"Perhaps the most
famous, and one of the most commonly used points of Tung Ching Ch'ang's
(1916-1975) system is Ling Gu. The name 'Ling Gu' literally
means 'miraculous bone,' and without a doubt the effectiveness of Ling Gu
is extraordinary. Ling Gu is located on the back of the hand in the
space between the thumb and first finger, as far back as possible at the
junction of the metacarpal bones. It is in a similar location to the
conventional point He Gu LI-4, but is located closer to the wrist than
He Gu.
In Chinese medical terms, Ling Gu frees the channels
and quickens the network vessels (luo mai), clears and regulates Lung qi,
frees and descends the Stomach and intestines, frees the qi and disperses
stasis. Since it has a very strong moving function it is a main point to
treat many types of pain. However, because of its strong moving function
it should not be used on pregnant women.
The list of conditions the Ling Gu point treats
includes migraine, low back pain, sciatica, facial paralysis, hemiplegia (e.g.,
paralysis after stroke), tinnitus, deafness, menstrual disorders (irregular,
scanty, profuse, absent), frequent urination, incontinence, foot pain,
intestinal pain, and breathing difficulties. I usually recommend this
point for home acupressure treatment in patients with any type of headache, low
back pain, sciatica or leg pain.
To stimulate the point, press deep into the hand using the
thumb of the opposite hand. Pressure should be strong enough to feel a
numbing or aching sensation deep in the point. Hold the pressure for
several seconds and then release. Repeat several times for the next minute
or two. Remember to stimulate the point on the opposite side of
where the pain is felt. The, be sure move the area of the pain (the Moving
Qi technique). For example, to treat right-sided back or leg pain, press
into the left Ling Gu. At the same time bend and stretch the low
back, or move the leg that is painful. Repeat this stimulation several
times per day or as needed."
- Henry McCann, DAOM, LAc, "Tung Lineage Classical Acupuncture," Qi:
the Journal of Traditional Eastern Health and Fitness, Volume 25, No. 1,
Spring, 2015, pp. 26-33.
Self Massage and Acupressure
Qigong and Healing
Hand, Touching, Haptics
No comments:
Post a Comment