Hand Massage: Thai Energy Balancing
Every great Massage Therapist knows that a simple hand massage can be extremely useful in relaxation of the entire body but in Traditional Thai Massage its essential for good reason.
My massage sessions usually begin with foot or hand reflexology to:
- Energetically address my client
- Access my clients’ needs
- Start the balancing process of the energy lines
Thai Energy Lines of the Hands
In Traditional Thai Massage there is a hand massage routine dedicated to balancing the whole body. The front and back of the hand have two important Energy Lines called the Triple Warmer and The Pericardium. A traditional Thai Massage stimulates and balances the whole body by stretching the hands and snapping the finger tips.
The Pericardium
The Pericardium is a fluid filled sac around the heart which is both protective and lubricating. It regulates circulation of the major heart vessels. Unlike western medicine, it is considered a organ with a constitute of Fire in Chinese Medicine.
The Pericardium pathway descends from the heart and moves through the diaphragm then disperses toward the axillary nodes to flow down the inside of the biceps tendon to end at the fourth finger tip.
The physical Heart is subject to influence by emotions and energy. The Pericardium sac stabilizes the heart function to protect it from influx of emotion or physical energy caused by other organs that may damage the Heart or cause disease. Chinese Medicine recognizes the Pericardium's crucial role in Heart health and considers it a organ unlike its Western medicine counter part.
The Energy Pathway of the Pericardium links the act of sex and emotions, sometimes being called Circulation Sex Meridian. The pathway is linked to the intestine and brain, therefore it has energetic influence over mental wellness. This pathway is balancing, promoting self love and emotional well being in relationships. When the Pericardium pathway is in excess; it can lead to delirium, while deficiency can create profound sadness.
The Triple Warmer
The Triple Warmer pathway is not an organ but rather an energy regulating pathway for other organ energetic systems. The pathway is divided into three: upper, middle and lower burner. Its energetically linked to the Pericardium.
The Triple Warmer ascends from the fourth finger of the anterior hand upward from the wrist into the middle space between the ulna and radial bones toward the elbow and shoulder. The Triple Burner disperses in the chest over the collar bone and descends to meet the Pericardium in the upper burner then further descends into the middle and lower burners, flowing from the abdomen to ascend from the chest to reemerge from the collar bone upward from the neck to the back of the ear joining the Gallbladder Meridian on the forehead and the Small Intestine on the cheek. Superficially it ends at the corner of the eyebrow.
The Triple Burner is responsible for moving energy throughout the entire system. This transformation includes the moving and regulating of fluids and solids from other organ systems. Its nourishing as wells as protective energy is circulated into three branches which is distinct to each branch; the Upper Burner Thorax (Intake), Middle Burner Torso (Transformation), and the Lower Burner Pelvis (Elimination).
The Triple Warmer has a constitution of Fire like the Pericardium. It is linked to disorders of the eyes, ears and throat. Triple Warmer excess can sometimes lead to Irritability, Fatigue, and Tension Headache. When Triple Warmer is in balance the mind is stable, the body can experience emotions of joy and kind heartedness.
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Disclaimer: All information written is not meant to take the place of medical advice or treatment. Please seek medical treatment if necessary.
