Soothing do-in massages

Do-in is an Oriental technique based on applying pressure to points along the body's system of meridians to stimulate and strengthen an affected area. There are a number of exercises focusing on the abdominal area that are useful for soothing abdominal pains.

+ The abdominal area, other than carrying out part of the digestive process, makes up an important energy center in our bodies, vital in the production of chi .

Do-in means self-stimulation in Japanese and refers to the various methods used to gather and strengthen energy ( chi ) in the meridian system of the body, especially in the abdominal area known as the hara .

Do-in can also help to eliminate toxins, promote self-development and increase spirituality. Massaging this area helps to relieve gastrointestinal discomfort and to balance energy flow in the body.

WHAT IS NEEDED TO DO DO-IN?

Do-in is also a system of stretches, breathing and exercises that accompany acupressure techniques, to increase your health and to relieve pains. All you need is to use comfortable clothes and to have a moderate amount of physical flexibility. In general, you can do these exercises no matter what age you are and without any side effects. Do-in treats your entire body and is designed as a workout to benefit the individual by getting the energy to flow and to relax you.

GETTING PREPARED

When massaging the digestive system, the person receiving the massage should lie with their head upward. The masseur or masseuse sits to the recipient's side. The first step is to place the right hand gently over his or her stomach and the left alongside to create synchrony between the patient and masseuse. The recipient should breath deeply and relax.

ABDOMINAL MASSAGE

This technique stimulates movement in the large intestine and relieves constipation and persistent intense pains in the stomach. You, the masseur or masseuse should follow these steps:

1. Place one hand over the other and press with your fingertips around the abdomen, using circular clock-wise movements.

2. Next, use a kneading-like movement on the stomach, to relax the area.

ON THE HIP

1. Bend the leg and keep your hand on the bent knee, massage the stomach with your other hand.

2. Stretch out the leg and make circular movements with it, so that the hip rotates and the joint loosens up.

ON THE KNEE

Apply pressure with your left thumb as indicated in the photo, four-fingers width below the kneecap.

ON THE LEGS AND ABDOMEN

You, the masseur or masseuse, should stretch the leg of the person receiving the massage and place your knee or a pillow under the knee of the recipient. Place the palms of your hands, one on the leg and one on the abdomen, and apply pressure. Use a motion to loosen up the leg, moving down from the thigh to the foot. Repeat three times on each leg.

STRETCHING THE LEG

Take hold of the recipient's leg and stretch it out, so that it is slightly lifted up from the ground. Repeat on the other leg.

FINAL TEST

Lastly, return to the first exercise in the series (see Getting Prepared, on page 27) to test the rhythm of the recipient's breathing.

DO-IN FOR SPECIFIC PROBLEMS

Do-in combines some of the principles of other Chinese healing arts, that use various methods to gather and strengthen energy and in some cases, help to heal specific areas like the digestive system.

To improve digestion

These techniques are used to send flows of energy ( chi ) to the stomach region to facilitate the different stages of digestion.

∎ Press with your thumb on the point in your hand between the thumb and index finger (that corresponds to the abdominal area) and wrap your hand under the palm. This is a great exercise to practice on yourself.

ESSENTIAL OILS

We recommend using essential oils during these self-applied massages. Essential oils with aromas naturally derived from plants and herbs soften the skin and awaken the sense of smell, producing greater relaxation.

FOR ABDOMINAL SPASMS AND CRAMPING

This massage is also based on the principles of Chinese medicine and the theory of the meridians and acupressure or acupuncture points, to relieve stomach pains. Sit on the floor and bend your legs so that your feet are close to your hands. Find the spot on the top of your foot between your first and second toe and apply pressure. It's best to maintain relaxed breathing while you feel the effects of this technique.

Safety. This acupressure point shouldn't be stimulated in pregnant women.

∎ Another massage to facilitate digestion: the person receiving the massage should lie on his back. The masseur or masseuse will lift up the heel with the left hand and with the right hand take the fourth toe and firmly press with the thumb on the toe tip and then release. Repeat with the other foot.

∎ Digestion can also be aid by bending the leg of the person receiving the massage so that the knee is pointed to the ceiling. Next, the masseur should gently slide the palm of his hand over the calve, from the knee down to the ankle. This transmits the chi (energy) from this area corresponding to the abdomen.

Med-Express