Create Immune Resilience with Thymus Hub to Spleen

Posted on 01/27/2017 by Karen L. Semmelman, Advanced EEM Practitioner; JD, AAML(03-12)

Eden Energy Medicine January 20, 2017

Create Immune Resilience with Thymus HUB to Spleen

by Karen L. Semmelman, EEM-AP, JD, AAML(03-12)

Over the last several weeks, we learned the thymus gland is intimately involved in our immune system, production of T Cells to fight off invading microorganisms; and the benefits of thumping thymus to boost the immune system. Connecting thymus to other locations or systems, including the spleen, the electrical system, the “gut” via the navel and the hippocampus (part of the limbic system) is critical to building resiliency to dis-ease and boosting the immune function. We have learned the connection to the main heart electric point and today will learn the benefits of the connection to Spleen 21 points, the end of the spleen meridian.

Chinese medicine views Spleen’s primary function as transforming nutrients into vital energy (chi) and blood, equally distributing this energy to the body, mind and spirit. Together with Stomach, Spleen oversees the “Earth” rhythm of our beings, assisting with the transitions of life, at whatever level. Spleen is the great metabolizer, so that everything that enters, including emotions, thoughts and food, all run through spleen. It influences digestions, is involved with the lymph, thymus, tonsils, lymph nodes, bone marrow and over sees production of antibodies, blood supply, and maintaining homeostasis. It has a major role in keeping us healthy. It has 21 points along its meridian and the end point is the point that is tapped for one of the “4 Thumps” which is part of the Daily Energy Routine. When the body is under stress, the first place that Triple Warmer (Commander of all energies of the Body) takes energy from is the spleen meridian, depleting the immune system reserves and creating digestive difficulties.

The second connection is between Thymus gland and Spleen 21 point, a powerful union of 2 major players in our immune health. Here is the technique:

Begin by thumping the thymus with either hand. Or if it feels better to merely place the palm of the hand on the gland, that is fine too (especially if you are sensitive to the thumping motion).
Thump Thymus and hold Heart Electric Point, the main electrical point of the body (Previous column).
Thump Thymus while thumping Spleen 21 point. Located approximately 6 finger widths below center of the armpit on the side of the body. Reaching across the body with your arm to thump spleen while resting the wrist under the breast maximizes connection to the spleen (left side) and liver (right side). Do the other side.
Hold this connection for 2 to 4 minutes or until you fill a shift in your energy—perhaps a deep breath or deep sigh. Gentle rocking may be soothing.

You learned the1st and 2^nd connections. Next week the Thymus to Navel connection will be addressed. Enjoy your health!

Have fun with your energy! Next week’s topic is “Create Immune Resilience with Thymus HUB to Navel”

Diabetes, fibroids or cysts?-Trace Spleen Meridian

Posted on 11/18/2016 by Karen L. Semmelman, Advanced EEM Practitioner; JD, AAML(03-12)

Eden Energy Medicine November 18, 2016

Diabetes, fibroids or cysts?-Trace Spleen Meridian

by Karen L. Semmelman, EEM-AP, JD, AAML(03-12)

From a Western view, spleen functions as a reservoir for blood with a large number of red blood cells. It removes unwanted substances from the blood, including waste. Chinese medicine views Spleen’s primary function as transforming nutrients into vital energy (chi) and blood, equally distributing this energy to the body, mind and spirit. Together with Stomach, Spleen oversees the “Earth” rhythm of our beings, assisting with the transitions of life, at whatever level. Spleen is the great metabolizer, so that everything that enters, including emotions, thoughts and food, all run through spleen. It has a major role in keeping us healthy. The role is HUGE! Spleen keeps the blood in its proper channels, so if its energy is depleted, expect to see nosebleeds, blood in stools, menstrual issues, swollen abdomen, allergies, broken capillaries, carpal tunnel, diabetes, cysts, eating disorders, edema, fever, fibroids, hypoglycemia, infections, low body temperature, low energy, lymph swelling, metabolic disorders, pregnancy issues, sore throats, thighs that are achy or painful, varicose veins, weak muscles or weight issues. Spleen is also a major player in hormonal issues. See below.

As a Reminder, view the August 9 and 16^th Columns, since the basics of tracing are set forth.

Meridian Flow Wheel Time of day. SP meridian’s high tide is 9AM-11 AM. We always begin and end by tracing Central and Governing meridians before starting to trace the other meridians. If you begin tracing your meridians at 9 30 AM, then begin with SP.

Reasons to Trace Alone in Addition to Tracing All Meridians. Although it is best to trace all your meridians as one continuous flow, you may want to trace spleen alone if hormonal issues are present, which could include an autoimmune disorder, cold hands or feet, dizziness, endometriosis, enlarged waist, fatigue, infertility, inflammation, low progesterone, PMS, sexual dysfunction, sugar imbalances, swollen belly , thyroid issues, or mood swings.

Affirmation for this Meridian is “I nourish myself with love”. Remembering that matter follows energy, stating a positive thought shifts the energy just by the intention-this is the metaphysical fabric of life! We are all part of that pure fabric of existence so reap its benefits.

Pathway of Meridian. Do both sides at the same time. Start at the outside bottom corners of each big toe nail, bull your hands straight up the inside of your legs, flaring out at the hips; continuing up the side of the rib cage to right below the arm pit; and then travel down from the arm pit about 4 inches. See the insert. That’s it. You just traced Spleen meridian!

Flushing or Tracing the Meridian Backwards. IT IS RARE THAT YOU WILL TRACE SPLEEN BACKWARDS SINCE IT GENERALLY NEEDS ENERGY WITH SO MANY RESPONSIBILITIES. But there are exceptions. If you feel you want to trace it backwards, see if that makes you feel better. If experiencing pain or dis-ease in the area of a meridian, it is likely that removing the energy from the meridian will provide relief. If it does, then trace it backwards 3 times, but NEVER TRACE HEART BACKWARDS. If it seems there is not enough energy in your meridian then trace it forward 3 times. If you feel better, this is what was needed. Experience the impact of the energetic shifts. To flush a meridian, as if you are de-clogging a pipe, trace the meridian once backwards to loosen the sludge and then trace the meridian forward 3 times. Flushing really helps reset the meridian’s balance.

You are set. Keep this Column as a reminder of how to trace Spleen meridian. You have learned all 14 meridians. After you trace the last meridian, retrace central and governing to be set for the day.

Have fun with your energy! Next week’s topic is “The Meridians- our Energetic Pathfinders. “

Skin or Hair issues? -Trace Large Intestine Meridian

Posted on 11/04/2016 by Karen L. Semmelman, Advanced EEM Practitioner; JD, AAML(03-12)

Eden Energy Medicine November 4, 2016

Skin or Hair issues? -Trace Large Intestine Meridian

by Karen L. Semmelman, EEM-AP, JD, AAML(03-12)

From a Chinese View, the Large Intestine (LI)- 5 ½ feet long, makes the distinction between what substances the body benefits from keeping and what is harmful, requiring it be dispelled from the system, enabling all systems to work efficiently. A breakdown in balance leads to congestion or overcrowding, which manifest as abdominal pain, cramping, constipation or diarrhea, colic, colon disorders, gum disease, hemorrhoids, herpes, hip issues, side leg pains, low back pain, mineral deficiencies, or toothaches. LI and LU together control the emotion of grief and not letting go.

As a Reminder, view the August 5 and 12^th Columns, since the basics of tracing are set forth.

Meridian Flow Wheel Time of day. LI meridian’s high tide is 5 AM- 7 AM. We always begin and end by tracing Central and Governing meridians before starting to trace the other meridians. If you begin tracing your meridians at 5 30 AM, then begin with LI.

Reasons to Trace Alone in Addition to Tracing All Meridians. Although it is best to trace all your meridians as one continuous flow, you may want to trace LI if you have some of the symptoms listed in the opening paragraph or if one is highly judgmental; is unable to “let go”; has chronic sadness or is intolerant of opposing views.

Affirmation for this Meridian is “I let go of fear, guilt, anger & shame…and live life fully in the NOW”. Remembering that matter follows energy, stating a positive thought shifts the energy just by the intention-this is the metaphysical fabric of life! We are all part of that pure fabric of existence so reap its benefits.

Pathway of Meridian. Place the open fingers of one hand at the end of the index finger, tracing up the back of the side of the arm where the dark skin meets the lighter underside of skin, over the shoulder, across the neck to the bottom of the nostril and then around the side of the nose to the top outside edge of the nostril. Do the other side. That’s it. You just traced Large Intestine meridian!!

Flushing or Tracing the Meridian Backwards. Remember that if there is too much energy in a meridian, you may want to trace it backwards and see if that makes you feel better. If experiencing pain or dis-ease in the area of a meridian, it is likely that removing the energy from the meridian will provide relief. If it does, then trace it backwards 3 times, but NEVER TRACE HEART BACKWARDS. If it seems there is not enough energy in your meridian then trace it forward 3 times. If you feel better, this is what was needed. Experience the impact of the energetic shifts. To flush a meridian, as if you are de-clogging a pipe, trace the meridian once backwards to loosen the sludge and then trace the meridian forward 3 times. Flushing really helps reset the meridian’s balance.

You are set. Keep this Column as a reminder of how to trace Large Intestine while you learn the last 2 meridians this month!

Have fun with your energy! Next week’s topic is “Meet the “Sea of Nutrients”-Trace Stomach Meridian for bloating, gas or nausea”

Hemorrhoids or Varicose Veins?—Hold Spleen Source Point

Posted on 10/23/2015 by Karen L. Semmelman, Advanced EEM Practitioner; JD, AAML(03-12)

Eden Energy Medicine October 23, 2015

Hemorrhoids or Varicose Veins?—Hold Spleen Source Point

by Karen L. Semmelman, Certified EEM-AP, JD, AAML(03-12)

So you put on your bathing suit and noticed those red spider veins becoming more pronounced. Or you sat down and had a bit of discomfort as you shifted body weight to on side? Welcome to Spleen domain! Chinese Medicine views Spleen’s primary role as transforming food and drink into chi (vital energy) and blood; and then distributing the chi throughout the body. EEM views Spleen as metabolizing EVERTHING passing through us—emotions, food, substances or vibrations! A pretty important organ. So, for example, if Spleen energy is deficient we will see nosebleeds, vomiting blood, blood in stools, spotting, and frequent bruising (because blood can’t be contained in the vessels) or digestive issues including bloating, bowel problems and lethargy. Or perhaps hemorrhoids, varicose veins appear; slow healing of cuts, prolapse of stomach or intestine or bladder or uterus….. You get the idea. Spleen is vitally important to our ability to function optimally.

What is the relevance you ask? Spleen takes a huge hit daily, producing the chi that powers our complex systems. Triple Warmer first takes energy from Spleen to feed the body, until Spleen is exhausted. Let’s give it a boost (like hitting the foggy mirror in the bathroom with a forceful hairdryer) by holding that Reservoir of energy Acupoint known as Spleen 3 Source point-located on inside of the foot. Find it by moving the finger down the side of the big toe, over the big joint (or bunion) at the base of the toe, stopping at the natural divot below the big joint. It will be sensitive or tender. Hold it, preferably, with your middle finger for a minute or two or until you feel nice pulses. You can hold both sides at the same time. This will promote Spleen’s production of chi, thus assisting in alleviating hemorrhoids, varicose veins, water retention, gurgling sounds in stomach , muscle cramps, sluggish digestion, and generally increasing your energy!

The Bonus tip—after you have taken a nice breath from holding SP 3, hold the bunions on both sides of the foot at the same time—sending energy up the spine, calming the entire body and nervous systems. Don’t hesitate to give the bunions a little squeeze. Then, of course, give yourself a nice hug for loving your body!

Have fun with your energy!

Next week’s topic is “Heart Ache?-Shift the Chakra Energy in Minutes”

Eyes Dull and Hazy?—Hold Heart Source Point

Posted on 10/16/2015 by Karen L. Semmelman, Advanced EEM Practitioner; JD, AAML(03-12)

Eden Energy Medicine October 16, 2015

Eyes Dull and Hazy?—Hold Heart Source Point

by Karen L. Semmelman, Certified EEM-AP, JD, AAML(03-12)

Last week we learned about Source Acupoints, which are reservoirs of energy on each meridian and thus influence the associated organ. Today let’s focus on some imbalances that might warrant saying hello to our Heart 7 Source point. These are just a smattering, but they make the point. Blood pressure, excessive perspiration, overheating, rashes or gives, hot flashes, erratic pulse, vertigo, fainting spells, palpitations, angina—all reflective of excessive energy. You might experience the following for deficient heart energy: pale or ashen complexion, ringing in ears, insomnia, heartburn, exhaustion, lightheadedness, congestive heart failure, lack of spontaneity, fear of falling, loss of passion or fear of rejection. These are just a few issues that might warrant Heart 7’s use.

The Yellow Emperor’s Classic on Chinese Medicine states this about the heart: “The heart is the sovereign of all organs and represents the consciousness of one’s being. It is responsible for intelligence, wisdom and spiritual transformation.” Chinese Medicine also suggests that heart spirit (Shen) is reflected in the eyes and if they sparkle and shine, then the Shen is strong; but if the eyes are dull or hazy, the Shen is weak and in need of attention. This organ is pretty impressive, aye? So, if we have such issues, it is nice to have a tool to assist the balancing of heart energy. Heart 7 Source point is the tool!

Like all Acupoints, Heart 7 is in a “divot” or hollow. To locate, look at the palm of the hand and bend the wrist toward you. Notice as you flex the wrist back and forth, small hollows at the wrist are apparent. Since the heart meridian begins at the arm pit and ends on the little finger, the Heart 7 Source point is located on the wrist in direct line with the little finger. Hold this point for 1 or 2 minutes during one of the episodes noted above and watch the energy shift. Hold until you feel nice pulses under your fingers, with the middle finger being the preference. Try holding both sides at the same time if very flexible. One of my clients loves to hold this point whenever she goes to concerts, to keep her anxiety under control…. Or use to relieve feelings of anxiety, nervousness, agitation or restlessness. There are so many possibilities. As you bring the Shen back into balance, observe the sparkle return to your eyes! Play with it, it truly works.

Have fun with your energy!

Next week’s topic is “Hemorrhoids or Varicose Veins?—Hold Spleen Source Point”