Tapping

My Interest in tapping started on a breathwork training with #Laurent Roure and since this training I have been using a version of his technique combined with some lymphatic drainage using the main lymphatic points as a warmup in my class. I get real value from doing this because it connects me to my physical body-enhances my physical awareness, awareness and after having done a short rebound make me feel good.

 If you have been to my classes, you will know I often start with this activity and the feedback has included that it’s something they value at the beginning of class and has been incorporated as part of their daily routine.

 On one level tapping helps warm up the muscles of respiration these muscles are found in the lower part of our torso which holds the primary muscles. This connection of the hand to these muscles brings a subtle awareness to that space. The muscles include the intercostals, diaphragm and the abdominal muscles. Their job is to close the ribs, press air out of the lungs and help prolong breathing out. Their primary purpose is to combine air and blood to allow oxygen to be transmitted to the blood and carbon dioxide to be removed.

Tapping your skin and using the lymph drainage points, especially just above your collarbones, can activate the lymph capillaries beneath the skin and help with lymphatic drainage. It is also based-on Qi (energy)acupressure points fond in Chinese medicine (an ancient philosophy of healing where pain and illness occur.) When the body’s Qi is stuck, the points are used to stimulate and move energy. I love having acupuncture and always feel the benefits of moving stuck energy almost instantly. When I haven’t had it for a while I always wonder why.

How to tap to drain the lymph using a tapping routine: 

Use light pressure: Use the flats or fingers of your hands to gently stretch the skin, then release. You should be able to feel your muscles underneath your fingers. 

Move in the direction of the lymph node: move your strokes upward or in the direction of the lymph node. 

Other ways to help with lymphatic drainage include deep breathing, movement, swimming and moving a brush in circles on your skin. 

This can be used as a stand-alone practice first thing in the morning, tacked on to a yoga routine, which is what I like to do when teaching or before or after meditation. It is also something to do if you are feeling anxious you out of the head and back into the body. What’s not to like!?

#https://berkeley-acupuncture.com/

#LaurentRoure