Working with the alarm points
Working with the alarm points can be particularly helpful in relation to the somatic expression of emotional distress.
The meridian alarm points are traditionally recognised in acupuncture and applied kinesiology* as having both diagnostic and therapeutic potential. When a meridian is out of balance, its corresponding alarm point is tender. Spontaneous pain can be experienced at alarm points, which may be an indication the meridian is overactive, whilst tenderness when palpated, but without spontaneous pain, may indicate the meridian is underactive. In the case of most of the meridians, the alarm points are not actually on the meridian.
'Therapy localisation'
If a muscle tests weak in response to an emotional or physical stimulus (suggesting a meridian imbalance induced by the stimulus), the relevant meridian can be located by having the client place his or her finger tips on different alarm points, finding the one that makes the muscle test strong. This basic principle was used by Dr Callahan to discover the meridian sequence underpinning a state of emotional distress or anxiety. Thus, if a person thinks of a troubling event or issue, the muscle will test weak, but the relevant alarm point will cause the muscle to register strong. In this way, by continuing to locate the relevant meridians, the precise meridian coding for the emotional problem can be discerned.
Sending love to the alarm points.
This procedure appears to have a general positive effect. It can however, release disconcertingly strong emotions.
The client is guided to place a couple of fingers of each hand on each alarm point in turn, whilst saying "I love my ... [e.g..large intestine] ..." substituting the name of the relevant organ in each case.
For the bilateral alarm points, fingers of each hand are place on the two alarm points on either side of the body. In the case of the centre line alarm points, the fingers or each hand can be brought together, touching in the location of the alarm point.
The governing vessel and central vessel, are not (strictly speaking) meridians and do not have alarm points. However, they can be included in the same procedure, using the 'under the nose' location for the governing vessel and the 'under the chin' location for the central vessel. The phrasing used can be "I send love to my governing/central vessel".
Additional phrases can include "I release all the trauma and fear in my ... [e.g. large intestine] ..." and "I ask forgiveness of my .... [e.g. large intestine] ... " The use of these phrases is more likely to release strong emotion than the 'sending love' phrases.
If the practitioner is familiar with reading sequences of meridians, the client can be guided to address the alarm points according to the emerging sequence.
Lung Meridian Breathing.
This can be remarkably effective whilst deeply calming. The client is invited to sit or lie comfortably with hands crossed over the upper chest, with two or three finger tips resting in the alarm points of the lung meridian, in the hollow of each shoulder under the collar bone. This induces a calming of the breathing, as it finds its natural rythym. As the client settles into this process, the practitioner can point out that stress is patterned into the breathing, so that this procedure allows that stress to be released. Brief and succinct allusions can be made to the emotional material the client has been addressing, with the intention that all of the stress associated with these issues and events can be released. As with all energy-based stress relieving procedures, it works providing that the relevant 'psychological reversals' or 'internal objections to change' have been identified and neutralised.
* Walther, David. S. 2000. Applied Kinesiology: Synopsis. 2nd Edition. Triad of Health Publishing. ICAK. Shawnee Mission, KS.
Disclaimer.
Obviously, the techniques listed here are not a substitute for professional help - and are not intended as a treatment for any medical disease or condition.They should be used with discretion, under the guidance of a suitably qualified practitioner.