One minute to self-care

CHINESE
WISDOM

the
BIAN STONE
GUIDE
Understanding Bian Stone Body Massager
- versatile self-acupressure Gua Sha tool

Find out more [Link]

What is Acupressure?
Although only recently coming to mainstream awareness in the Western
world, the ancient practice of acupressure, often referred to as the Father of
Acupuncture, has been one of the primary forms of treatment in Chinese
Medicine for thousands of years. This healing art works by balancing and
harmonising the energies of the body by carefully stimulating specific
trigger points along the meridians – the energetic channels that run
throughout the body and inform the health of our five key organs. This, in
turn, restores healthy and efficient qi and blood flow, enabling the body to
heal itself naturally.

Powerful, and deceptively easy with a little know-how, self-acupressure will

enable you to hone in on very specific areas of pain, discomfort and tension
in the body, providing relief in the comfort of your own home, without the
need for a practitioner, allowing you to take your self-healing journey to an
even greater level to profoundly master your own health and wellbeing.

Using the Hayo’u Bian Stone Body Massager, this ancient wisdom can help
with many of our most widespread modern-day ailments, from poor skin and
sluggish digestion to adrenal fatigue, depression and anxiety. We all hold
within us the power to heal ourselves in just one minute – if we understand
how.

[Link]
How does Acupressure work?
Acupressure therapy works by stimulating specific trigger points along the
meridians of the body to release any blockages, stagnant qi and blood, or
negativity. These blockages are considered to be toxins in Chinese Medicine
and if left unchecked can lead to physical or emotional symptoms. As the
blockages are gently released, strengthening and nurturing the five key
organs, the body is able to come back into harmony and the yin and yang
balance restored.

As Chinese wisdom understands that there is no separation between body

and mind, and that everything is connected, it is these disharmonies – the
underlying causes that have their roots in the stagnation of energy – which
create the symptoms that we subsequently experience, leading not only to
physical, but also emotional concerns.

Acupressure tools were used by ancient Chinese doctors and spiritual

healers thousands of years ago to perform a variety of massage techniques
including pressing, tapping, kneading, scraping, scratching and pulling to
improve circulation, purge heat and toxins from the body, increase oxygen
and nutrition to the organs and skin, and enhance emotional health and
wellbeing. These techniques have evolved into what we now know as gua
sha, pai sha (tapping), cupping and, of course, acupuncture and acupressure.

The Benefits of Acupressure

The benefits of acupressure are manifold, with a range of self-care uses:

Natural relief for deep tissue and muscle tension, fatigue and pain, and
essential for sports recovery and aftercare.

Ideal for neck, shoulder, foot and hand treatment, and perfect for fleshier
parts of the body such as glutes, thighs and calves.

Suitable for abdominal massage, improving digestion, relieving

constipation and stimulating the immune system.

[Link]
 Assists with weight concerns, aiding lymphatic drainage, detoxification
and circulation.

Helps to regulate blood pressure and enhances mood by releasing

endorphins.

Supports deeper sleep and improves insomnia.

Helps to break down scar tissue and improve fascial glide.

Balances the whole body by unblocking stagnation, allowing the free

flow of blood and qi to support the five key organs.

There are many, many physical and emotional modern-day health concerns
that can be helped by using self-acupressure as part of your own self-care
practices, including:

Insomnia and Weight Muscle tension

poor sleep management and pain

Digestive Menstrual Headaches and

issues concerns migraine

Inflammation Stress, anxiety Grief, loss and

or fever and worry low mood

Low energy, fatigue Irritability, anger etc.

and exhaustion or lethargy

[Link]
How to use your Acupressure tool
The Bian Stone Body Massager is easy and comfortable to use and will prove
to be a supremely versatile self-acupressure tool that can be used alongside
your other self-care tools to press and knead the trigger points as deeply or
softly as desired, working not only on the body but also on the reflection
zones on the hands and feet, stimulating all the organs of the body
effortlessly, enabling the channels to be cleared of toxins and nourished by
the free flow of blood and qi – bringing that all-important balance back to
the body, allowing it to heal naturally.

Remember that because of the way the meridians flow, a trigger point for a
specific issue may be far from the site of the actual problem; for example
stimulating an acupoint on the foot can relieve headaches or lift anxiety, or
gently kneading the centre of the palm can help ease heartache.

Unlike a gua sha tool, an acupressure self-massage tool can be used with or
without oil, unless over the face or delicate areas such as the upper chest,
when we would advise a light application of oil to provide sufficient glide and
comfort and to avoid dragging the skin.

Once a specific acupoint has been identified apply the tip of the tool with
gentle, yet firm pressure. As you hold the tool in place increase this pressure
for about 30 seconds and then hold steady for a further 30 seconds before
gradually releasing. If you prefer, you can gently knead the point using small
rotations. You can repeat this up to five times. Self-acupressure should never
be painful, so listen to your body and increase or decrease the level of
pressure you use to suit your own needs.

[Link]
Top Ten Acupoints
There are many, many acupressure points positioned over the face and body,
however these carefully curated Top Ten points can easily be located offering
numerous benefits for the self-acupressure novice to begin their
acupressure journey.

The diagram below will show ten of the most commonly used acupoints for
self-care.

Spleen 10
Yinta n g

La rge
In testi n e 11
Stom a c h 36

Spleen 6

Ren 12

Liver 3

Ren 4

Kid n e y 1

La rge
In testi n e 4

Pl e ase n o t e:
Diagram is for illust
rative purposes onl
y. Please see detailed guidance for individual points
.

Please note: Diagram is for illustrative purposes only. Please see detailed guidance for individual points.

[Link]
1. Yintang – Hall of Impression

Location: Between the eyes, at the midpoint

between the inner edges of the eyebrows. This
is also the site of the Third Eye chakra and is
often described as the location of the Upper
Dantian. It is one of the most useful acupoints
for self-care.

Benefits: Gently stimulating the Yintang can

help with the concerns below.

Stress and anxiety - so often we instinctively massage this area if we are

feeling a little stressed, anxious or agitated. It can calm and soothe the
spirit (the shen), still an overactive mind and ease mental tension. It is a
very useful point to help calm an upset child, often lulling them to sleep.

Eases dizziness - massaging the area, along with deep breathing, can
quickly ease dizziness.

Alleviates pain - an effective point for relieving frontal headaches, sinus

pain and rhinitis as well as general nasal congestion. It can also help to
calm shoulder and neck pain by relaxing the whole of the head area.

Insomnia - slowly kneading this point will help to draw energy away from
an overthinking mind, often referred to as "monkey mind". Relaxing this
emotional restlessness will help to relieve insomnia and promote
peaceful sleep.

Eye strain - with eyes softly closed, massaging this point can help to
soothe tired or overworked eyes. A great point to massage if you sit at a
computer all day.

Relaxes tense facial muscles - used as the final stage of your facial gua
sha, massaging the Yintang is ideal to help keep wrinkles at bay
particularly on the bridge of the nose.

[Link]
2. Large Intestine 11 – Pool at the Crook

Location: The point on the outside (elbow) end

of the crease when the arm is flexed at a 90
degree angle.

Benefits: Gently stimulating Large Intestine 11

can help with the concerns below.

Clears heat – Large Intestine 11 is one of the best points for treating any
issues relating to excess heat in the body such as fever, hot skin, heat
stroke or excessive thirst. It can also help to ease burning diarrhoea.

Cools the blood and the body - can help to ease sore throats or rashes
such as hives or sunburn. Can help to ease hot flushes.

Relieves itching and reduces inflammation - a great point for pathogens

to leave the body, alleviating inflammation, pain and high temperatures.
Particularly good for pain and impairment of the shoulder.

Clears damp in the body - especially good for concerns such as

constipation, phlegm, weight gain, water retention or abdominal pain
and bloating.

Softens emotions - irritability or feeling hot-tempered can be eased by

pressing and kneading this point.

[Link]
3. Large Intestine 4 – Joining Valley

Location: On the hand in the webbing

between thumb and index finger, about 2cm
from the edge.

Benefits: Gently stimulating Large Intestine 4

can help with the concerns below.

Strengthens and tonifies qi - this will help to boost the immune system
by ensuring energy is moving well through the body.

Treats head pain - helpful for any concerns of the head, face and neck
such as headaches, sinusitis, congestion, toothache or jaw tension.

Excellent for bowel regulation - enhances digestion and respiratory

systems, both of which keep bowel functions smooth and efficient.

Detoxification and elimination - alleviates constipation and diarrhoea

and can help ease food poisoning or feelings of nausea. Very helpful in
easing gastric pain and bloating.

Alleviates pain - as stagnant qi and blood is cleared, pain and

inflammation can significantly lessen.

Letting go of negative emotions – Large Intestine 4 is perfect to gently

knead if you feel you need to let go of stuck emotions such as sadness,
loss or grief. It can help to gently release those emotions which no longer
serve you.

IMPORTANT: Contraindicated during pregnancy,

as this point can induce labour

[Link]
4. Ren 12 – Middle Cavity

Location: On the midline of the abdomen,

halfway between the navel and the point
where the ribs meet just below the breasts.

Benefits: Gently stimulating Ren 12 can help

with the concerns below.

A note: if Ren 12 feels sore or overly tender it is

known as an Alarm Point and suggests the
digestive system, Spleen & Stomach would
benefit from additional attention.

Digestion - Ren 12 is the ideal acupoint to treat anything relating to

digestion such as abdominal pain, bloating or fullness.

Harmonises Spleen & Stomach - when these organs are balanced

metabolism will be regulated, digestion will be smooth and even, and
conditions such as indigestion or acid reflux can be avoided or relieved.
Poor appetite or cravings can also be controlled.

Gastric issues - abdominal pain and nausea can be lessened by gently

stimulating Ren 12, the naturally downwards flow of energy will help
pathogens to exit the body naturally. It is helpful for relieving hiccoughs
or coughing.

Insomnia - digestive issues can impact our ability to have a good night's
sleep, hampering the essential repair and rejuvenation of our bodies
overnight. Stimulating Ren 12 will strengthen all the organs of the body,
calming the mind and promoting restorative sleep.

Overthinking - disharmony, particularly in our digestive system will cause

us to overthink and worry; we might feel that knot in the stomach
associated with anxiety. By kneading Ren 12, which is also the site of the
solar plexus chakra, we can feel more in control of our emotions, and our
lives.

[Link]
5. Ren 4 – Gate of Origin

Location: On the lower abdomen, between the

belly button and top of the pubic bone.

Benefits: Gently stimulating Ren 4 can help

with the concerns below.

Fortifies life essence - we are all born with a certain amount of life
essence, known as Jing. This essence is used throughout our life and can
be greatly supported by yang sheng practices. Stimulating Ren 4 will
benefit and protect this essence.

Strengthens and nourishes the Kidney and Bladder - strong and

balanced Kidney and Bladder channels will help to keep the lower back
and legs strong and pain free, and bones healthy. Urinary dysfunction can
be regulated.

Spleen health - as well as enhancing energy levels, balanced Spleen &

Stomach energy will help to keep muscles strong and everything "in its
place" so any prolapse conditions, such as haemorrhoids or varicose veins,
can be avoided or lessened.

Reproductive wellbeing - benefits reproductive functions in men and

women and can assist conception by supporting uterine health.

Emotions - negative emotions such as fear, insecurity or lack of willpower

can be helped by kneading Ren 4, allowing wisdom and stillness of mind
to prevail.

[Link]
6. Spleen 10 – Sea of Blood

Location: 3 finger widths above the kneecap

and 3 finger widths towards the inner leg. This
point may feel slightly tender.

Benefits: Gently stimulating Spleen 10 can

help with the concerns below.

Invigorates blood flow and clears stagnation - smooth flowing blood and
qi will help to dispel dampness and phlegm and restore harmonised yin
and yang energy to all organs of the body via enhanced Spleen function.
As blood flow and quality is improved, conditions such as painful joints or
muscles can be greatly reduced.

Regulates menstruation - often used for gynaecological health, this point

can help irregular, painful or heavy periods, uterine spotting or clotting,
or excessive vaginal discharge. In some cases it can help fertility issues
due to blood deficiency.

Cools blood and clears heat - clearing blood heat will allow nurturing yin
energy and active yang energy to come into balance, maintaining
homeostasis.

Boosts skin health - skin concerns resulting from heat in the body, such
as eczema, itching, or herpes, can be helped by gently by stimulating
Spleen 10 to remove heat and restore smooth blood circulation.

Emotions - all organs of the body carry emotions which can affect our
health and wellbeing, either creating or releasing negativity. To nurture
the Spleen gently knead this acupoint, take a deep inbreath and then
exhale slowly using the healing sound "Whoaaa".

[Link]
7. Stomach 36 – Leg Three Miles

Location: On the front of the lower leg, 4 finger

widths below the kneecap and 1 finger width
towards the outer side of the shinbone.

Benefits: Gently stimulating Stomach 36 can

help with the concerns below.

Balances Spleen & Stomach energy - harmonised Spleen & Stomach qi

will promote strong digestive health; resolving dampness and regulating
[Link] will also allieviate any sense of heaviness in the limbs.

Strengthens energy levels - pressing Stomach 36 is deeply nourishing for

the whole body; it will energise and relieve fatigue by reviving yang
(active) energy.

Supports immunity - a compromised immune system will weaken Wei

Qi, the protective energy that prevents external pathogens from entering
the body, staving off seasonal concerns such as colds and bugs.

Alleviates pain - as stagnation is cleared and blood and qi can again flow
smoothly, pain of all types can be greatly reduced.

Balances emotions - kneading Stomach 36 is said to be grounding,

calming the shen (spirit) and bringing scattered thoughts into balance.

[Link]
8. Spleen 6 – Three Yin Intersection

Location: On the inside of the lower leg, 4

fingers width above the ankle. This point is the
intersection of the Spleen, Kidney and Liver
meridians - one of the most powerful, health-
enhancing acupoints.

Benefits: Gently stimulating Spleen 6 can help

with the concerns below.

Fortifies Spleen & Stomach - concerns resulting from Spleen imbalances,

such as a heavy, lethargic body, heavy aching limbs or water retention
can be relieved or avoided.

Alleviates dampness and restores digestive balance - this will help with
concerns such as abdominal bloating, sluggish metabolism, or irregular
appetite.

Harmonises Liver and strengthens Kidneys - strong Liver and Kidney

health will keep blood quality high, clear infections and ensure
constitutional health is maintained, helping to stall the overall aging
process and keep us well throughout our lives.

Gynaecological health - hormone imbalances can be rectified using this

acupoint, helping to regulate menstrual issues & reproductive concerns.

Calms the spirit - emotional disturbances such as palpitations, insomnia

or anxiety can be the result of imbalances within the body. Kneading
Spleen 6 can have an extremely calming effect on the mind helping to
reduce any unease. It is an ideal practice to perform before bed.

IMPORTANT: Contraindicated during pregnancy,

as this point can induce labour

[Link]
9. Liver 3 – Great Surge

Location: On top of the foot, in the webbing

between the big toe and second toe at the
junction of the bones.

Benefits: Gently stimulating Liver 3 can help

with the concerns below.

Harmonises Liver qi - the Liver controls the amount and quality of blood
in the body, as well as the smooth flow of emotions: it is vitally important
that the organ is balanced. Stimulating Liver 3 will ensure soft and
nurturing Liver yin is nourished, strong and active Liver yang is calmed.

High blood pressure - as Liver qi is brought back into balance and blood
and emotions are smoothed, normal blood pressure can be restored.

Supports eye health - the Liver meridian ends at the eyes, so kneading
Liver 3 can soothe tired or sore eyes, quiet twitching eyes or eyelids, or
ease blurred vision. It can calm throbbing headaches, particularly around
the eye area, as well as easing dizziness.

Menstrual concerns - cramping, PMS or concerns such as fibroids are the

result of Liver qi stagnation. The Liver meridian circles the genitals so
regularly releasing any energetic blockages will help to ensure good
menstrual health.

Alleviates chest pains - pain and discomfort in the chest area can be
calmed and dispersed by stimulating Liver 3, allowing negative energy to
be released.

Anger - negative emotions such as excessive or explosive anger,

irritability or frustration can be the result of stagnant Liver energy. This
can be calmed or cleared by gently kneading Liver 3 regularly.

[Link]
10. Kidney 1 – Bubbling Spring

Location: On the sole of the foot, in a slight

depression found when the toes are pointed
downwards, about a third of the way between
the toes and heel.

Benefits: Gently stimulating Kidney 1 can help

with the concerns below.

Restores energy reserves and vitality - the Kidneys are the batteries of
the body: by stimulating this acupoint daily you will be giving your
Kidneys the chance to recharge and energy reserves to be replenished.

Alleviates back pain - stimulate Kidney 1 to boost Kidney yang energy, as

deficiency can result in back pain, knee pain or aching around the waist.

Draws excess energy away from the head - Kidney 1 is the lowest
acupoint on the body, enabling excessive energy to be drawn away and
released. This is helpful for conditions such as headaches, dizziness,
nosebleeds, even insomnia.

Enhances memory - depleted Kidney energy can manifest as poor

memory or lack of concentration and focus. Stimulating this point can
help to clear the mind and improve memory.

Infertility - in Chinese culture the Kidneys are called the 'Root of Life' and
are responsible for reproductive health, fertility and libido. Regularly
stimulating Kidney 1 will help to keep the reproductive organs balanced.

Eases fear - disharmony in Kidney energy can result in the negative

emotions associated with the organ such as fear, anxiety and
restlessness. By gently kneading Kidney 1 you will allow the innate
wisdom and tranquillity of the Kidneys to calm the spirit.

[Link]
Is Acupressure suitable
for everyone?
Acupressure is one of the most valuable self-care practices that you do to
keep your body and emotions healthy and strong. It is enjoyable, quick and
the many benefits belie its simplicity. It is a truly holistic treatment,
accessible to everyone due to its versatility and the fact that you can vary the
intensity of pressure and duration to suit individual requirements.

However, as with any treatment or therapy, there are come contraindications

so if you are in any doubt, always consult your GP or Consultant before use.

Contraindications – avoid self-acupressure if any of the following

applies to you:

Pregnancy
Diabetes
Bleeding disorders or if you are taking medication such as Warfarin
Osteoporosis
Open wounds or extreme bruising
Areas of unexplained swelling
Varicose Veins
Cancer (unless your consultant gives explicit approval)
Heart disease (unless your consultant gives explicit approval)
Recent fracture or injury (unless your consultant gives explicit approval)

Katie Brindle will be sharing many simple yet effective acupressure

routines over the coming weeks on her IG @katie_brindle and other
social media platforms.

[Link]
Want to know more?

We will be delighted to support you as you continue along your Yang Sheng
journey. The following will get you started:

‘Yang Sheng: The Art of Chinese Self-Healing’ available on Amazon,

Waterstone and [Link]

Qigong Healing classes (3 x each week) for a more in-depth and healing
practice – full details on [Link]

Free Masterclass “Master Your Health” – understand the 3- step plan for
preventative health.

Free self-care weekly content @katie_brindle on Instagram, Facebook

and YouTube.

Free regular gua sha demonstrations on @thehayoumethod Instagram &

the opportunity to purchase the accompanying tools from
[Link]

DISCLAIMER:
Please note that any of these Yang Sheng techniques are designed to support your overall self-care and wellbeing
and should not be used as a substitute for any Western medical advice or treatment that you may be receiving. You
should not use the information in this Guide or on our website for diagnosing or treating a health problem or
disease and must always consult your doctor if you have any health concerns. Additionally, please note that there
are a few contraindications to Yang Sheng techniques, so please visit [Link] to view our
comprehensive FAQs.

[Link]