Tapping and Acupressure for Yin Yoga
In my Shiatsu training we used Tapping as a warm up. We used our fingers or palms to tap along the body, along the major meridian lines to awaken our energy. It felt tingly and my skin seemed to buzz.
Tapping along the body to awaken Qi feels refreshing and improves circulation, it also helps bringing your awareness into the body.
Qi cultivation practices of Oriental medicine
Tapping and Acupressure are practices from Oriental medicine, which also contains Traditional Chinese medicine. These principles believe in the existence of vital energy or Qi that flows through the body along energetic pathways called meridians. When the flow of Qi is disrupted, it can lead to imbalances and issues that can manifest as a physical, mental or emotional issue.
Tapping is an invigorating massage and can also be performed along the meridian pathways or over certain areas of the body. Acupressure massage involves applying pressure to specific points along these meridians to stimulate the body's natural healing mechanisms and restore energy flow.
Acupressure offers a means of self-regulation: an opportunity for you to influence your own physiological and emotional states. The tool of acupressure can be incorporated into a Yin yoga class, for the student to feel into their body. The Acupressure points I use for my Yin Yoga classes are generic points, meaning these points improve the general flow of energy and are not meant to be seen as a specific treatment. This you can get from a registered practitioner, but in Yin Yoga we can use some self-massage of acu-points to reflect, feel and invite more flow into the system.
In This Yin practice I combine tapping in form of a Qi -massage and acupressure of Liver-3 points with Yin Yoga.
Acupressure point Liver-3
According to TCM, the Liver organ system is associated with the smooth and harmonious flow of Qi through the body. Massaging the Liver-3 point can help balance liver energy, basically allowing your Qi to move more freely and harmoniously. This point is often used to release headaches or the feeling of frustration due to overstimulation, along with more specific applications that are not relevant in the Yin Yoga context.
Liver-3 acupressure point
Found in the webbing between first and second toe in a depression where the metatarsal bones meet. Apply gentle massage or some static pressure in this hollow depression. Note: contraindicated in pregnancy!
To apply acupressure on the Liver-3 points, place one foot on the floor (or bend the leg and bring the foot closer to you) locate the point by feeling into your tissues. Then apply some pressure, massage or hold for a static pressure.. You can massage both sides simultaneously, but often it is interesting to feel the difference in sensation between the sides.
If you are pregnant, I would not use this point as it is contraindicated during this time!!!
Acupressure with Yin Yoga - Free Workbook
Deepen your Qi awareness using acupressure in your Yin Yoga practice.
This is not about a quick fix, it is about listening and mindful touch to invite Qi awareness + flow.
I personally really enjoy using tools of self-massage to bring my students in touch with their bodies and to further get them into sensing Qi. We always speak about Qi flow, but do we even know how it feels?
Let me know what you think and if you practiced my short video: were you were able to sense your Qi?
Best, Simone