Did you know you could get free ear acupressure on a weekly basis? Over the summer months of 2010, Rachel Knopf and I, co-leaders of Wellness & Health Promotion (formerly known as Health Education), as well as Tracy Robin, Assistant Vice President for Student Health & Support Services, were trained at the Lincoln Recovery Center in the Bronx in auricular acupuncture and acupressure. Based on Chinese medicine, these healing practices are based on the belief that the body has pressure points that when stimulated promote health and wellbeing. Specifically, we were trained in the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) protocol which stimulates five points in the ear (liver, kidneys, lungs, Shen Men and the sympathetic nervous system). Our aim via this training is to bring the practice of auricular acupuncture and acupressure to The New School as a way to complement and enhance health services offered to the student community.
Free auricular acupressure is offered every Thursday, 5-6 PM, at Lang Café for the entire 2010-2011 academic year. I am the primary provider and work closely with both Rachel and Tracy so that services are also offered through classes, by appointment, and during special events, such as the Day of Wellness, and whenever we table. One of the most amazing things about acupressure is that with appropriate training anyone can do it. We have trained Peer Health Advocates in acupressure and they, in turn, provide it when they table.
The point we stimulate when we provide acupressure is Shen Men (“Spirit Gate”). The tradition holds that when this point is stimulated by pressure (whether finger or seeds), it alleviates anxiety, controls nervousness, has a general relaxing effect, and helps bring the “Spirit Heart” (Heart Energetic) into balance for a conscious self. The images below show the approximate location of Shen Men as seen from the front part of the ear.In ancient times, actual plant seeds were used as the material for acupressure and the term remains with us today – ‘seeds’ (magnetic pellets) are placed on the Shen Men points on the back side of the outer ear, and can be left there for up to 3 days. We encourage participants to stimulate the point by lightly pressing on the seeds or when the seed is not in, massaging the ears. A bit of self love goes a long way!
For more information on acupressure or on any of the programs and services offered via Wellness and Health Promotion, email wellness@newschool.edu.
Written by: Tamara Oyola-Santiago, Health Educator
