Do-in: Acupressure (finger pressure) as an alternative therapy
Do-in means 'the abode of the spirit and energy', is a discipline with more than 5000 years old, with a strong influence of shiatsu, which was released in the West in the mid-60s in United States.
It was almost exclusively an activity of Buddhist monks who used it to maintain good health and able to withstand the harsh days of work, prayer and fasting in the monasteries.
Do-in is a therapeutic technique of traditional Chinese medicine, the finger is based on the same principles as acupuncture, unlike that which has no danger and requires no expertise. The only "working tools" are the fingers used by the therapist through pressure. The finger technique gets the name in Chinese Tcheu-tcheu, a term that means "finger needle, the finger acts as a needle," and is basically framed in the field of traditional Chinese concept of nature and the possibilities of intervention on the human body to regulate the balance, the foundation of health maintenance.
Everything that exists is energy (ch hi) and everything that is manifested as an expression of nature is the intention of its two polarities: the Yin and Yang. In the human body energy flows through the channels flowing to the organs and viscera, attaching them to each other in different ways, along these channels of energy imbalances can occur either by dysfunction of the channels either by altering the organs or viscera attached to them. The balance can be reconstituted and restored the state of health by acting on certain acupuncture points, moxibustion and finger pressure. (Actually, the word "point" does not translate at all the Chinese term Hsueh, meaning change in depression, cavity, hole appreciable by palpation of an expert hand as a small cavity in the skin surface.)
What is its effect on the body?
Through our bodies, energy is constantly flowing, making them stay healthy. But when this energy flow is interrupted for any upset, our body begins to malfunction and can lead to a disease.
The Do-In intervenes in our body through a stretching and self-massage, revitalizing the body's energy flow and correcting imbalances such as headaches, backaches, digestive disorders, circulatory problems, chronic fatigue, stress, anxiety or insomnia.
Why are becoming fashionable these practices?
Anyone looking for tranquility, balance and quality of life, as life takes us. East gives practical ways to solve these problems in our frenetic activity. These are not 'snob', but for thousands of solid and effective methods.
The Art of Do-In, the fall deeper contact with themselves, knows and loves making with the laws of nature.
How to do it?
The acupuncture and moxibustion act respectively on the "points" through the application of needles, or the burning of small quantities of finely macerating Artemisia vulgaris, while the finger is simply acting on the points by applying pressure from the fingers and doing a sort of micro whose action is in some ways comparable to that triggered by the application of the needle.
The finger can be practiced according to four fundamental techniques:
- Pressure with your fingertips. The pressure must be strong and determined you are a (drain excess) on the energy called Wei.
- Pressure with your fingernail. Also in this case the pressure must be strong and determined an effect you, but on the energy called Young.
- Pressure with two fingers on the sides of the point, but throwing in a centrifuge. The effect, but on energy Young.
- Pressure with two fingers on the sides of the point, as if I would get a splinter. It has an effect (strengthening of the energy deficit).
The first two techniques involve many specialists advising to simply massage a revolving two or three cycles per second, but never remove your finger and rub the point skin.
In most cases the points are bilateral, so the pressure must be exerted on the two symmetrical points, unless there is a specific contraindication to this. The pressure can be exercised for 1-5 minutes and the treatment can be applied once a day.
Successful treatment depends mainly on the finger of a correct diagnosis of the disorders to be cured and a correct prescription of the points on which wishes to act. However, it is also very important that not only the patient but also the operator are in a mood distended and relaxed.
Since the condition that leads to use the finger is not supported in most cases with the serenity and relaxation, you can start treatment with planned interventions to control nervousness, and then a finger exercises for that specific disorder.
Through a series of simple exercises that anyone can perform and which sometimes are nothing more than a pinch or a flick with your fingers in certain areas of the body, it is accomplished by unlocking the energy meridians where energy goes in the direction of the latter by 12 main channels.
A session lasts about 15/20 minutes daily launching IPLCs blocked resulting in a short space of time to have a good physical condition. Furthermore, this technique can increase flexibility and agility.
The Do-In is structured in three phases. The first awareness of the body through movement, breathing and concentration. Achieving a proper body posture is very important because this is what allows us to begin to breathe properly and get a good level of concentration. The second is preceded by a series of movements to warm the joints to stretch channels energy through posture and breathing exercises. This phase ends with a few minutes of relaxation. And finally the third is massage performed along the channels of energy through gentle strokes with pressure with the knuckles or fingers. The Do-In makes us feel like new, it helps us to renew and to positions of power, starting with a pleasant feeling of physical and mental relaxation. In a short time back pain will disappear, we feel less tired and started sleeping better.
When the exercises are done by morning, they tone the body, whereas if performed in the evening helps to release tension and achieve a more restful sleep.
In reality Shiatshu and Do-In are two sides of the same coin. But while the Shiatshu massage is one that gives us another person, Do-In is a self-massage. Both are based on the same technique to apply pressure with your fingers.
A class of Do-In is the perfect excuse to disconnect from the world of problems and concerns. During this time we do not believe in anything. And the best part: once learned exercises and breathing techniques and massage, we can practice at home alone.
It is said also that the art of Do-In helps people fall into a deeper contact with them learning to know, love and be in harmony with nature.