The First Component:

Percussion Massage

Over the last 15 years of teaching various courses, this has perhaps been my most well-received health-maintenance routine, as it takes very little time to get to know, and takes only about ten minutes to complete. When executed as described above, this simple practice is consistently effective for energising the whole body’s meridian system. Enjoy!

(1) Cross one leg over the other, and, with same-side hand, pull back the toes so that the sole of the foot is taut. Then, using loose fist and loose wrist of the other hand, tap the bottom of the foot, particularly the spot just between the forward pads. This point (Acupoint 1 of the Kidney meridian) tonifies the kidneys and relieves stress in the lower back. Traditionally, the Chinese regard this as the point where the earth energy enters the body, then flows up the insides of the legs to nourish all the internal organs, hence the ancient name is Yung Chuen, meaning “Bubbling Spring.” In the western system of Zone Therapy, this point relates to the solar plexus, and thus it is known to have a salutary effect on digestive function as well as relaxing the diaphragm, and therefore the breathing. Before you leave the foot, tap the inside of the arch, from the front, near the big toe, and work back to he heel. This will tonify the spine and help vital earth energy to ascend up the legs via the Spleen meridian. When you are complete, reverse feet.

(2) Next, strike the wide-open palm of one hand with the loose fist of the other. Focus on striking the pit of the palm under the middle finger. This Pericardium point is traditionally renowned for releasing emotional stress and calming the heart. Once again, in Zone Therapy it relates to the solar plexus. Next, strike the mound of the thumb, which will tonify the lungs, according to Chinese medicine. According to the Zone therapists, it will also energise the thyroid gland. When you are complete, reverse hands.

(3) Next, strike the area on the bone and about 3 fingers’ breadth from the top of the sternum, where there is a little bump (the sterno-manubrial joint). Use both hands, tapping alternately. You will be stimulating one of the most important glands of the body, the Thymus. This gland regulates the immune system and is an energetic key to our overall sense of well-being. Hence, therapists often jocularly refer to it as “the smile button.” Use loose fists alternately to tap the Thymus. For optimum effect, use the waltz rhythm. While you tap the Thymus, move the eyes in a wide orbit as you tap, first in a clockwise, then counterclockwise direction, as you repeat out loud the affirmations for the thymus gland: “I’m full of love, trust, faith, courage, and gratitude.”

When you have completed tapping the thymus , take a big inhalation as you stretch back, then exhale down, relaxing your whole being for a few minutes, allowing your system to integrate this simple yet powerful work before you continue on with your day.

 Note that, for satisfactory results, it is recommended that you tap the points on the hands and feet at least 36 times each, and the thymus for as long as it takes to repeat the affirmations twice: once in each direction as you turn the eyes. The most important time to do this practice is when you first wake in the morning, but you can use all or part of it during your day to give you a healthy lift whenever you need it