Midwest Acupressure

I am teaching the 40 hour Basic JSD class on Oct 25-27 & Nov 8-10--if you are interested please contact me. You can read more about what is covered on my website:

Midwest Acupressure and Massage Therapy " Canaries in the coal mine" is  a reference to how coal miners would use birds to see if the air was safe in the mines as they react more quickly to polluted air--often resulting in dead birds! Many of us humans call ourselves "canaries' as we react quickly to toxins in our environment that many o...

So it seems my business account has been taken over by spam! I am trying to block all this junk so I can post my information! New classes coming soon!

I have gift certificates for the holidays! And for any client who purchases one I will give you an extra 15 minutes on your next session!

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The JSD Basic class is coming up next month! If you are interested let me know!

Hi! I have scheduled the JSD Basic class for Oct 8-10 and Oct 22-24. Please see my website for more details. I am excited to teach again after such a long break!

Greetings and Happy Earth Day! I am now fully vaccinated (I had my second vaccine shot on April 8) and my husband is also fully vaccinated. I have also had Covid—so I should have plenty of antibodies now! I know many clients were waiting until vaccines were available in order to feel safer returning for acupressure and massage therapy. I will, of course, still be following scientific guidelines such as masks to be worn by me and the client. I have always been a bit of a “clean freak” but did amp up my cleaning with the pandemic. All surfaces that are touched are sanitized after every client, and I am allowing more time between appointments so I can open the window and air out the room. I am not offering water after the session like I used to—so please remember to drink plenty of water and herbal teas after your session to stay hydrated! I will continue the same policy I started at the beginning of this in regards to cancellations—if you feel the least bit sick or you have possibly been exposed to Covid, you can call and cancel even at the last minute and there will be no cancellation fee. I also ask that if you have stopped anyplace before arriving for your appointment (such as shopping) then make a stop in my kitchen or bathroom to thoroughly wash your hands(or if you forgot to do so before leaving home). Hand sanitizer is better than nothing but soap and water is the best!
I had raised my fees the year before the pandemic hit, so won’t be raising them again anytime soon. My prices are: $65.00 for an hour session, $75 for 1 ¼ session, $85 for 1 ½ sessions and $35 for a ½ hour session. If you have been adversely affected financially by the pandemic—you can take $5 off for paying in cash. Also let me know if you are truly struggling but need sessions and we can discuss different discount or payment options.

A note on Holistic health: As a holistic practitioner I go by the original meaning of holistic, which is that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. For health this means considering the body, mind and spirit are one, and that we as individuals are connected to other people and to the environment. It does NOT mean eschewing modern medicine. All medical and health decisions must be made by balancing the risks vs. benefit for any procedure, medication or natural healing methods. I chose to have the vaccine mainly because it offers protection to those who I am in contact with in order to protect them (even more than I am doing it to protect myself). So many people have died or are suffering long term effects from having Covid infection that it is irresponsible in my opinion to not get the vaccine—for most people. There are of course always people who should be exempt from the vaccine because of serious health issues—in that case it is even more vital that they practice safe measures such as mask wearing and social distancing at all times –not just when coming for an appointment!
I also know that herbs and acupressure can be very useful for helping with the symptoms associated with Covid. I am sure that I made it through having Covid without any serious issues because of my use of herbal medicine and doing acupressure on myself, and doing Qigong when I had enough energy to do so. Reducing stress is a big factor for helping your immune system function well and acupressure and massage are excellent for doing that!
I hope to see you soon!
Debrah Roemisch
(260) 745-1727

In TCM measurements are based on the individual person. A “cun” (body inch) is the width across your thumb, 1 1/2 cun is the width across your first two fingers. We also find points in relation to anatomical locations—but always look for the place of most tenderness—the “hurt good” point! You can use your fingers or thumb or an acupressure tool.

The Lung system: is said to govern and control Qi; controls the rate and depth of respiration and disseminating and descending of QI; regulates water passages; controls skin and body hair; and opens into the nose. The meridian runs from the chest to the thumb on the inside of the arm. It is very important for the Wei Qi –which is the energy that protects from external pathogens—most closely related to the immune system in Western medicine.

There are 11 points on the Lung channel and you can press or rub any tender points along this channel. I plan to teach you four important points that could help to balance the Lung Qi. When the Lung Chi is balanced you are more likely to be able to resist the negative effects of viral illness as well as allergy related lung issues.

I am listing the commonly used numbering system, the traditional Chinese name for the point, the classification of the point, the location, and some important uses for the point.

Lung 1/Central Palace; Mu point (Mu points both reflect and affect the energic condition of the system.

Find your clavicle (collar bone) and slide your finger towards the lateral (outside) end of it. Slide down about 2 cun below the clavicle, just on the outside of the rib cage, Press into the pectoralis muscle and towards the sternum (the breastbone).

Helps to disseminate and descent Lu Qi and to clear excesses. Good for breathing, asthma, cough, excess phlegm and heat, chills/fever; good for the chest, frees all of the emotions but especially the feelings of oppression and grief, it is the main “letting go” point. Also helps to deliver more oxygen throughout the body.

Lung 7/Broken Sequence; Luo point (Luo points connect Yin meridians with their Yang partners)

In the groove on the side of the radius bone just above the styloid process, 1 ½ cun from the wrist crease. You will feel a tiny notch or groove in the bone where the point is.

Balances Lung with its partner Large Intestine; command point for head/neck, thus good for headache and neck stiffness or pain and poor memory; good for diminished Qi; shortness of breath; persistent cough; opens the lungs; clears pathogens—Wind and phlegm; good for Defensive Qi

Lung 9/Bigger Abyss; source point (Source points connect with the primordial Qi of the bodymind and are good for overall balancing of the Meridian whether deficient or excessive)

It is found on the crease at the inside of the wrist, in the depression below the thumb, where the pulse of the radial artery can be felt. Angle towards fingers.

Tonifys Lung; transforms phlegm; fullness in chest and inability to lie down; regulates and harmonizes the one hundred vessels (circulatory system in Western medicine) and the Qi and Blood; activates the channel and alleviates pain, inc. wrist pain. Good for when the Lung Qi is too weak to move phlegm.

Lung 10/Fish Border; Fire point

A pain point in the muscular part of the palm below the knuckle of the thumb, in the middle of the 1st metatarsal bone and pressing towards it.

Throat problems, esp. very sore throat; cough; shortness of breath; clears Lung heat; descends rebellious Qi; harmonizes relationship between Lung and Heart; pain of palm and thumb.

A Short Explanation of Energy in Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine teaches that the Universe is made up of energy called Qi (pronounced Chi in Chinese, Ki in Japanese).Our body energy is made up of what we are born with and what we take it in through food, air and meditation. It flows through the meridians and channels to nourish and balance the entire bodymind. When the Qi is not flowing—when it is blocked there is muscular tension, Armoring is chronic tension. With chronic tension, the fascial tissue, which enables the muscles to move smoothly against each other instead become stuck together: the knots and cords of tension that you can feel are fascial adhesions. Cause may be overly yang: excess energy or hyper-activity or can be overly yin: tension resulting from weakness of the area(flaccid muscles need to tighten).
These muscular blocks indicate not only physical tension and stagnant energy but also blocking of feelings and emotions. Releasing the physical tension may help to reveal mental/emotional stresses and psychological defenses.

The 12 organ meridians are actually one continuous spiralic flow of Qi divided into 12 energies. They include not just the organ they are named after but also a related sense organ, body fluid, muscles and tissues. Each meridian has functions that are not only associated with the physical body but with emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects. Knowing these associations can help in understanding where your imbalances lay. The organ meridians flow up and down the body 3 times within 24 hours. They can be compared to rivers. There is a short luo meridian which connects the yin and yang. There are divergent meridians which connect the energy channel with the actual physical organ and that of its partner.
Extraordinary vessels(also known as the Strange Flows!) can be compared to reservoirs, vessels, or canals where energy is stored and flows as needed to balance the bodymind. The inside channels are considered to be more yin and the outside channels are considered to be more yang except for part of the stomach meridian. Yin channels are considered to be more nourishing and yang are more protective.

Acupressure is a generic term coined by Westerners to describe any health art involving the simple application of pressure to traditional acu-points. Our hands are the most powerful tools—even better than needles for many issues and you can do it yourself! Jin Shin Do Bodymind Acupressure® is a complete system that when done by a trained professional is an amazing way to support energy balancing and relaxation—and certainly it is most enjoyable to have a session with a professional(like with me!). However I can teach you some simple points and point combinations with which you can help yourself and family while you are stuck at home!

Acupressure is accessing the energy of the bodymind that when done with correct pressure precisely on the points is the perfect combination of energy and physical work Acupressure is pressure--not touch or force. Apply pressure gradually, firm but not too much that you cannot relax with it.

How to locate points-- Acu-points are the size of a dime, but the apex is most effective At each point, a little hollow within the muscle or bone or a knot in the muscle can be felt For beginners just look for the place of most tension or sensitivity within the anatomically designated area. I like to use the phrase “It hurts good!” or the “Sweet spot” to describe the sensation when you find the point!

Hold the points until: 1) you feel the muscle relaxing, melting 2) you feel a pulsation 3) you feel a decrease in sensitivity at the point

*Jin Shin Do® Acupressure is not intended for the diagnosis, treatment or cure of disease. It is a relaxation therapy, and a useful adjunct to licensed, qualified medical or psychological care. For any persistent pain or symptom, even a seemingly minor one, the reader is strongly encouraged to consult a medical doctor. When used in conjunction with standard medical treatment, the Jin Shin Do Acupressure technique can assist the healing process by releasing tension, decreasing stress and encouraging a sense of increased well-being.

I am following all safety guidelines with mask wearing and sanitizing but still I know that not all clients feel comfortable with returning for massage/acupressure. I am planning on doing a few videos to show you how to use acu-points on your self to promote healthy lungs and a healthy immune system. Watch for them coming soon!

I highly recommend reading this extensive work by Stephen Harrod Buhner on Covid-19 and herbs/supplements that can assist. Thoroughly researched and cited. https://www.stephenharrodbuhner.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/covid-19-2.update.txt.pdf?fbclid=IwAR0s-xO_v1NBLWrHi5eYxCzccicL2urixT_OxRCNgeOmw5fuPIZeNGYSy2c

www.stephenharrodbuhner.com

Acupuncture Shown to Tame Cytokine Storm in Mice Study also helped shed light on neuranatomy of acupuncture and how it could be incorporated into treatment.

Hi, Hope everyone is staying healthy and safe! Since the last time I wrote to you things have changed. Because of the governor's orders I am not seeing clients for at least the rest of the month. I will keep in touch about when I can start seeing you again for massage and acupressure sessions.

I do have several herbs and combinations of herbs for sale if you are interested. Though there is NO cure for covid-19--there are numerous herbs that can help your bodies immune system work more effectively. If interested we can do an exchange on my porch or yours with herbs and cash/check. I also take Paypal.

Also, if I can figure out a good way to do it, I am thinking of doing some way of connecting with people online--maybe Zoom? I could demonstrate acupoints to use for lungs and immune system and for tension and stress. And maybe some simple qigong and yoga stretches to help with the tension and stress you may be having--especially since you can't get your regular session! If anyone could donate for the sessions it would be appreciated since I do not have any income right now--but not required if you are also without income. Let me know if you might be interested in that.

Remember you are allowed to get outside as long as you are not getting close to people--exercise, fresh air and sunshine are all good for you! And remember to keep doing some kind of exercise in the house, eat a healthy diet and meditation and prayer are good too!

Hope to see you again next month!

Debrah Roemisch

More thoughts on the health crisis we are facing:
Stress and extreme emotions, such as anger, fear, and worry, depress the immune system! Not that all stress and extreme emotions are bad--they are in fact necessary for our survival. It is when we get stuck in them that it becomes dysfunctional. Deep breathing, meditation, exercise, getting out in nature and acupressure/massage are great ways to calm down your fight/flight/freeze response. Of course making a plan and being prepared as much as possible are also important.
Acupressure helps to balance the energy of the bodymind, helping to ease stress and tension, which can help the immune system. My sessions are always customized to what the individual needs, however, I am adding some immune and lung tonifying points to all of my clients' sessions right now.
I feel that continuing to receive sessions would be helpful for most people, however I also know it could be a financial problem for many at this time. I did raise my rates last year, but want everyone to know that if you cannot afford my regular rates and you want to come in for sessions, please contact me and I am willing to discuss discounts.
If you feel you would rather not go out of your home at this time I understand that also, and hope to see you again when this crisis passes.
Let us all put out positive healing and protective energy with our meditations and prayers.

Thoughts on the Corona virus: I shared a meme recently that said,"I was into handwashing before it was trending!"
And it is true, I have always been careful with hygiene but just wanted to assure my clients of that! I wash my hands thoroughly before and after every client, and every time I have been in public.
I clean all surfaces that may have been touched in my house and treatment room, and sheets are washed in hot water after every use(believe it or not I have heard of people not doing that--eww!)
One of the big advantages of being home based as opposed to a clinic or spa setting is that I am exposed to fewer people and the other is that I always schedule at least a half hour between clients so that I can take these steps.
I am taking one additional step--I am adding a thyme oil based disinfectant to my cleaning.
If I were to get sick I will, of course, call you to cancel, and ask that you do the same. Though I usually ask for payment for last minute cancellations--I am waiving that if you feel sick!
I am not overly concerned about this virus though. Viruses and bacteria are continually mutating and evolving and we are always going to be exposed to new ones.
The best line of defense, besides hygiene, is to strengthen your immune system! Acupressure and massage can be helpful for doing that! Stress is a huge cause of lowering immune response so that is one way it helps. Also, balancing the Qi(energy systems) of the bodymind can help.
Eating healthy foods and using herbs can also be helpful. Exercise is also good for a strong immune system.
I made up a blend of herbs recommended by Stephen Buhner--expert on herbs used for viral and bacterial illness. I and my husband are taking it every day for preventative care and I have it available for those interested. Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and these recommendations are not medical advice.

Hi, I hope you all had wonderful holidays! I am planning on teaching the JSD Basic class in March/April--any but the first weekend of March or Easter weekend in April works for me. If you are interested and have any weekends that do NOT work for you or you have a preference let me know asap so I can consider that when scheduling.

I also wanted to let you know that I am going to be gone from Jan 14th to Jan 29th to Montana to help my daughter who just had a baby girl! If you want to make an appointment for acupressure and/or massage you can call me Jan 30th.

Also including a good article on the dangers of synthetic fragrances for you to read. So just a friendly reminder to be careful with what you use on your clothes and body for your health and mine!

Thanks so much for your understanding!
Debrah

https://rootandrevel.com/dangers-of-fragrance-perfume/

The Cold, Hard Truth About Icing Your Injuries It doesn't help muscles heal—and it might actually do damage.

I have gift certificates available!

“The Forces of Autumn create dryness in Heaven and metal on Earth; they create the lung organ and the skin upon the body… and the nose, and the white color and the pungent flavor…the emotion grief, and the ability to make a weeping sound” The Yellow Emperors Classic of Internal Medicine.

It is really starting to feel like Autumn now! We are leaving the Late Summer phase(what we in the Midwest call Indian Summer) which is considered to be the balance time between phases. In Asian Five Phases theory, Summer is known as the Fire phase, Late Summer is known as the Earth Phase, and Autumn is the Metal Phase. The temperatures are dropping, leaves are falling, and it is the final days of the harvest as we get ready for the long winter.

The extreme emotions related to Metal are: grief, sorrow, anguish and anxiety–the healthy resolution of these emotions are openness, the ability to let come and let go, and non-attachment. If we are unable to move through the emotions we can get stuck in hypo-active feelings of self pity, or despondency, if we get stuck in hyper-active mode we can feel selfish, jealous, or greedy.

Autumn is the time for “letting go”. I saw a meme on FB a few days ago that showed a picture of the colored leaves falling off a tree that said: “Fall shows us how beautiful it is to let go of the dead stuff” –so true! This is a time to go more within and reflect on the past year, and let go of the stuff we don’t need and decide what is worth holding onto. The Chinese word used to represent the metal element translates as gold but refers to the inner treasure within us that we look to uncovering in this phase. Reflect on what you love, what inspires you and what you want to hold onto–and conversely what you want to let go of that no longer serves your higher purpose. Sadness and grief are natural and healthy emotions–as long as we do not get stuck in them–allowing ourselves to feel these emotions fully we are then more easily able to let go of them and feel the resolve we need to move forward. Feeling melancholy(which is talked about in ancient Daoists texts!) is also part of this season for many of us and when we recognize that this is a natural part of life it can help us to feel less depressed this time of year–and it helps when we follow the natural changes of the seasons.

Summer, the Fire season, is an active, outgoing time–we enjoy large gatherings of people, we work and play harder outdoors. Fall and winter are more reflective, going within times. Our ancestors who lived closer to the natural seasonal cycles had large gatherings in the summer–with music, games, sports, interacting with all of the tribes/clans in the larger area, but in fall and winter it was time to gather around the hearth fire with close family and friends, time for tool making, sewing and songs and storytelling. We can (and often do!) mimic this cycle with how we are often busy in the summer with outdoor activities, gardening, outdoor concerts and large gatherings of people; in the fall we tend to naturally stay at home more and have smaller gatherings with close friends and family. I love the Danish concept of Hygge–a feeling of comfort that they cultivate when it starts to get cold and dark. Something to think about for us! https://www.visitdenmark.com/denmark/highlights/hygge/what-hygge

The lung and large intestines are the organs associated with the Metal element and it is especially important to support them during this time of year–making sure to keep them healthy and balanced with diet, herbs, acupressure, and breathing.

To support our bodies during this time of change it is important to eat in a balanced way.This is the time for more warming/yang foods. Soups and stews, roasted root vegetables, more animal food (or more well cooked beans and whole grains if you are vegetarian) are better for this time of year–less raw foods and fruits which are more yin and better suited to spring and summer. Slightly spicy/pungent foods are also good to help clear and support the lungs–so add some herbs/spices to those soups and vegetables! Extremes are not good in Daoist thought–so very spicy foods/herbs can be harmful if used in excess or too often. Ginger tea is a favorite of mine for this time of year. Grate a couple tablespoons of fresh ginger and put in a quart canning jar, cover with hot water and let steep for 1 hour or so. Allow to cool enough to handle then strain, heat back up and add juice of one lemon and raw honey to taste. This will clear the sinuses and lungs and soothe and upset digestive system, and is a potent anti-viral. Elderberry syrup and/or tincture is a good herb to use to help prevent viral illnesses that are so common this time of year. Medicinal mushroom tea is also a great way to support the immune system. Powdered mushroom combinations can be purchased for use as a tea.

Deep, slow breathing is another way to balance and support our lungs–allow your chest and belly muscles to relax as you allow your lungs to fully inhale and exhale. Many of us get stuck in shallow, chest only breathing which activates the sympathetic nervous system while the deep, slow breathing activates the para-sympathetic nervous system. In other words, calming down the “fight, flight, freeze” reaction. Many systems of yoga and Qigong teach healthy ways to focus on our breath.

Acupressure is a great way to help balance our systems to get ready for the seasonal changes, and to support our health. One of my favorite lung points is the first point on the channel–just below the outer end of your clavicle and outside the second rib you can find a sensitive spot–press in towards the ribs on this “hurt good” point until it relaxes. Hoku is an important Large Intestine point that is found at end of the crease between your index finger and thumb–press towards the hand for the “hurt good” point. Acupressure sessions can help you get balanced and energized for the changes in the seasons and when you come to see me for a session I can teach you points to use at home!

“Joy of Feeling” Iona Marsaa Teeguarden

“Wood becomes Water, Chinese Medicine in Everyday Life” Gail Reichstein

“Rhythms of Change” Mary Saunders

This Oct 24th is National Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day–and in honor of that I am offering an Autumn special: purchase two sessions and get $5.00 off–you can use both for yourself or get a gift certificate for a friend–holidays are coming up! And for the time from Oct 24th to Thanksgiving week, to show my thanks to my clients I am offering a 1 oz herbal tincture that could be helpful for your energetic balancing this season!

Reminder of prices: $40 for 1/2 hr; $65 for 1 hr; $75 for 1 1/4 hr; $85 for 1 1/2 hr

http://www.midwestacupressure.com

What is Hygge? - VisitDenmark Find out what hygge means, how to pronounce it and how to hygge throughout the year.

40 hour JSD Basic class is scheduled for Oct 25-27 and Nov 8-10, 2019! Please see my webpage for more information: www.midwestacupressure.com

Midwest Acupressure and Massage Therapy JSD 40 hour Basic class: Cost is $600.00, $575.00 if you pay 30 days in advance and an additional $10.00 discount if you sign up with a friend! All materials are included! 

If you are in need of a massage and/or acupressure session I am taking appointments for tomorrow--July 4th!

Synthetic fragrances are extremely toxic--and this Gain detergent ad actually admits it! Please do not use these products--they cause cancer, migraines, asthma, allergic reactions and many more health issues! I get migraines from them myself!

Have you seen the new “the more the better” Gain detergent ad? It's not cool, not cool at all!
https://seriouslysensitivetopollution.org/2019/04/29/gain-sinking-your-disabled-boat/
Take Action!

I did not have enough interest for the Basic class in March so possibly June/July instead--let me know if interested. And then the Intermediate in Oct/Nov instead of summer. Thanks!

2019 Schedule
40 hour Basic Class

March 29-31 and April 12-14

$600.00; $575 if paid by 3/4/19
extra $10.00 off if you sign up with a friend!
All materials included!
This class is at my home office--call or email Debrah

Descriptions of classes are on my website.
Possibly June/July or Oct/Nov for the 55 hour Intermediate class

All Jin Shin Do® classes are approved for CEU’S for Massage Therapists: NCBTMB # 026771

I can teach small group classes at your convenience: Introductory, Self-help, Basic, Facial, pregnancy and labor. Half price for the organizer of the class.

Acupressure, like acupuncture, has its roots in the ancient Daoist tradition of China which taught the unity of body, mind and spirit. From this holistic perspective, good health and happiness are the result of free flowing, balanced energy. Jin Shin Do® Acupressure teaches you the precise use of acu-points, along with bodymind focusing techniques, which is the perfect combination of energy and physical work. This energy balancing helps to release chronic physical and emotional tension which can assist with your bodymind’s own ability to heal, and to relieve stress and pain.
Jin Shin Do® courses can lead to certification as a professional acupressurist. However, they are also a great way to enhance skills for any body worker, energy worker, nurse or other professional who is interested in holistic approaches to healing. You don’t have to be a professional though to enjoy learning ways to help yourself and your family! All of the classes include basic theory of Jin Shin Do® Acupressure and Traditional Chinese Medicine, along with plenty of practical hands on practice. You will also learn Qigong exercises to enhance your own health and to assist others.

Comment from a Massage Therapist who took the Basic class:
“I am applying the techniques that I learned daily in my practice and am amazed by their power. Thank you so very much for your endearing, peaceful and detailed teaching ability. Your seminar was truly the best that I have experienced in recent memory!”

Comment from a Massage Therapist who took the Fundamentals class and signed up for the Basic class:
“I am looking forward to learning with you. You opened my world to Eastern Healing and gave me the practical applications of acupressure that I use daily.”