More Acupressure Points on the Feet, Spleen Meridian

My last few blogs have been describing acupressure points on the feet, and how starting with a brief foot massage can be a powerful way to help a client relax before moving into the main massage. I recommend that anyone joining our tours to China to learn acupressure, or Thailand to study Thai massage, study the points I blog about as they are major points located on the meridians. To learn more about our study abroad opportunities in Asia visit www.ihsociety.com

Today I want to discuss the actions of 2 points located on the medial portion of the foot along the first metatarsal bone. Spleen 3 is located just proximal and inferior to the head of the first metatarsal bone, and Spleen 4 is located distal and inferior to the base of the first metatarsal bone. Since these points are located on the spleen meridian, Chinese medicine and acupressure use these points to address various digestive conditions. This section of the foot also roughly corresponds to the spine in reflexology, and Sp 3 is also known to be helpful for strengthening the spine.

Massaging along the spleen meridian, from SP 3 to SP 4, is beneficial for numerous digestive conditions including nausea, morning sickness, low appetite, abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. I also like to use these points when a person suffers from digestive problems that are rooted in depression, anxiety, or other mental-emotional conditions.

When I begin my treatments I usually start with a 5-10 minute foot massage, as this is a great way to help the client relax and prepare for the deeper work to come. As mentioned in previous blogs, I start with massaging KI 1 as this helps the client to relax and calm their mind. After this I move to the liver meridian and massage from LV 3 down to LV 2. These points are known to alleviate stress and stop pain throughout the body. After massaging the liver meridian I will then move to the spleen meridian and work SP 3 and SP 4.

After this I will frequently move to the main part of the massage, and when doing a Thai style massage, I work up the yin lines along the medial portion of the leg and thigh.

Future blogs will continue to comment on acupressure points, and the beauty of Thai massage, as it corresponds to the meridians as spoken of in Chinese medicine. Being trained in acupuncture, tuina, shiatsu, and Thai massage, I find it fascinating to combine the knowledge of these great systems into integrated approaches that best serve the particular needs of each of my clients.

From Thailand,

Jim