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to be drained and redistributed. Any insufficiency of energy, as evidenced by fatigue, has to be supplemented. The four seasons are times when the qi or universal life energy of the client is in a state of ebb and flow. We often find ourselves, and our clients, at peak energy during a particular season and bottoming out in another. The Emperor's Classic also mentions that such seasons are in opposition to one another, but not exclusively so. This can be the case for someone who finds that he or she has abundant energy in summer and little or no energy in winter. But what is the connection? Let's take the case of Jane, a fictitious client, who will represent the cyclical relationships of energy. In the summer, Jane feels like getting up every morning and performs many long- term projects. She is also much more mentally alert and enthusiastic about life. However, all that energy takes a lot out of her. So when winter comes, her body and mind slow down as they store and replenish energy. Then, when summer comes, she is at her peak again. Therefore, as a massage therapist, you should do massage or acupressure for Jane that drains and relaxes her in summer. In winter, you do the opposite. That way, she is in harmony again with nature and the universe. DAOIST TECHNIQUES Acupressure techniques are the same as acupuncture techniques, without the needles. This work is best explained by using the famous Tai Ji yin/yang symbol of cyclical relationships (Image 1). This symbolic representation will also clarify our client Jane's pattern of energy. The light or white color in the Tai Ji represents yang energy or fire. Fire symbolizes light, heat, and activity. This represents the functional part of the human being. In terms of human biology, yang symbolizes the physiology of the human being. The black or opaque color symbolizes yin energy or water. Water symbolizes dark, cool, and passivity—everything that is opposite to yang. Notice the four segments into which cyclical time has been divided. The top of the symbol describes the peak of yang. During the height of summer, or at noon, is when light, heat, and energy are most abundant. This is a time when activities and thoughts (the mind) expand. By contrast, the bottom of the circle describes the bottom level of energy. Here, during winter, and at midnight, is when darkness and is excess energy causing pain. If I want to release and sedate, I will go against the flow of yang energy. First, I have to make sure that the pain is musculoskeletal or myofascial and caused by excessive strain. If the pain, however, is due to a tumor or organ, a deficiency might be causing the pain. When I want to energize and strengthen the client, I rotate my movement on the acupressure point clockwise. The length of time holding the acupressure point is dependent on the condition of the client and his or her The therapist has to respect the pain threshold of the client, but also be guided by the intent of the therapy. cold are at their peak, while energy is at its lowest point. Activities and thoughts contract or shrink during this time. Also, notice how yang energy flows in a clockwise direction. So in the summer, Jane has the energy to think and act as if all activities are long-term. In the winter, Jane always feels spent and tired, therefore it's in the winter when Jane needs to conserve energy. What about spring and autumn? Spring represents the rise and growth of natural energy toward summer. Autumn, on the other hand, depicts the falling and shrinking of natural energy, as the body prepares to shut down and replenish in the winter. As an acupressure therapist utilizing the Daoist philosophy, I may place my thumb, finger, or whole hand on a key acupressure point, or ashi point, that is painful and rotate to the left or counterclockwise, if there constitution. Chronic conditions take 2–5 minutes, while acute conditions can take 20–30 seconds to have an effect. Is there pressure involved in this action of regulation? Yes, but pressure applied need not be excessive. On a scale of 1–10 (from lowest to highest), pressure can be anything from 2–5. The therapist has to respect the pain threshold of the client, but also be guided by the intent of the therapy. It's all about modulating the energy of the client. The intent is not to squeeze out the painful point, creating a situation of good pain, but instead to create a circuit between client and therapist. By being non-confrontational and using pressure on a scale of 1–10, you allow qi energy to flow from the universe through you and into the client, thus creating a circuit. However, the therapist also visualizes or intends this circuitry. Those practicing qigong connect with your colleagues on massageprofessionals.com 71