Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1481961
paradigms. In massage school, they had been taught as different approaches to healing. Neuromuscular bodyworkers were stressing the importance of origins, attachments, and actions of muscles, along with the location of trigger points (a hyperirritable, palpable nodule in the taut bands of the skeletal muscles' fascia) in the treatment of physical complaints. Asian bodywork emphasizes the importance of meridians—pathways of energy in the body—that were punctuated with tsubos. These tsubos, also called acupressure points, are located along 14 major meridians or pathways of chi, in the body (Image 1). Shiatsu involves pressure, both general and specific, that is applied to these meridians and points. Asian bodywork, including acupuncture and acupressure, has evolved over millennia and was based on empirical evidence long before modern scientific-based anatomical awareness. L i s te n to T h e A B M P Po d c a s t a t a b m p.co m /p o d c a s t s o r w h e reve r yo u a cce s s yo u r favo r i te p o d c a s t s 67 Various approaches to Asian bodywork acknowledge that specific points along meridian pathways have particular value in helping relieve muscular tension and pain, contribute to relaxation, and promote a sense of well-being in the client. 2 I wondered, "Where is the commonality in the differing approaches to bodywork? We all have the same anatomy. Do acupressure points have a physiological basis?" I was particularly interested in a set of acupressure points called "great points." As I studied them, I realized several of them did indeed correlate with the motor points of the muscles where they were located. While awareness of motor points is a significant aspect of physical therapy education, the knowledge of motor points is mostly neglected in massage therapy education. But here, I realized, was the key to the integration of Eastern and Western anatomy. Motor point C7 T12 3 When applying pressure to tonic points, your contact should be perpendicular to the surface of the skin. Motor point of the trapezius muscle. (Gallbladder 21)