Author’s note: Special thanks to licensed acupuncturist Yvette Dellanini-Ward for providing her expertise and wisdom in making this treatment and article possible.
Chinese medicine describes chi as the vital energy of life that flows around and through people via meridian pathways. The energy of chi fuels on all levels of body, mind and spirit. Performing meridian treatments and facials provides a peaceful heart and mind by releasing stagnant chi within the meridians and creating space for positive new energy to emerge.
The ancient saying, “As above, so below,” comes from the Chinese Tao philosophy, meaning “way,” translating to walking the path of beauty. For the past 5,000 years, Chinese medicine has evolved based on this premise. Through thousands of years of observation and experimentation, the Chinese learned that people mimic nature. Cycles within the body can be attributed to the five elements and cyclical changes of the seasons in nature. Humans are a part of nature, and health is an extension of the inner and outer world.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) focuses on the person and her environment. It looks at the flow of chi along the interconnected—and invisible—meridian pathways. Each meridian governs the health of an organ for which it is named, and is associated with an emotion, color, taste, sound and season.
Within chi, there are two polarities called yin (feminine) and yang (masculine). All of creation has this duo-energy balance. One cannot exist without the other. Consider night (yin) and day (yang) as two parts of the same whole, in which one precedes or follows the other. Together, they are part of a continuous cycle fluctuating within varying degrees of yin/yang energy.
With 12 meridians in six yin/yang pairs, and two overflow channels, stimulating specific acu-points supports physical, emotional and mental well-being for you and your clients.
Meridian acu-points
Along meridian pathways, you will feel slight indentations under the skin where energy pools. These are meridian acu-points. Each point has a specific indication within the larger theme of the meridian itself. You may stimulate these points in a treatment by simply pressing and releasing, or by making small circles. Incorporate the following meridian acu-points into an existing facial before the massage, or perform a Meridian Peaceful Heart Treatment stimulating essential points with a neck and shoulder massage as part of a 30–45 minute treatment.
Remember that each meridian and organ system has emotional affiliations related to it. Typically the heart meridian points are for anxiety; liver points are for depression and irritability; lungs for grief; and kidneys for fear. (See Meridian Chart.)
One with nature
Each person is one with nature, interconnected in the web of life. Walk the path of beauty by introducing the Meridian Peaceful Heart Treatment, renewing parts of your clients as they experience wholeness, clarity and purpose to live in harmony with nature and others.
Author, esthetician, Reiki master teacher and award-winning inner and outer beauty expert Linda Bertaut specializes in bringing inner beauty to the surface and inspiring others to do the same. Known as one of the beauty industry’s top Reiki master teachers, she founded Bertaut Beauty to help professionals add value to their services. She can be reached at 626-405-0424 or [email protected].