detail on this? (I have hay fever).

depending on how your hay fever manifests
itself, this may or may not work (mine, for
instance, takes the form of unstoppable 
sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose).
if your symptoms are stopped up sinuses, 
this may help; this was the complaint of
the original sufferer.

>I don't really understand the description of where/how to 
>push. Do you mean right between the eyebrows? 

pedro chan's "finger acupressure" book 
(very short, but does have some good acupressure
points) has one for 'sinus pain' that is,
indeed, smack in the middle of the eyebrows,
right over your nose.  the directions say to 
have the subject sit or lie down, then to 
pinch the point hard.

the points which i was originally referring
to are just under the eyebrows.   take your
index fingers and place them on the inside 
corner of your eye sockets where the eye meets
the bridge of the nose.  now follow the curve
of your eye sockets around and up.  on my 
subject, i found that there was a very slight 
indentation to his eyebrow ridge at the point
where he reported the 'weird' sensation.  

these aren't easy points to find.  i was 
fortunate that my vict...er, subject was
patient and used to having me fix things
by using unusual methods.  i spent several
minutes pressing various spots on his eyebrow
ridge with no success the first time.  the
key (on him, anyways) appeared to be to press
inwards AND upwards (i.e. you're not just
pushing towards the back of the head, horizontally,
but you're also pushing *upwards*, towards
the top of the head, at the same time).

acupressure can take varying quantities of
time to work.  sometimes i get nearly immediate
results like this one, sometimes it can take
up to five minutes to get results.

if you have bonnie pruden's trigger point book,
the points i was using are illustrated in the
back on plate 12, point 61.  point 62 appears
to be the point referenced by chan's acupressure
book.

>Can I do it to myself?

good question.  i believe so, once you find
the right spots; all of the acupressure points
i've tried on myself seem to work.  they are 
not as difficult to use on yourself as the 
trigger points (i found i had to have someone 
else work on the trigger points for my sprained 
knee because i couldn't put enough pressure 
on the spots both from the angle of the affected 
area, and the pain involved).

				stormwind

				hell's amazon


From amazon@kisio.esd.sgi.com (Stormwind) Sat Jun 18 19:19:18 EDT 1994
Article: 3064 of alt.backrubs
Newsgroups: alt.backrubs
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From: amazon@kisio.esd.sgi.com (Stormwind)
Subject: Re: Cracking backs
Message-ID: 
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Organization: X Industries, Heavy Weapons R&D
References: <1994Apr16.001822.15671@sarah.albany.edu> <2tskks$lb3@search01.news.aol.com>
Date: Fri, 17 Jun 1994 22:29:57 GMT
Lines: 81

Sylvan  wrote:
>I crack my girlfriend's back [...]
>
>There are ways to crack your own back alone involving twisting and
>leaning off the edge of a bed, but I don't think I'd be able to
>describe them in a post (I can barely explain it in person).

my chiropractor actually does not recommend 
cracking one's own back and/or neck.  he 
says that it is too easy to misalign the
bones, and furthermore if you get in the 
practice of doing this on a regular basis,
it loosens up the muscles in the area so
that it makes it that much easier for the
joints/bones to slip out of place when you
don't want them to.

personally, i won't crack someone else's
back either without more training in that
area.  it is, after all, the central nervous
system, and one small slip could have 
catastrophic consequences.  i always make sure
to visit the chiropractor when my neck or back
starts making repeated cracking/popping sounds
accompanying movement...this tells me something
is seriously out of alignment and needs to be
put back into line.

along other lines, i recently have had some
success (finally!) with the acupressure point
for sinus problems.  this point is located 
along the eyebrow ridge, about 1/4" to 1/2"
out from where the eye socket meets the nose.
i have heard stories where the sinus reaction 
has been so dramatic that a woman with a cold
not only felt her sinuses draining, but both 
people involved audibly heard the sinuses pop
open.  my own attempts to find this point 
have met with relatively little success, until
last night...

a friend of mine showed up with a cold, unable
to breathe through his nose.  i produced the 
usual herbal remedies, and since he looked absolutely
miserable decided to try a few acupressure points.
the first few tries met with the usual marginal
reaction.  after he grew relaxed enough to flop 
over onto his back, i tried again from a slightly
different angle, and this time he reported that
he was getting the most amazingly weird sensation
from his sinuses, and within a minute was able to
breathe freely through his nose.  this was duplicated
several hours later while he was sitting upright
on a sofa. 

it would appear that for him, anyways, the correct
angle for these points is to apply pressure *upwards*
and in.  this is most easily accomplished while the
vict....er, subject...is on their back.  if you 
work on necks, shoulders, heads from behind your 
subject, it can be very difficult to get the right
angle.  

the downside to massage/pressure points/trigger
points when people aren't feeling well is that most
people tend to get somewhat lethargic when ill.
combine this with a massage or acupressure session,
and the subject will typically fall asleep somewhere
in the middle regardless of whether they usually do
or not.  when the subject wakes up again, while they
are more relaxed, they are still ill enough that 
they can't really enjoy it, and they are now not
only muzzy from being ill but they are also tired 
and somewhat sleepy.  in some people, this tends to
make them crabby.  regardless, ill people should
probably be worked on at their own home so they 
don't have to drive afterwards.

				stormwind

				hell's amazon


From podkayne@aol.com (Podkayne) Fri Jun 24 17:37:14 EDT 1994
Article: 3099 of alt.backrubs
Path: newshost.uwo.ca!torn!spool.mu.edu!agate!darkstar.UCSC.EDU!news.hal.COM!olivea!uunet!newstf01.cr1.aol.com!search01.news.aol.com!not-for-mail
From: podkayne@aol.com (Podkayne)
Newsgroups: alt.backrubs
Subject: Re: MIGRAINES
Date: 24 Jun 1994 15:36:01 -0400
Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364)
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A massage of very firm (almost painful) pressure aapplied either
alternately (as in by yourself) or at the same time (say by some one
else) to both hands at the web inside the thumbs (just distal to the
first metacarpal phalangeal joint area, between the 1st mcp joint and
2nd mc bone) seems to help to relieve headache sx also vertical
massage about a finger width on either side of the nares at the cheek
bones seems to help. In both of these the individual can locate the
best area to treat by feeling for the most tender spot. 
Hope this helps, HATE H/A's 
Podkayne@AOL.COM




From garyc58971@aol.com (GaryC58971) Tue Jul 12 16:25:53 EDT 1994
Article: 3200 of alt.backrubs
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From: garyc58971@aol.com (GaryC58971)
Newsgroups: alt.backrubs
Subject: Re: Triggers???
Date: 12 Jul 1994 14:00:03 -0400
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In article <2r33e7$2ga@cs.pdx.edu>, fletch@cs.pdx.edu (The Fletch) writes:

>My question is concerning two references about on Triggers.  Where
>	are the triggers for the traps and neck area.

Hi Fletch.

I am a CMT and bodyworker. I have focused my practice for the past eight
years on working primarily with individuals sufferering from trigger
points. I presently teach Anatomy & Physiology to massage students and I
instruct a 100 hour advanced course in Trigger Point Myotherapy. 

The definitive research on Myofascial Pain Syndromes (trigger points) has
been done by Dr. Janet Travell. The leading source of infor. comes from
her texts "Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction:  The Trigger Point Manual. 
Published by Williams & Wilkins. Bonnie Prudden has written several lay
persons books and they are ok for non-professionals. 

To answer your question about where are the trigger points for the traps
and neck;
Trigger Points are not normal structures in muscular tissue. They occur
due to traumatic insult or chronic overload stress (repetitive overuse).
Unlike the pressure points of Shiatsu or Acupressure, trigger points don't
have any place that they are "supposed to be". While it is true they that
do commonly appear in certain locations, you would be doing your
friend/client an injustice to only look for them in assumed locations. A
good sense of palpation in necessary to locate them, as well as some
familiarity with the anatomy of the region being assesed.

Also, stretching, both passive and active is an absolute must. Even
Travell states that "Stretching is the action". She means that anything
you do to a TP, whether it is direct pressure, injection, ultra-sound,
etc., the therapuetic value is only fully realized when the muscle is
stretched to its full resting length.

Good Luck
Gary L. Cunningam, C.M.T.


From garyc58971@aol.com (GaryC58971) Tue Jul 12 16:27:05 EDT 1994
Article: 3201 of alt.backrubs
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From: garyc58971@aol.com (GaryC58971)
Newsgroups: alt.backrubs
Subject: Trigger Point Myotherapists
Date: 12 Jul 1994 14:47:02 -0400
Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364)
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My name is Gary Cunningham and I am interested in meeting other
bodyworkers that do trigger point therapy. 

I have been practicing massage and bodywork in Bakersfield, CA since 1986,
and have worked extensively in clinical enviroments (five years in Dr.'s
offices, three years in my own practice). 

I have contacted the National Trigger Point Myotherapy Association and
they told me that they would send a new member package out right away.
That was last year!  I even spoke to their president, nothing yet.  I am
not a member of the AMTA. but I have sat for and passed the National
Boards Exam.

I have recieved training in several types of bodywork, but the TP stuff I
had do learn on my own. My source of info has been Dr. Janet Travell. (At
least her books, though I would love to meet her in person). I presently
have a private practice and I teach at a state approved massage school. I
instruct Anatomy & Physiology to massage students, and I teach a 100 hr
Trigger Point Practitioner Program. I use Travell's books  and video tapes
as the class texts. 

I welcome anyone familar with this work to respond. I am interested in
networking, learning more and teaching more about TP therapy. 

Thanks in Advance
Gary


From tnt@ns.onramp.net. (tnt) Fri Jul 15 22:48:43 EDT 1994
Article: 3228 of alt.backrubs
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From: tnt@ns.onramp.net. (tnt)
Newsgroups: alt.backrubs
Subject: Re: Triggers???
Date: 15 Jul 1994 20:46:13 GMT
Organization: On-Ramp Technologies, Inc.
Lines: 20
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X-Posted-From: InterNews 1.0@news.onramp.net.

Hi Fletch:

I am a prof. Massage, Sports, and Acupressue Therapist with over 21
years of experience in the field.  Most of my work has been in the area
of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), which has included studies at
the College of TCM in Shanghai, and the Olympic Training Center in
Beijing.

What Gary Cunningham had to say about Trigger Points is largely true.
Though there are may points that do not ly along channels, "hot" points
you can palpate--called Ashai points, what we call Trigger Points, do
exist.  And although they may be due to overuse or trauma to the area,
they may also be due to blockage in an organ who's channel is related
to the Trigger Point, or to the area of complaint.  So, you must
consider a few more factors inorder to fully rehab. the area properly.

If you would like to correspond further with me, leave something here
on the InterNet, or in my E-mail box--tnt@onramp-net.

TNT


From keg@strathspey.llnl.gov (Keith Grant) Thu Aug  4 16:41:43 EDT 1994
Article: 3370 of alt.backrubs
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From: keg@strathspey.llnl.gov (Keith Grant)
Newsgroups: alt.backrubs
Subject: Re: piriformis work?
Date: 2 Aug 1994 23:13:46 -0700
Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, GCR/RAS Division
Lines: 71
Message-ID: <31nciq$in1@strathspey.llnl.gov>
References: <31n7hb$9tg@news.delphi.com>
NNTP-Posting-Host: strathspey.llnl.gov

In article <31n7hb$9tg@news.delphi.com> jshortes@news.delphi.com
 (JSHORTESS@DELPHI.COM) writes:

>I've been experiencing some rather severe lower back pain lately, and
>my MT has suggested that she work on my piriformis. I'm not the world's
>expert on anatomy, but I don't see how one can get TO the piriformis -
>it's buried under the gluteus maximus, if I'm reading my muscular charts
>correctly. She said it's reached from the front, right next to the
>pubic bone. But then isn't the entire pelvis in the way? How do you
>apply enough pressure to do any good without damaging what's in the
>middle? 
>

Sounds like either you or your therapist are combining or mixing up
two problem muscles. The prirformis is indeed under the Glutes. It
originates on the anterior sacrum, passes under the greater sciatic
notch, And inserts on the greater trochanter. Because inflammation of
the piriformis can result in pressure on the sciatic nerve,
inflammation of the piriformis ofter can produce symptoms similar to
sciatica (cf. When Sciatica is not disk disease, The Physician and
Sportsmedicine, vol 20, no. 10, Oct 1992, pp 105-115, or Personal
Health, The New York Times, Wednesday, Jan 12, 1994, p B7). The
piriformis is worked both directly,throught the glutes, and by
position the affected leg to obtain a stretch.

The other common low-back affecting muscle is the iliopsoas. The psoas
originates on the lumbar spine and inserts on the lesser trochanter of
the femur. The iliacus originates from the internal illiac fossa and
joins with the psoas. Simply, they are hip flexors.  a spasmed or
chronically shortened iliopsoa can result in hyperlordosis (over
inward curvature of the lumbar spine) and lower back pain. The
Iliopsoas is often released (as in trigger point work) by pressure
applied from the abdomen or inner thigh.

>
>She asked if I was comfortable with her working in that area -  she's 
>a pretty good friend outside of our MT/client relationship, so I don't
>have a problem with whatever is necessary. She also warned me that it 
>will be rather uncomfortable. Two questions (which I'd normally ask
>her, if it weren't for two schedules that absolutely refuse to coincide 
>lately): just how "familiar" will be be getting, and just how much 
>pain am I in for? I've never had any real deep tissue work done before.


Trigger point work on the inner thight from about 1-6 inches below the
hip bone (THIS ISN"T AN INSTRUCTION) is "familiar" enough for most
people that you want them to understand what you're doing and what
you're trying to accomplish before you work on them.  Having someone
press deeply into your abdominal area is also something we don't
normally experience. In general, discomfort is the correct description
as compared to pain. If you're pressed past that uncomfortable but
feels beneficial point into pain, you'll start to tense up
protectively. That's counterproductive work. The closest analogy I can
think of is a serious exercise workout. It doesn't always feel great
while you're doing it but you feel wonderful when you're done (no, it
isn't just because you stopped doing something uncomfortable). Fig 5.4
of volume 2 of "The Trigger Point Manual" shows three iliopsoas trigger
points. (intentionally vague reference)



  +-------------------------+-----------------------------------------------+
  I                         I Common sense and a sense of humor are the     I
  I Keith Eric Grant        I same thing, moving at different speeds.  A    I
  I keg@strathspey.llnl.gov I sense of humor is just common sense, dancing. I
  I                         I (or perhaps dancing is just common sense)     I
  +-------------------------+-----------------------------------------------+
  I For certain it is, that any ideas expressed above are of my own humble  I
  I opinion and bear nary a relation to the policies or positions of LLNL   I
  I or of any agency or contractor of the U.S. Government.                  I
  +-------------------------------------------------------------------------+


From richard@octel.com (Richard Karasik) Sat Aug  6 08:49:40 EDT 1994
Article: 3386 of alt.backrubs
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From: richard@octel.com (Richard Karasik)
Newsgroups: alt.backrubs
Subject: Re: piriformis work?
Date: 5 Aug 1994 16:47:32 -0700
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Lines: 37
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In article <31nciq$in1@strathspey.llnl.gov>,
Keith Grant  wrote:
>In article <31n7hb$9tg@news.delphi.com> jshortes@news.delphi.com
> (JSHORTESS@DELPHI.COM) writes:
...
>
>Trigger point work on the inner thight from about 1-6 inches below the
>hip bone (THIS ISN"T AN INSTRUCTION) is "familiar" enough for most
>people that you want them to understand what you're doing and what
>you're trying to accomplish before you work on them.  Having someone
>press deeply into your abdominal area is also something we don't
>normally experience. In general, discomfort is the correct description
>as compared to pain. If you're pressed past that uncomfortable but
>feels beneficial point into pain, you'll start to tense up
>protectively. That's counterproductive work. The closest analogy I can
>think of is a serious exercise workout. It doesn't always feel great
>while you're doing it but you feel wonderful when you're done (no, it
>isn't just because you stopped doing something uncomfortable). Fig 5.4
>of volume 2 of "The Trigger Point Manual" shows three iliopsoas trigger
>points. (intentionally vague reference)


Hmm - I wonder if we are using trigger point in the same way. THere are
at least three uses I know, and If I read you correctly, rather than
Myofascial trigger
points, you are talking either accupressure,  lymphatic or reflexolology
 (great I probably missed the one you really mean)

 I have always worked the psoas "directly" ie over the curve of the
 hip about 4" above the symphisis pubis with the leg bent knee
 in the air,  plantar arch on the ground. once the pressure
 point/trigger point etc is located the leg is gradually extended
 while maintaining sole contact with the floor/table etc.

 Is this what you are talking about or am I in left field?
 RIchard



From keg@fastrac.llnl.gov Sat Aug  6 13:55:34 EDT 1994
Article: 3392 of alt.backrubs
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From: keg@fastrac.llnl.gov (Keith Grant)
Newsgroups: alt.backrubs
Subject: Re: piriformis work?
Date: 6 Aug 1994 10:25:54 -0700
Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, GCR/RAS Division
Lines: 78
Message-ID: <320h32$4i6@fastrac.llnl.gov>
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NNTP-Posting-Host: fastrac.llnl.gov

In article <31uj2k$14o@warthog.eng.octel.com> richard@octel.com
  (Richard Karasik) writes:
>
>Hmm - I wonder if we are using trigger point in the same way. THere are
>at least three uses I know, and If I read you correctly, rather than
>Myofascial trigger
>points, you are talking either accupressure,  lymphatic or reflexolology
> (great I probably missed the one you really mean)
>
> I have always worked the psoas "directly" ie over the curve of the
> hip about 4" above the symphisis pubis with the leg bent knee
> in the air,  plantar arch on the ground. once the pressure
> point/trigger point etc is located the leg is gradually extended
> while maintaining sole contact with the floor/table etc.
>
> Is this what you are talking about or am I in left field?
> RIchard
>

Hi Richard,

Actually, I am thinking in terms of trigger points in the Travell and
Simons sense. Instead of trying to come up with my own description,
let me quote the referred pain patterns and TP examination modes from
Vol II of the "Trigger Point Manual":

"REFERRED PAIN from myofascial TrPs in the psoas major muscle extends
along the spine ipsilaterally from the thoracic region to the
sacroiliac area, and some times to the upper buttock. Pain is referred
similarly from the iliacus and often also to the anterior thigh and
groin."

"TRIGGER POINT EXAMINATION of the iliopsoas muscle requires
examination at three locations: (a) Digital pressure exerted deep on
the lateral border of the femoral triangle over the lesser trochanter
elicits tenderness of distal iliacus fibers and usually from psoas
musculotendinous junctions at that level. (b) Palpation over the inner
border of the ilium behind the anterior superior iliac spine permits
examination of taut bands and TrPs in the uppermost iliacus
fibers. (c) Pressure extended first downward on the abdomen lateral to
the rectus abdominus, medially, elecits tenderness of the psoas
muscles by compression against the lumbar spine."

Figure 5.4 illustrates the three locations. Figure 5.1 illustrates the
pain referral regions and the three common trigger point locations
(iliacus, just below the iliac crest, and the abdominal/ lumbar
region). The most commonly presented psoas work corresponds to (c)
above. As you suggest, this is often released with the aide of using
leg movements (i.e. active involvement or engagement) with the knee
bent and the sole on the ground or table.

There also are often correlations between trigger points and accupressure
points. The approach and mental framework are somewhat different, than
the more empirically oriented trigger point framework.

In addition to simple pressure releases, Travell and Simon also use
spray (vapor coolant) and stretch techniques. These can be translated
into superficial ice-massage and stretch techniques. Travell and
Simons, in fact, discuss ice-massage as an alternative to the use of
(ozone-eating) Fluori-Methane coolants.

Hope this helps to clarify what I was more vaguely alluding to in my
previous post.

...Keith

--
  +-------------------------+-----------------------------------------------+
  I                         I Common sense and a sense of humor are the     I
  I Keith Eric Grant        I same thing, moving at different speeds.  A    I
  I keg@strathspey.llnl.gov I sense of humor is just common sense, dancing. I
  I                         I (or perhaps dancing is just common sense)     I
  +-------------------------+-----------------------------------------------+
  I For certain it is, that any ideas expressed above are of my own humble  I
  I opinion and bear nary a relation to the policies or positions of LLNL   I
  I or of any agency or contractor of the U.S. Government.                  I
  +-------------------------------------------------------------------------+



From aaa@scs.leeds.ac.uk Wed Aug 10 18:59:01 EDT 1994
Article: 3419 of alt.backrubs
Newsgroups: alt.backrubs
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From: csc8aaa@leeds.ac.uk (A Adams)
Subject: Re: Migraine message
Message-ID: <1994Aug10.205158.6358@leeds.ac.uk>
Sender: news@leeds.ac.uk
Reply-To: aaa@scs.leeds.ac.uk
Organization: SCS, U of Leeds, UK.
Date: Wed, 10 Aug 1994 20:51:58 GMT
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Mike Vandeventer (mikev@fc.hp.com) wrote:
: Does anyone know a good message to relieve migraine headaches.
: I would like some that I could do myself and some that my wife
: would be able to do.


This is a common question, and there is a file in the archive
about headaches (and another about migraines I think).
The best cure for headaches I've found are the three shiatsu
points. There's one on each hand, and one on the head.
On the hand:
between your thumb and index fingerthere is a muscle/tendon in
the webbed part. If you stretch your thumb out you will see
part of the gap contains much less muscle than another bit (it's
on the thumb sidejust next to the thumb knuckle. relax the hand
again and press on the upper and lower sides of this point.
Move your finger/thumb of the other hand around pressing quite
hard until it's very uncomfortable. The pain should stop
pretty quickly (use each side in succession to stop pain in
on ehalf of the head each time). Hold the pressure for about
twnety seconds and release - the pain will return when you release
and then die down again within a minute or so (or it should do,
it doesn't work for everyone - if the pressure makes you feel ill
when you put it on release immediately).
On the head:
There are three cardio-vascular points on the top of the head.
if you spread your fingers lightly and place them on your scalp
near the top of your head and move them forwards and backwards
you should find a point where the pulse is quite strong. DO NOT
PRESS HARD. These are holding points. Quite often even just holding
the points will increase the pain. Hold these points fo 3 to 5 seconds
and the pain should stop almost immediately when you release.

Massage:
Massage of the neck and shoulders will usually help, although
sometimes the area is too sensitive for massage. If it is I suggest
taking a MILD analgesic (such as aspirin) to alleviate the
sensitivity and allow a massage. Scalp massage may also help, but
be more gentle than normal.

Disclaimer: I am neither a medical practitioner nor a qualified
alternative medical practitioner, the above represents personal
experience and repeated knowledge from books on shiatsu. I take
no responsibility for its use or misuse.

(ObPeeve: feeling I have to put this in :-(.)

--
TTFN, A^3 *************************E-mail*aaa@scs.leeds.ac.uk********
*******************************Temp*snail*9 Valkyrie Road, Wallasey**
**"If you're not here to kick *******mail*Wirral L45 4RG*************
**ass, get out." - jms **********Temp*Tel*UK-051-638-9714************


From Matthew van der Giessen  Sat Jan 28 16:49:51 EST 1995
Article: 5111 of alt.backrubs
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From: Matthew van der Giessen 
Newsgroups: alt.backrubs
Subject: Re: Trigger points
Date: Sat, 28 Jan 1995 08:49:24 -0700
Organization: Software Alberta Society, Edmonton, Canada
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In-Reply-To:  
Status: R

Another way of looking at this question is from the perspective of how the
neuromuscular system works.  In this view, the activity of the muscular
system is influenced by the information it takes in from the nerve
endings.  Focusing on what you feel means opening the gates of sensory
awareness more, causing the muscles to move with increased responsiveness
to the task at hand.  The job of the brain becomes that of a focusing
tool, much like a satellite receiver, turning towards the information
source. 

Trager practitioners are using this principle when they focus on asking
the question, such as "What could be lighter?".  The mind defines what
information is being looked for, then focuses on receiving it, allowing
the neuromuscular system to do its job of organizing movement around the
information taken in, without the unnecessary interference of the mind
trying to tell it what it should do. 

All bodywork techniques are dependent on the activity of this principle. 
How much does the technique demand a "top down" brain driven approach, and
how much does it require a "bottom up" sensory driven approach? 

Matthew Van Der Giessen              email: mvdg@freenet.edmonton.ab.ca
6304 109A Street                     phone: (403) 438-3757
Edmonton, AB, T6H 3C7



From leed@pro-harold.cts.com (Lee Dronick) Thu Jan 26 18:52:42 EST 1995
Article: 5096 of alt.backrubs
Newsgroups: alt.backrubs
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From: leed@pro-harold.cts.com (Lee Dronick)
Subject: Trigger points
Organization: The Harold Network -- An Alliance For Creative Communication
Date: Thu, 26 Jan 95 11:14:45 PST
Message-ID: 
References: 
Lines: 47
Status: R

In  amazon@kisio.esd.sgi.com (Stormwind) writes:

Some stuff deleted.


>before i started doing trigger points, i 
>would typically start out a massage with
>long strokes to distribute oil, and work 
>on kneading of the shoulder and neck muscles
>to loosen up the subject.  i have fairly 
>strong hands, and i tend to do this quite
>slowly so the subject will relax.  around
>this point, if i'm relaxed i can generally 
>shut my eyes and listen entirely to the 
>feedback i get back from my fingers.
>
>it's not dissimilair to the mental state
>neccessary to do drawing.  drawing is a 
>right-brain thing (as described in the book,
>"drawing on the right side of the brain".
>even if you don't think you can draw, this
>book WILL teach you how!), and requires you 
>to stop analyzing, stop looking at things,
>stop matching up stuff inside your head and
>to just *look* at light and shadow, nothing
>else.  i find it very difficult to draw and
>talk at the same time; many other artists
>have the same problem.  talking tends to 
>involve the left side of the brain, which 
>wants to analyze everything.  
>
>so i'm suspecting that trigger points are
>more a left-brain issue, and the more intuitive
>type massages are a right-brain issue.
>


I took my Shiatsu training up at Harbin School of Massage. Harold Dull (not
descriptive), my instructor, did not teach us hard and fast rules about
finding trigger/meridian points. Instead we learned to "co-center" witht he
recipient and out fingers would find the points to touch. It works, but one
needs to present to the task at hand and not be day dreaming or wandering.
_____________________________________________________________________________
 Lee Dronick, San Diego, CA        | The answer does not lie in learning how
 ProLine: leed@pro-harold          | to protect ourselves from life, but in
 Internet: leed@pro-harold.cts.com | learning how to let more life in.



From green@island.COM (Robert Greenstein) Tue Jun  6 11:24:39 EDT 1995
Article: 6475 of alt.backrubs
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From: green@island.COM (Robert Greenstein)
Newsgroups: alt.backrubs,misc.health.alternative,misc.fitness
Subject: Re: Info Wanted On Accupressure Techniques & Massage for Chronic Back Pain
Date: 6 Jun 1995 00:14:00 GMT
Organization: Donald Duck Enterprises
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In article <3r00tn$2o2@news.onramp.net> Alise Libman  writes:
>
>> I have chronic back and neck pain from an auto accident.  After a year of
>> chiro, massage, medication of all sorts my doctor has diagnosed me with
>> myofacial pain syndrome.  He is recommending accupunture that might give
>> me some help.  I would appreciate anyone that could give me some info and
>> experiences with accupunture good or bad.  Thanks in advance.
>> 
>Acupuncture is ok, if you go to someone who knows EXACTLY what they 
>are doing.  I have seen far too many patients come into my school
>with pain greater than when they started out, all because of quacks
>who were inexperienced.  If you are hesitant to try acupressure, first
>contact a clinic in the area.  ask them several questions addressing
>your concerns.

>If after that, you are still hesitant, I would highly
>recommend acupressure.  It follows the same techniques that acupuncture
>does,

No it doesn't. It uses the same meridian system as acupuncture, but
the techniques are different.

>only it involves the therapist's fingers instead of needles.  It
>produces the same results with less pain.

No, it doesn't. Acupressure is simply not as powerful as acupuncture.
Besides, few acupressurists have the knowledge to 
correctly diagnose the condition. Also, when done correctly,
acupuncture produces little or no pain.
-- 
******************************************************************************
Robert Greenstein                 When you're right 95% of the time,
green@island.com                  why quibble over the remaining 3% ?


From Alise Libman  Thu Jun  8 17:36:25 EDT 1995
Article: 6507 of alt.backrubs
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From: Alise Libman 
Newsgroups: alt.backrubs,misc.health.alternative,misc.fitness
Subject: Re: Info Wanted On Accupressure Techniques & Massage for Chronic Back Pain
Date: 8 Jun 1995 19:04:31 GMT
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, you are still hesitant, I would highly
> >recommend acupressure.  It follows the same techniques that acupuncture
> >does,
> 
> No it doesn't. It uses the same meridian system as acupuncture, but
> the techniques are different.

well, true, but the idea is basically the same, as you said.
> 
> >only it involves the therapist's fingers instead of needles.  It
> >produces the same results with less pain.
> 
> No, it doesn't. Acupressure is simply not as powerful as acupuncture.
> Besides, few acupressurists have the knowledge to 
> correctly diagnose the condition. Also, when done correctly,
> acupuncture produces little or no pain.

Yes, it does often produce the same results.  True, the effects don't 
last as long, but for those with chronic fear of needles, it may be
just what they need.  And, if you re-read my post, you'll notice I 
said go to a LICENCED acupressurist..hence..I think they'd know how
to diagnose conditions.  I happen to prefer acupuncture myself; just
giving an alternative to it...jeeeeeez..gimme a break

Ali



From tnt@onramp.net (Terry Norman) Wed Jun  7 07:54:19 EDT 1995
Article: 6489 of alt.backrubs
Path: newshost.uwo.ca!torn!howland.reston.ans.net!cs.utexas.edu!convex!news.onramp.net!turnpike08.onramp.net!user
From: tnt@onramp.net (Terry Norman)
Newsgroups: alt.backrubs,misc.health.alternative,misc.fitness
Subject: Re: Info Wanted On Accupressure Techniques & Massage for Chronic Back Pain
Date: 7 Jun 1995 06:07:54 GMT
Organization: Acupressure Institute
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In article <3qt0er$nea@ixnews3.ix.netcom.com>, bob3@ix.netcom.com (Robert
Miller) wrote:

> Am surveying the Net for accupressure and massage programs that are
> effective in relieving chronic back pain. Article, book and www
> refererences also appreciated. Please respond via E Mail with details
> of accupressure points and massage techniques including oils and time.
> Results will be posted in my weekly posting on what works to relieve
> chronic pain. WHile my posting has appeared before, each posting yields
> significant results. Please share your pain relieving acupressure and
> massage techniques with others to help alleviate suffering.

There are several books on the market about Acupressure and Massage in
treating chronic pain, as well as points for relieving back pain.  I would
be happy to discuss this with you.  Contact me via E-mail for more info.

I can tell you that there is a point in the back of the knee that can
relieve lumbar pain, as well as on located on the upper lip.  Just press
and hold these points until the soreness begins to let up, then gently rub
the point.  This can help with back pain.

TNT


From tarr@mercury.interpath.net (TARR Volunteers) Wed Aug  2 12:39:46 EDT 1995
Article: 6949 of alt.backrubs
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From: tarr@mercury.interpath.net (TARR Volunteers)
Newsgroups: alt.backrubs
Subject: Can acupressure Help You?
Date: 2 Aug 1995 16:13:28 GMT
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Acupressure: Can It Help Your Condition?       

The Acu-Ki Institute is gathering data to answer the
above question. We are a non-profit organization that
provides information, which allows individuals to use
acupressure for their conditions.  Our goal is to make
this knowledge available to all who are interested.  We
are also gathering data about your results in order to
continue to document what works best for different
kinds of problems.  While we do not diagnose or treat
your condition, we provide information, tools, others'
results, research data and will assist you in various
ways in your introduction to acupressure. 
      The information we gather here will be used for
research reports and to begin acupressure programs in
schools, businesses, hospitals, healthcare centers and
doctors offices.  We have identified acupressure points
for over 3200 diseases and symptoms and want to know
how these points work for your condition.  Currently we
are most interested in research with people with
conditions related to arthritis, cancer, chronic pain,
aids, and MS.  If you are interested send us your
e-mail address.  We will mail you information about
acupressure, the points for your condition and how you
can participate.

mnc@mhc.edu
Monte Cunningham
Acu-Ki Institute
Rt. 2, Box 292-BB
Mars Hill, NC. 28754