In Pictures: Tibetan Accupressure may help you battle stress and depression
By David F. Rooney
Feeling tense? Stressed out? How about depressed or anxious? If so, then a Tibetan Acupressure treatment offered by Nakusp artist Barbara Maye may be just what you need to make this new year a good one.
The Tibetan Acupressure System (TAS) she practices was developed by Rae Hatherton of Toronto.
It is based on “an ancient system of reflexive pressure-point healing, harkening back to the times of the Tibetan nomads,” Hatherton said in Tibetan Acupressure A New Approach to an Ancient Art, an article published in 2010 in Odyssey Magazine. “TAS accesses the body’s natural corrective energies in order to bring balance to the body as a whole. The system can be used to treat specific conditions or for overall well-being of the body and mind.”
A certified practitioner since 2011, Barbara recently expanded her service to Revelstoke and she was happy to perform a demonstration treatment with Revelstoke resident Geordie Knoess.
The session lasted about an hour and was performed in the living room of Knoess’ Oscar Street home. He was seated in an easy chair while Barbara Maye moved about him, applying pressure to points ranging from his feet and hands to his shoulder, head and neck.
Barbara said a typical treatment lasts 45 minutes to one hour and can be successfully used to treat the following health conditions:
chronic pain
insomnia
depression and anxiety
mental and emotional distress
shoulder and back tension
PMS and Menopausal symptoms
digestive disorder, including reflux, heartburn, and constipation
environmental allergies
back pain, incl. sciatica
headaches and migraines
“People can contact me through my webpage — www.barbaramaye.com — so far I am servicing Nakusp and Revelstoke,” she said. “I am usually in Revy every couple of weeks making prearranged appointments necessary and give treatments in people’s homes.”
Here is a series of photos from the treatment that I hope you’ll find both informative and interesting:
Certified Tibetan Acupressure practitioner Barbara Maye prepares to demonstrate her system of treating stress, chronic fatigue, depression and other common ills with Revelstoke Geordie Knoess. David F. Rooney photoStarting with Geordie’s feet, Barbara gently but firmly applies pressure to specific points. David F. Rooney photoBarbara remained intensely focused on her client throughout the session. David F. Rooney photoPressure points in Geordie’s hands receive the attention in this treatment system. According to the Tibetan Energy Medicine website, located at http://www.tibetanenergymedicine.com, this for of accupressure s an ancient system of reflexive pressure point healing, which accesses the body’s natural corrective energies in order to bring it to balance. The system is subtle, profound and especially efficient at eliminating pain, and restoring a sense of well-being on all levels. Tibetan Acupressure can be administered with the client sitting upright and fully dressed in a chair or wheelchair, or alternatively with the client lying in a bed or on a massage table. David F. Rooney photoBarbara’s fingers apply pressure to a specific point on Geordie’s right hand. David F. Rooney photoThere’s a kind of physical poetry to the treatment… David F. Rooney photoStill deeply focused, Barabara moves to Geordie’s shoulders. In the Tibetan Acupressure System (TAS), reflex pressure points in the feet, legs, hands, arms, back, neck and head are stimulated with a special twisting motion of the hand and fingers enhancing the body’s energy to flow into the point. TAS sessions improve circulation, clear energetic blockages and eliminate stress from the body. David F. Rooney photoThe website said the sessions activate the body’s natural response systems to strengthen the immune system, repair damage and restore the body to a state of homeostasis. Geordie certainly looks very, very relaxed. David F. Rooney photoTAS is, according to the website, a simple and safe method to alleviate stress and chronic pain. Although TAS can be used for the most serious conditions, the reflex points can also be applied for day to day wear and tear proactive healing as well as anxiety, stress and even common sinus ailments. David F. Rooney photoThere are energy maps within the body made up of reflex points. The ones used in this system are the maps of the feet, legs, hands, arms, shoulders, back and head. By pressing particular reflex points in sequence, beginning with the feet and legs, moving up to hands and arms and finally head neck and spine, the corresponding system, or organ of the body is stimulated with a sudden flow of new and rejuvenated energy. Energy is believed to move upward in this system and is delivered by touching the reflex points with thumb or forefinger using little pressure and a twist of the wrist deepening the connection. David F. Rooney photoMany things may be experienced during the session. Some clients have laughed, cried, sighed or coughed, perspired or felt chilled– displaying the different ways of releasing blocked energies in the body. Occasionally some may see colors or images. Some experience tingling sensations, or feelings of heat from within their bodies. Most often, clients have described feeling deep relaxation and soothing energy flowing through their bodies. This feeling of calm and relief from pain usually lasts during and after sessions. Geordie experienced a deep-seated sense of calm and relaxation. David F. Rooney photoBarbara leans into a pressure point on Geordie’s back. The Tibetan Acupressure System (TAS) works with the entire body and all its physical and energetic systems. The treatment awakens the body’s natural healing energies and has a profound effect on mind and body. As sessions are gentle anyone can benefit from its effects including babies and children, the elderly, pregnant women and nursing mothers. David F. Rooney photoBarbara said her sessions are done in a kind of partnership with both she and her client benefitting from the circuiting of energy that occurs during each session. David F. Rooney photoAnd at last… it’s done. David F. Rooney photo
