DavidWolfe.comTraditional Chinese medicine is based on the belief that energy (chi or qi) flows through and around the body along pathways called meridians. Acupuncturists and others who practice this medicine believe that illness occurs when something either blocks your chi or causes it to become unbalanced. By helping to increase the flow of chi throughout the body, the organs can function more efficiently.
Each meridian in the body corresponds to a different internal organ. Meridians have pressure points, and it’s believed that practicing massage or acupuncture on these points can help release any blocked qi on the meridian, which in turn releases tension in the related organ. Pressing and holding the point draws qi into the channel to invigorate the organ.
It is believed that you can improve your health, mood and energize your body by placing an ice cube on a certain point located on the neck. If you practice massage or acupuncture, or you’ve been wanting to try it, this is a quick, easy and safe way to explore the theory of Chinese medicine at home.
The point on the neck is found between the tendons in the back of the neck, at the base of the skull and the top of the neck, close to the base of the hairline. In acupuncture, this point is called Feng Fu or Wind Mansion. Acupuncturists believe that stimulating this point promotes overall well-being. To begin, all you need is an ice cube.
Either sit or lie on your stomach and put one ice cube on the Feng Fu point on the neck. You’ll want to hold it there for twenty minutes, or secure it with something such as a bandage or a scarf. The cold will feel unpleasant at first, but within 30-60 seconds you should be able to feel the influx of heat to the point on your neck.
You can repeat this method in the morning and before bed to stimulate the release of endorphins into the bloodstream and create energy. According to Chinese medicine, this practice can restore and maintain physiological balance, while rejuvenating, strengthening and energizing the body. Regular activation of the Feng Fu point is also believed to:
- Improve the quality of sleep
- Improve the digestive system
- Eliminate frequent colds
- Decrease headache, toothache and joint pain
- Improve breathing
- Cure gastrointestinal problems
- Manage thyroid disorders
- Help with asthma
- Aid in the relief of arthritis
- Manage menstrual disorders
- Help manage stress, fatigue and depression
It should be noted that this method is not recommended if you have a pacemaker, are pregnant, or have epilepsy or schizophrenia. Check out the video below to learn more about using the ice method to energize your body by stimulating the Feng Fu point.