John R. Cook, Ph.D.
Registered Psychologist

Roughly five thousand years ago someone in China discovered that the human body has a subtle bioenergy system made up of energy conduits called meridians. These meridians are interconnected in ways that allow the flow of energy called Qi or Chi (pronounced chee) throughout the body, from one meridian to another. Disruptions to the flow of this energy created by blockages in any of the meridians were believed to cause disease. Conversely, the balancing of this energy through the use of Chinese medicine was found to restore health.

East met West during the 1970's, as the emerging field of Applied Kinesiology began to explore the connection between subtle energies and muscle function. In this way, Chinese medicine has influenced modern day chiropractic and physiotherapy practices. Some offshoots of Applied Kinesiology have even found their way into counselling offices. One of these is the Energy Diagnostic and Treatment Method (EDxTM) of psychologist Fred Gallo. It makes use of acupressure (rubbing and tapping) to treat energy imbalances associated with various psychological problems. A relaxation program employing EDxTM techniques is available for purchase at http://feelbettersolutions.com.

Acupuncturist Tapas Fleming combined Chinese medicine with yoga, coming up with a procedure for treating allergies she called the Tapas Acupressure Technique (TAT). She found that it was also effective in helping people deal with traumatic events. Today, it is widely used to help relieve people suffering from all sorts of emotional upset. The Tapas protocol is fully described in a free booklet available on her Website at http://www.tatlife.com/.

Briefly, TAT involves using a particular physical pose in combination with a series of affirmations, beginning with, "I deserve to live, and I CAN accept love, help and healing." The pose involves lightly touching areas on either side of the bridge of the nose, one-eighth inch above the inner corners of each eye, using the tips of the thumb and ring finger from the dominant hand. Place the tip of the middle finger from the same hand at the middle of your forehead, about one-half inch above eyebrow level. Last, cradle the back of your head just above the hairline, using the palm of your free hand. Hold this pose for a minute or two, or until you feel a sense of release or relaxation.

Repeat this procedure while attending to the problem that is causing your distress, and again while attending to the opposite condition or how you would like things to be different. Repeat it five more times, attending to each of the following five affirmations.

1. “All the origins of this problem are healing now.”
2. “All parts of me and of my life that held this problem are healing now.”
3. “All parts of me that got something out of having this problem are healing now.”
4. “I forgive everyone (including God) I have blamed for my having this problem.”
5. “I ask forgiveness of everyone I have hurt because of this problem.”