November Newsletter

Pressure Point of the Day

G.V. 15, Gate of the Deaf and Mute, is located between the 1st and 2nd cervical vertebrae. For me, this is one of the most important pressure points in the psychosomatic neuroendocrine system. I call it the gate of our pharmacies within. It allows you to access your own body’s tranquilizers and is located below the Medulla oblongata. I explain the function of this Medulla below. Because fall and autumn bring the energy of melancholy, grief, sadness, this is a good pressure point for these emotions. However, G.V. 15 is also good to use year-round.

Traditionally, this pressure point is good for epilepsy, stroke, speech difficulty, posterior headache, nosebleed, neurosis, and hysteria. I like to use this for my patients to potentially balance brain chemistry for the following cases:

Stress management by regulating cortisol, depression by increasing serotonin and dopamine, and insomnia by increasing melatonin. My patients often respond by saying it feels so good! It releases negative and heavy congestion from the mind.  I always ask my patients to focus on abdominal Dantian breathing when I apply deep pressure on the point. I also incorporate another pressure point of the Third Eye when I apply pressure. It brings an immediate experience of transformation from the physical body to Dharma consciousness which is filled with compassion and peace.

The brainstem controls the autonomic nervous system which regulates the body’s involuntary functions like breathing, digestion, maintaining blood pressure and temperature, and circulating blood. The reticular activating system which regulates sleep patterns also resides here.

Cranial nerves help the brain stem function. 10 of 12 cranial nerves reside in the brainstem and the first two cranial nerves control smell and vision. Nerves 3 through 8 begin in the midbrain and pons, and nerves nine through 12 begin in the medulla.

• Cranial nerve 9 is the glossopharyngeal nerve, and it controls swallowing, taste, and saliva production.
  
• Cranial nerve 10 is the vagus nerve, which plays a role in breathing, heart function, and digestion. This nerve is also the source for parasympathetic stimulation, which controls hormone release.
• Cranial nerve 11 is the accessory nerve, and controls the muscles in the upper back and neck. This nerve allows you to turn your head and shrug your shoulders.
• Cranial nerve 12 is the hypoglossal nerve. This nerve controls tongue movement and is important for speech and swallowing.

These sections of the brain and their cranial nerves relay messages to the spinal cord and the rest of the body to perform our basic life functions.