Re: Trigger Points - Mike

[Guest guest]

Know what you mean about horrid MT's. I've suffered from a few

myself. It's like any other profession. There are outstanding

examples and total losers. You cherish the former and never go back

to the latter. Unfortunately, sometimes the latter will be

someone's first (and only experience). Tried that once - hurt me -

ain't never gonna do that again! And I can get particularly

critical because of my level of training. Sounds to me like you

tried it twice and struck out both times.

You joined the list after my summer RV posts. By that, I mean we

bought a small RV last fall (I'm retired) and plan on taking some

completely around the lower 48 states this year. When we do, I plan

on putting out a post saying - here is the basic itinerary. Who

wants me to stop by? My plan is to see, and work on, as many people

on thie list who want to as I can work in this year. My motivation

is that the more people I can work on with EDS, the better my

understanding of the efficacy of various bodywork modalities in

treating EDS symptoms. And the more I know and understand, the more

I can pass on to the list.

And in your case, if you are interested, maybe I can give you a few

first-hand pointers and instructions.

What technique are you using on the trigger points? Sustained

direct pressure? Cross fiber friction?

Here is a good neck/shoulder/back release pattern. I assume your

use of GV 16, GB 20 and B 10 means you have some reference source

for acupressure points and that is what you are mentioning here. If

so, here is the pattern.

Taking one side at a time, start with finger tips of one hand on GB

20, tips of the other hand on the edge of the SCM about half-way

between the base of the skull and the top of the shoulder. You

don't need to be too precise on this one - there are several in this

area. Hold for a balance. When the energy balances, keep the one

hand on the GB 20 and move the other to GB 21 on the top of the

shoulder. Hold for balance. Keep holding GB 20 and move the other

hand to B 36. Hold for balance. Keep holding GB 20 and move the

other hand to B 38. Hold for balance.

Now, keep holding on B 38 and move the first hand out to B36. Hold

for a balance. Stay on B 38 and move the finger tips of your other

hand out to the edge of the shoulder and touch the tendons of the

rotator cuff muscles ESPECIALLY the supraspinatus. This last hold

is one the I have used with very good success rates to free up

frozen shoulders.

Repeat everything on the other side.

Actually, the correct procedure is to hold BOTH GB 20's for a

balance at the beginning before start down the side. You finish by

going back and holding both GB 20's again.

The above release pattern will help relax the muscles, free up the

trigger points, and loosen any fascial restrictions. I tend to add

some variations to this when I am working on someone, but it is what

I use for a basic neck and shoulder release.

[Guest guest]

Yep, struck out twice - but haven't given up - tenacity! I have the

name of three MTs in town that I got from Clair Davies daughter

Amber - waiting to go until I have a more complete understanding and

can communicate with them better - I find I always get better care

when I know the correct questions to ask. I also believe I know my

body best!

I'd love to get some first hand pointers - keep me posted! You could

teach me, treat the kids, teach my chiro -- oh the fun. I have

camper and will travel, too, if necessary.

I have Gach - bought it about a year ago when I went looking for

Thie's book but couldn't find it. I've used it with some success on

my kids and my mom.

I also have The Touch of Healing the art of Jin Shin Jyutsu by

Burmeister - but I haven't spent enough time with it to really

understand it.

I guess I mostly do the cross fiber friction, although on my upper

traps I find that squeezing the trigger point firmly (but not crazy

hard) and then streching the muscle by leaning my head works best.

I've printed out the info you put down and I'll work with it tomorrow

and get back to you. It's way past bedtime for me and I can't even

see straight anymore.

[Guest guest]

Yep, struck out twice - but haven't given up - tenacity! I have the

name of three MTs in town that I got from Clair Davies daughter

Amber - waiting to go until I have a more complete understanding and

can communicate with them better - I find I always get better care

when I know the correct questions to ask. I also believe I know my

body best!

I'd love to get some first hand pointers - keep me posted! You could

teach me, treat the kids, teach my chiro -- oh the fun. I have

camper and will travel, too, if necessary.

I have Gach - bought it about a year ago when I went looking for

Thie's book but couldn't find it. I've used it with some success on

my kids and my mom.

I also have The Touch of Healing the art of Jin Shin Jyutsu by

Burmeister - but I haven't spent enough time with it to really

understand it.

I guess I mostly do the cross fiber friction, although on my upper

traps I find that squeezing the trigger point firmly (but not crazy

hard) and then streching the muscle by leaning my head works best.

I've printed out the info you put down and I'll work with it tomorrow

and get back to you. It's way past bedtime for me and I can't even

see straight anymore.