Boundaries, acupuncture and protecting the inner sanctuary, experiencing safety after trauma.
In Chinese medicine and acupuncture, an acupuncture needle is an instrument that opens access to spirit, a self healing power hidden within all humans. The needles are inserted into points that control specific physiological functions of the body, down to the cellular level, what we might think of as the innate wisdom or spirit of the body, or the “subconscious mind”.
Before a practitioner can insert a needle in someone, another form of spirit connection is also important, and it can be deep listening, mindfulness practices, or methods for inducing alpha brainwave states. The ability to listen and to be present is more important than anything else for an acupuncturist, since a good outcome for the patient requires a meaningful interaction, that encourages a deeper, more soulful, spiritual encounter.
This medicine is based on harmonizing the energies of the individuals body, mind and spirit.
Needling acupuncture points is a powerful avenue for achieving this connection.
As the historical reference book that all acupuncturist must learn, the “Spiritual Pivot” (Lingshu) tells us, “If you should want to treat illness, there is nothing so good as the needle, and out “The Three Treasures”, a diagnostic paradigm, the acupuncturist is also reminded that: Of the three treasures (Jing, qi and Shen), the spirit (Shen) must be treated first.
The spirit (Shen) must be balanced, anchored in the heart, and secured and safe in its sanctuary, the heart, before manipulation of qi, because the spirit it is our core substrate. Even the word for spirit, Shen, is often used synonymously with “heart”. The basic tenet of Chinses medicine: “blood is the material basis of the human spirit” also directs us to treating the blood to treat the spirit.
The following three points are some points affect the heart (Shen), blood, and spirit.
PC6 (Inner Gate): is the major point to move stagnant qi anywhere in the body, particularly the chest, and heart space. It expands the heart chakra, and regulates the qi (frequency) and blood of the heart. It calms the spirit and mind, and it helps the neuroplasticity of the brain, the emotions and the mental state. The inner gate, is the gate between the heart and the soul. This gate functions as a boundary that keeps out unwanted energies, while maintaining the sanctuary of the soul. The heart is considered a scared and holy space in many traditions, and this point is the oil to the hinges of the gate that keeps it safe. An important point for balancing us when we are either ‘wearing our heart on our sleaves’ or ‘feel completely shut down and protective’. It balances our ability to be appropriately open and appropriately closed as needed. This gate is your bodyguard who protects the innermost depths of your heart.
KI6 (Shining Sea): is the primary point to nourish the “yin,” which is the vital blood component. It calms the mind; cools the blood; strengthens the adrenal glands; and supports the sympathetic nervous system. It is useful for chronic illness, stress and trauma. Shining Sea is a deeply calming and soothing point.
Kidney 1 (Gushing Spring): is the first point on the kidney channel and the lowest point on the body. one of the most powerful points to treat the spirit and blood.
Physiologically it calms the mind; restores consciousness, and treats any vascular disturbance such as blood pressure problems, or any other circulatory problems. This point is extremely tender on most patients. Many health problems, both emotional and physical, can be resolved when treating this point due to its intimate connection to the blood and spirit.
Acupuncture meridians are like web that links the body’s different physiological systems, or like a railways system, with each acupuncture point like a railway station. The stations can be opened and flowing smoothly, allowing travel to flow, or the station can be closed, or too clogged up and blocking travel.
When the right points are used every organ or channel is regulated, and the effect is that the electrical and nervous systems of the body, the neurotransmitters, restore homeostasis.
Dr Anna Bäck Healing Center 