Self-Massage
Techniques, Methods, Practices, Theories

Acupressure, Tui Na - Chinese Medical Massage, Reflexology, Trigger Point Therapy, Roller-Ball
Physical and Emotional Healing

Cloud Hands Blog

Fingers and Hands


Bibliography     Resources     Quotations     Techniques

 

Research by
Michael P. Garofalo

 

 

 

 

 

Bibliography and Links

Self-Massage
Techniques, Methods, Practices, and Theories
Acupressure, Tui Na - Chinese Medical Massage, Reflexology, Trigger Point Therapy, Roller-Ball

 

 

The Acupressure Atlas.  By Bernard C. Kolster, M.D., and Astrid Waskowiak, M.D..  Healing Arts Press, 2007.  240 pages.  ISBN: 978-1594772078.  VSCL. 


Acupressure for Emotional Healing: A Self-Care Guide for Trauma, Stress, & Common Emotional Imbalances.  By Michael Reed Gach, Ph.D., and Beth Ann Henning, A.B.T..  New York, Bantam Books, 2004.  Index, bibliography, appendices, glossary, 307 pages.  ISBN: 0553382438.  VSCL. 


Acupressure's Potent Points: A Guide to Self-Care for Common Ailments.  By Michael Reed Gach, Ph.D.  New York, Bantam, 1990.  Index, glossary, 251 pages.  ISBN: 978-0553349702.  VSCL. 


Acupressure Techniques: A Self-Help Guide.  Well-being and pain relief at your fingertips.  By Julian Kenyon, M.D..  Healing Arts Press, Reissue Edition, 1996.  222 pages.  ISBN: 978-0892816415. 


Body-Mind, Soma, Somaesthetics: Quotations, Bibliography, Resources, Practices and Theory


Bodywisdom
: An Easy-To-Use Handbook of Simple Exercises and Self-Massage Techniques for Busy People.  By Amiyo Ruhnke and Anando Wurzburger.  Tuttle Publishing, 1996.  ISBN: 0804830819.


Bodywork
.  What Type of Massage to Get and How to Make the Most of It.   By Thomas Claire.  New York, William Morrow, Quill, 1995.  Index, bibliography, glossary, notes, resources, 440 pages.  ISBN: 0688149529.  VSCL.   


The Book of Massage: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Eastern and Western Techniques.  By Lucinda Lidell, Sara Thomas, Carola Bresford Cook, and Anthony Porter.  New York, Fireside book Gaia, 1984.  Index, 191 pages. ISBN: 0671541390.  A later edition is dated 2001.  VSCL.  


Chinese Qigong Massage: General Massage.  By Yang Jwing-Ming and Alan Dougall.   YMAA Pub., 1992.  336 pages.  ISBN: 0940871254.


Chinese Self-Massage Therapy: The Easy Way to Health.
  By Fan Ya-Li, Doctor of Tui Na in Chinese TCM.  Boulder, Colorado, Blue Poppy Press, 1999.  Index, bibliography, 159 pages.  ISBN: 0936185740.   VSCL. 


Chi Kung (Qigong), Yang Shengong, Dao Yin: Lessons, Bibliographies, Guides, Quotations, Research


Chi Self-Massage: The Taoist Way of Rejuvenation.  By Mantak Chia.  Healing Tao Books, 1991.  Reissue Edition.  176 pages.  ISBN: 0935621016.   


Cloud Hands Blog  By Mike Garofalo.


Cloud Hands Blog  Posts about Acupressure.  Posts about Hands.  Posts about Touching. 


The Complete Book of Massage.  By Clare Maxwell-Hudson.  New York, Random House, 1988.  Index, 144 pages.  ISBN: 0394759753.  VSCL. 


The Complete Guide to Massage.   A Step-by-Step Approach to Total Body Relaxation.  By Susan Mumford.  New York, Plume, Penguin Books, 1995.  Index, 191 pages.  ISBN: 0452275180.  VSCL. 


Do-In 2: The Art of Rejuvenation Through Self-Massage and Breathing Exercises.  By Jacques de Langre.  Happiness Press, 1978.  52 pages.  ISBN: B0006X205O.


The EFT Manual (Everyday EFT: Emotional Freedom Techniques)  By Gary Craig.  Energy Psychology Press, 2008.  209 pages.  ISBN: 978-1604150308.  VSCL. 


Energy Medicine: Balancing Your Body's Energies for Optimal Health, Joy, and Vitality.  By Donna Eden.  Jeremy P. Tharcher, Revised Edition, 2008.  432 pages.  ISBN: 978-1585426508.  VSCL. 


Energy Psychology: Self-Healing Practices for Bodymind Health.   By Michael Mayer, Ph.D..  Berkeley, North Atlantic Books, 2009.  Index, notes, 423 pages.  ISBN: 9781556437243.  VSCL. 


Foam Roller Workbook: Illustrated Step-by-Step Guide to Stretching, Strengthening and Rehabilitative Techniques.  By Karl Knopf.  Ulysses Press, 2011.  144 pages.  ISBN: 978-1569759257. 


Fingers, Hands, Touch, Touching, Somatics 


Fitness and Well-Being  


The Five Senses


A Gift for Healing: How You Can Use Therapeutic Touch.  By Deborah Cowens.  Three Rivers Press, 1996.  254 pages.  ISBN: 0517886510.


Hands and Touching: Reflections, Studies, Bibliography, Quotations 


Haptics, Touching and Tactile Sensations: Reflections, Studies, Bibliography, Quotations 


The Healer Within: Using Traditional Chinese Techniques To Release Your Body's Own Medicine, Movement, Massage, Meditation, Breathing.  By Rober Jahnke.  Harper One, 1998.  288 pages.  ISBN: 978-0062514776. 


Healing Self-Massage: Over 100 Simple Techniques for Re-energizing Body and Mind.  By Kristine Kaoverii Weber.  Collins and Brown, 2005.  96 pages.  ISBN: 1843402114.


Heal Yourself with Emotional Freedom Technique: A Teach Yourself Guide.  By John Freedom.  McGraw Hill, 2013.  256 pages.  ISBN: 978-1444177183.  VSCL. 


Jobs' Body: A Handbook for Bodywork
.   By Deane Juhan.  Foreword by Ken Dychtwald.  Barrytown, New York, Station Hill Press, 1987.  Index, bibliography, 365 pages.  ISBN:  0882681346.  VSCL. 


KindTouch Massage: Self-Massage for Health and Well-Being.   By Lynne Walters and Kathleen M. Webster.  Sterling Pub., 2002.   Book and CD combination.  146 pages. ISBN: 0806915439.


Massage: A Practical Introduction.  By Stewart Mitchell.  Rockport, Massachusetts, Element Press, 1992.  Index, glossary, appendices, 138 pages.  ISBN: 1852303867.  VSCL. 


The Massage Book.  By George Downing.  New York, Random House, 1972.  183 pages.  ISBN: ISBN: 0394707702.  VSCL. 


The MELT Method: A Breakthrough Self-Treatment System to Eliminate Chronic Pain, Erase the Signs of Aging, and Feel Fantastic in Just 10 Minutes a Day!  By Sue Hitzmann with Debbie Karch.  New York, HarperOne, 2013.  Index, 304 pages.  ISBN: 978-0062065353.  VSCL. 


Me-ssage: A Natural Method of Full Body Self-Massage.   By Judy Unell.  Trafford, 2003.  48 pages.  ISBN:  1553697499.


Qigong and Chinese Self-massage for Everyday Health Care: Ways to Address Chronic Health Issues and to Improve Your Overall Health Based on Chinese Medicine Techniques.  By Qingnan Zeng.  Chinese Health Qigong, Singing Dragon, 2014.  200 pages.  ISBN: 978-1848191990. 


Qigong (Chi Kung, Dao Yin, Yangshengong): Links, Bibliography, Resources, Quotes, Notes


Pilates: Links, Bibliography, Resources, Quotes, Notes   


Qigong (Chi Kung), Yang Shen Gong: Lessons, Bibliographies, Guides, Quotations, Research


Qigong Massage - Self Massage.   Instructional videotape by Yang Jwing-Ming. YMAA Publications, 1999.   


Quotations, Curiosities: Fingers, Hands, Touch, Touching, Somatics  


Romantic Massage: Ten Unforgettable Massages for Special Occasions.  By Anne Kent Rush.  New York, Avon Books, 1991.  150 pages.  ISBN: 0380759853.  VSCL.  


Secrets to Living Younger Longer: The Self-Healing Path of Qigong Standing Meditation and Tai Chi.  By Michael Mayer, Ph.D..  Orinda, California, Body Mind Healing Publications, 2004.  Index, bibliography, 281 pages.  ISBN: 0970431066.  This book has a companion instructional video/DVD called "Body Mind Healing Qigong." Website:  Body Mind Healing.  VSCL.   


Self-Massage: A Complete 15-Minutes-A-Day Massage System for Health and Healing.  By Jacqueline Young.  Thorsons Pub., 1992.   128 pages.  ISBN: 0722525109.   


Self-Massage for Athletes.  By Rich Poley.   Two Hand Press, 2007.  176 pages.  ISBN: 978-0977608607. 


Somaesthetics: Practices and Theory


Strength Training for Seniors

 

 

 

 

Strings on Your Fingers: String Figures, String Games, String Tricks

Fingers, Hands, Touch, Touching, Somatics

Touching - Thoughts and Quotations for Gardeners

Tools - Thoughts and Quotations for Gardeners

Pulling Onions: Thoughts of a Gardener

Hands and Touching: Reflections, Studies, Bibliography, Quotations

Self-Massage Therapy: Bibliography, Links, Resources

Strings on Your Fingers: String Art, String Stories, Native Crafts

 

 

 


Self-Massage for Your Eyes.  By Simon Wang.  Part of the Chinese Health Library Series.  East Health Development Group, 1998.  ISBN: 0964160560.  


Sexual Reflexology: Activating the Taoist Points of Love.  By Mantak Chia and William U. Wei.  Destiny Books, 2003.  2nd Edition.  192 pages.  ISBN: 0892810882.


Soma, Body-Mind, Soma, Somaesthetics: Quotations, Bibliography, Resources, Practices and Theory


Stretching and Flexibility: Links, Bibliography, Resouces, Quotes, Notes


Subject Index to the Cloud Hands Website
    


The Subtle Body: An Encyclopedia of Your Energetic Anatomy  By Cyndi Dale.  Boulder, Colorado, Sounds True, 2009.  Notes, bibliography, detailed index, 487 pages.  ISBN: 9781591796718.  VSCL. 


Taijiquan: Links, Bibliography, Resources, Quotes, Notes   


Tappan's Handbook of Healing Massage Techniques: Classic, Holistic, and Emerging Methods.  By Frances M. Tappan and Patricia J. Benjamin.  Stamford, CT, Appleton and Lange, Third Edition, 1998.  Index, bibliography, glossary, appendices, 414 pages.  ISBN: 083853676X.  The 5th Edition is dated 2009.  VSCL.  


The Tapping Solution.  DVD, 2011.  Produced by Nicolas Ortner.  ISBN: 9780981536323.  VSCL. 


The Tapping Solution: A Revolutionary System for Stress-Free Living  By Nicolas Ortner.  Carlsbad, California, Hay House, 2013.  Index, 230 pages.  ISBN: 978-1401939427.  VSCL. 


The Tapping Solution for Weight Loss & Body Confidence: A Woman's Guide to Stressing Less, Weighing Less, and Loving More.  By Jessica Ortner.  Hay House, 2014.  Index, 279 pages.  ISBN: 978-1401945114.  VSCL. 


Touching and Tactile Feelings and Sensations: Reflections, Studies, Bibliography, Quotations 


Trigger Point Self-Care Manual: For Pain-Free Movement  By Donna Finando, L.Ac., LMT.  Healing Arts Press, 2005.  208 pages.  ISBN: 978-1594770807. 


Trigger Point Therapy for Myofascial Pain: The Practice of Informed TouchBy Donna Finando, L.Ac., LMT.  Healing Arts Press, 2005.  256 pages.  ISBN: 978-1594770548.


Trigger Point Therapy with the Foam Roller: Self-Treatment Exercises for Muscle Massage, Myofascial Release, Injury Prevention and Physical RehabBy Karl Knopf, M.D. and Chris Knopf.  Berkeley, California, Ulysses Press, 2014.  Index, 96 pages.  ISBN: 978-1612433547.  VSCL.


The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-Treatment Guide for Pain Relief.  By Clair Daview MCTMB, Amber Daviews CMTPT LMT.  Foreword by David G. Simons, M.D..  New Harbinger Publications, Third Edition, 2013.  376 pages.  ISBN: 978-1608824946. 


Trigger Point Therapy Workbook:  Your Self-Treatment Guide for Pain Relief.  By Clair Davies.  New Harbinger Pub., 2001.  267 pages.  ISBN: 1572242507.


What is Tui Na?


Valley Spirit Center, Red Bluff, California


VSCL =  Valley Spirit Center Library of Mike Garofalo, Red Bluff, California


Yoga: Links, Bibliography, Resources, Quotes, Notes

 

 

 

 

Quotations and Techniques

Self-Massage
Techniques, Methods, Practices, and Theories
Acupressure, Tui Na - Chinese Medical Massage, Reflexology, Trigger Point Therapy, Roller-Ball

 

 

 

Ling Gu

    "Perhaps the most famous, and one of the most commonly used points of Tung Ching Ch'ang's (1916-1975) system is Ling Gu (22.5).  The name 'Ling Gu' literally means 'miraculous bone,' and without a doubt the effectiveness of Ling Gu is extraordinary.  Ling Gu is located on the back of the hand in the space between the thumb and first finger, as far back as possible at the junction of the metacarpal bones.  It is in a similar location to the conventional point He Gu LI-4  (e.g., Da Bai 22.4), but is located closer to the wrist than He Gu
    In Chinese medical terms, Ling Gu frees the channels and quickens the network vessels (luo mai), clears and regulates Lung qi, frees and descends the Stomach and intestines, frees the qi and disperses stasis.  Since it has a very strong moving function it is a main point to treat many types of pain.  However, because of its strong moving function it should not be used on pregnant women.
    The list of conditions the Ling Gu point treats includes migraine, low back pain, sciatica, facial paralysis, hemiplegia (e.g., paralysis after stroke), tinnitus, deafness, menstrual disorders (irregular, scanty, profuse, absent), frequent urination, incontinence, foot pain, intestinal pain, and breathing difficulties.  I usually recommend this point for home acupressure treatment in patients with any type of headache, low back pain, sciatica or leg pain. 
    To stimulate the point, press deep into the hand using the thumb of the opposite hand.  Pressure should be strong enough to feel a numbing or aching sensation deep in the point.  Hold the pressure for several seconds and then release.  Repeat several times for the next minute or two.  Remember to stimulate the point on the opposite side of where the pain is felt.  The, be sure move the area of the pain (the Moving Qi technique).  For example, to treat right-sided back or leg pain, press into the left Ling Gu.  At the same time bend and stretch the low back, or move the leg that is painful.  Repeat this stimulation several times per day or as needed."
-  Henry McCann, DAOM, LAc, "Tung Lineage Classical Acupuncture," Qi: the Journal of Traditional Eastern Health and Fitness, Volume 25, No. 1, Spring, 2015, pp. 26-33.

Tun'gs Points: Dai Bai and Ling Gu (Spirit Bone)  UTube

 

"Ling Gu, or "spirit bone," is a point virtually all of my sciatic patients will be familiar with. The point comes from the renowned Tung family style of acupuncture, and is a highly effective acupuncture point for relieving sciatic pain. This point is located on the hand opposite the side of the pain. Find ling ku by searching for a sore spot next to the round, bony end of the 2nd metacarpal (see diagram). Once you have found the sore spot in this area, press the point firmly so that it is sore, and continue pressure for 3-5 minutes. It is best to gently move the lower back by tilting and rotating the pelvis while pressing the point. You should notice pain relief during this process. If not, try pressing the point on the same side as the pain. Using acupressure for ling gu has worked well at need, and provides good temporary relief from the pain, and can help during long car ride, sitting through a movie or getting through a tough day at work. For longer lasting and permanent relief, however, using a needling technique is usually required. Remember, as always, acupressure should be done with a calm mind and gentle intention. We aren't pushing the body into submission, we are allowing it to open to a healthier pattern."
Christopher Reilly, Ling Gu, L.Ac., MSA

 


Ling Gu Point at Junction of Metacarpal Bones
He Gu
Acupuncture Point LI-4

 

 

 

He Gu

 

 

 

 

Lao Gong


"The palm of the hand is home to one of the most powerful acupuncture points, which is considered also to be a minor chakra. The Chinese name for this point is Lao Gong, the Palace of Labor, and it’s the 8th point on the Pericardium meridian.  The classical location of this point is about where the tips of the ring and middle finger lands, in the palm of the hand, when we make a fist. 
     Pericardium 8 may have been named “palace of labor” for a very mundane reason: because the hands are the part of the body frequently used to engage in manual labor.  A somewhat more interesting explanation is that, according to the Five Shen system, the heart is residence of the “emperor” of all the shen.  Since the pericardium is the sack that encases and protects the heart, we can think of it also as being the heart’s (and emperor’s) “palace,” whose job (i.e. labor) it is to comfort and protect the king. 
     To massage your own Lao Gong, simply rest one hand, palm up, on the fingers and palm of the other hand. Then, use the bottom hand’s thumb to reach into the palm of the top hand.  Apply moderate pressure, with the end or tip of your thumb, moving it in tiny circles, as you place your mental focus gently upon the point." 
Acupressure Treasury - Lao Gong 

 

You can also practice the Sun Taijiquan He Shou and Kai Shou movements, Open Hands and Close Hands, to visualize/imagine/pretend/act/engage/positively enhance/open the Lao Gong point and its connection to the pericardium that surrounds your heart. 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Michael P. Garofalo's E-Mail

Valley Spirit Center, Gushen Grove, Red Bluff, California

 

 


Red Bluff, Tehama County, North Sacramento Valley, Northern Central California, U.S.A.
Cities in the area: Oroville, Paradise, Durham, Chico, Hamilton City, Orland, Willows, Corning,
Rancho Tehama, Los Molinos, Tehama, Proberta, Gerber, Manton, Cottonwood,
Anderson, Shasta Lake, Palo Cedro, and Redding, CA, California.

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This webpage was last modified or updated on March 19, 2015.

This webpage was first posted on the Internet in May of 2004.

© Green Way Research, Red Bluff, California, 2004-2105

Brief Biography of Michael P. Garofalo