What is Tibetan Acupressure?

Tibetan Acupressure is based upon a system of control points using the vibration of healing energy to heal, relieve pain, and to remove the symptoms as well as the cause of illness. Many ancient civilizations understood that there are pressure points in the feet and hands that correspond to various organs and systems throughout the body. These reflex maps were used to treat the body and mind as a holistic system, removing stress and restoring physical, emotional and spiritual balance.

Tibetan Acupressure System (TAS) is an ancient system of reflexive pressure point healing, which accesses the body’s natural corrective energies in order to bring it to balance. The system is subtle, profound and especially efficient at eliminating pain, and restoring a sense of well-being on all levels. Tibetan Acupressure can be administered with the client sitting upright and fully dressed in a chair or wheelchair, or alternatively with the client lying in a bed or on a massage table.

The system is taught by Rae Hatherton, a master teacher who was pivotal in the founding and development of the system for teaching purposes. She offers the courses internationally. This system is commonly taught to Massage Therapists, Body Therapists, TCM Practitioners, Palliative Care Workers, Elder Caregivers & the General Public. A CD version of the system is used in teaching and in the delivery of the system.

For courses and locations, please click here.

How does Tibetan Accupressure work?

In the Tibetan Acupressure System (TAS), reflex pressure points in the feet, legs, hands, arms, back, neck and head are stimulated with a special twisting motion of the hand and fingers enhancing the body’s energy to flow into the point. TAS sessions improve circulation, clear energetic blockages and eliminate stress from the body. The sessions activate the body’s natural response systems to strengthen the immune system, repair damage and restore the body to a state of homeostasis. TAS is a simple and safe method to alleviate stress and chronic pain. Although TAS can be used for the most serious conditions, the reflex points can also be applied for day to day wear and tear proactive healing as well as anxiety, stress and even the common sinus ailment.

A Tibetan Accupressure session

There are energy maps within the body made up of reflex points. The ones used in this system are the maps of the feet, legs, hands, arms, shoulders, back and head. By pressing particular reflex points in sequence, beginning with the feet and legs, moving up to hands and arms and finally head neck and spine, the corresponding system, or organ of the body is stimulated with a sudden flow of new and rejuvenated energy. Energy is believed to move upward in this system and is delivered by touching the reflex points with thumb or forefinger using little pressure and a twist of the wrist deepening the connection.

Many things may be experienced during the session. Some clients have laughed, cried, sighed or coughed, perspired or felt chilled– displaying the different ways of releasing blocked energies in the body. Occasionally some may see colors or images. Some experience tingling sensations, or feelings of heat from within their bodies. Most often, clients have described feeling deep relaxation and soothing energy flowing through their bodies.  This feeling of calm and relief from pain usually lasts during and after sessions. Many clients find relief from their chronic conditions for many days and with a series of sessions, conditions may recede and often clear completely.

The TAS session duration is 45 minutes to one hour. Many individuals experience such intense relaxation that they may require 5-15 minutes to return from their meditative state. The sensation is profoundly relaxing physically, mentally and emotionally.  If there are chronic or acute conditions, the practitioner may, at the conclusion of the formal session, implement deeper point penetration in afflicted areas since the body is totally relaxed and receptive. The feeling of peace and calm generated by the session may last several days.

Since the sessions are done in partnership, client and practitioner both benfit from the circuiting of energy that occurs during the session. This is a wonderful modality for massage therapists, bodyworkers, reflexologists and acupuncturists who have tired of the body stressors brought on by delivering their modality. Sessions can also be performed on a massage table if sitting is uncomfortable, if the client’s condition prohibits sitting upright or as a means for a massage therapist or TCM practitioners to incorporate points from the system into their protocol.

What conditions can be worked with?

The Tibetan Acupressure System (TAS) works with the entire body and all its physical and energetic systems. The treatment awakens the body’s natural healing energies and has a profound effect on mind and body. As sessions are gentle anyone can benefit from its effects including babies and children, the elderly, pregnant women and nursing mothers.

Some common health conditions that can be assisted with Tibetan Acupressure include:

• Chronic pain
• Insomnia
• Depression/Anxiety
• Mental and Emotional Stress
• Shoulder and Back tension
• Chronic Fatigue syndrome
• Women’s Issues including PMS and Menopausal Symptoms
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Digestive conditions including Reflux, Heartburn, Constipation and IBS
• Environmental Allergies
• Fibromyalgia
• Sciatica
• Neuropathy
• Dizziness/Tinnitus
• Headaches/Migraines
• Circulatory conditions including Heart Distress, Blood Pressure Issues
• Vasculitis, Edema
• Cancer - to support immune response and to reduce localized pain

To book a Tibetan Acupressure session, check for certified practioners in your area.

For courses and locations, please click here.