NEUROSCIENCE and THE VB14 POINT

This point plays an important role in people experiencing emotional distress and trauma. Let’s see how it relates to what happens in our brains when we are “upset”

When we perceive a “threat” (of whatever kind) in our lives, a region of our brain called Amygdala It is stimulated to trigger a whole series of responses in the nervous and endocrine systems, which are involved in adapting to the threat through various mechanisms. This “threat” can, in fact, be anything. Almost all of us can feel our “amygdala” being stimulated if we see a car heading straight towards us at high speed. However, less obvious mechanisms can come into play when we have traumas and automatic memories (samskaras) that make us feel threatened by everyday experiences such as the tone of a voice, a touch, or any other situation that reminds us of the situation that “overwhelmed” us.

Our amygdala detects “danger” but is unable to assess or weigh up that danger. For that, we have the Frontal Lobes of the neocortex, in particular, the Medial Prefrontal Cortex which is located right on the forehead, above the eyes (note that this is exactly where VB14 is situated). This region of the brain, Bessel Van der Kolk, It is called “the Watchtower” because it is what allows us to gain a broader view and perspective on what we are experiencing. This region of your brain is responsible for observing what is happening, predicting, evaluating and weighing up the possible options in order to make a decision about it. Our Emotional Centre (limbic system) cannot make decisions. The medial prefrontal cortex enables us to analyse and consider whether the situation flagged by the amygdala as “dangerous” is truly a threat or not, so that we can calm down and regain our balance.  Thanks to this region, we can be more objective about our thoughts, feelings and emotions, improve our behaviour and habits, and develop our attention.

The problem with this process is that, at times, the emotional brain goes into autopilot and disconnects from the frontal lobes, causing us to “lose our temper”, to be unable to control our emotions, and to fail to make sound decisions. In other words, at such times, we fail to regulate or control the “fight-or-flight” response and lose what we call “reason”.

The connection between our emotional system and our prefrontal cortex is essential for managing stress and emotions. One way to work on this frontal region is through the practice of mindfulness, which enables us to train ourselves to detach from our emotions and begin to view them from a distance, so that we can make decisions based on coherence. Another way is to modify the energy body by using acupuncture points such as the stimulation at VB14 which we highlight in this article.

VB14 is situated precisely at the level of the medial prefrontal cortex and on the Gallbladder Meridian

According to Chinese medicine, the gallbladder, on an emotional and mental level, gives us courage and the ability to make decisions; in other words, it influences our neocortex and reasoning. In Ancient China, it was said that good soldiers had a strong “gallbladder” because they possessed the courage to charge into battle and were able to avoid being overcome by fear, instead weighing up and analysing situations. The VB14 point activates our prefrontal cortex, providing excellent support in enabling us to observe our emotions and automatic responses objectively and clearly and, as a result, to make appropriate decisions. This is why, in classical Chinese medicine, it was said that this point is like a Sun that brings “Clarity” to those situations where our judgement is “clouded”.”

 

STIMULATION OF THE VB14 POINT

There are various ways to stimulate these points in Chinese medicine, the best known being acupuncture (stimulation using needles). However, this method is not accessible to everyone, as you may not be an acupuncturist and may not have the needles or the technique required to insert them. For this reason, we outline here techniques and methods of stimulation that you can practise at home as part of your self-care routine. Some of these exercises have been specifically designed by Helena Chacón and are based on the methods we use in our personalised and group sessions. If you’re interested in learning them, please ask us about the relevant training course.

 

ACUPRESSURE

Acupressure is the stimulation of energy points using the fingers. To be truly effective, it must be carried out with mindfulness and conscious breathing. This is the acupressure technique I teach on my training courses and to my clients:

• Locate VB14 on the right and left
• Stimulate the points by first tapping them gently with the tips of your index and middle fingers for a few seconds
• Gently massage in a circular motion around the area to get a feel for the point. You can do this with your index and middle fingers, or with your thumbs
• Start applying intermittent pressure to check how deep you want to go and to start noticing “what you feel”.
• Once you feel you have found the right amount of pressure, hold it for between 15 seconds and 3 minutes. At this stage, you should not “drag” the skin but apply pressure at a right angle.
• As you do this, take a deep breath and notice the sensations that arise.
• Ease the pressure slightly and apply gentle pressure around the point in a circular motion, or as you feel comfortable, for 10 seconds.

 

MIOBALL

MIOBALL® balls are a range of balls made from natural rubber designed to apply pressure that facilitates myofascial release. The tissues surrounding the energy point are sometimes stiff, dehydrated and prone to adhesions. Targeted pressure helps to stimulate the receptors in the fasciae involved in relaxation and the flow of fresh blood to the area.

You can buy Mioball® balls from our online shop. Alternatively, you can use tennis balls.

• Lie face down (with or without supports, depending on your needs)
• Take two Mioball balls of the same size and place them on your forehead, above your eyebrows
• Move your head slightly to feel the pressure of the balls against your forehead.
• Hold the balls on the points above your eyebrows for between 30 seconds and 1 minute. If necessary, adjust the position of the balls with your hands
• As you do this, take a deep breath and notice the sensations that arise.
• Deshaz, shaking his head slightly, removes the balls and pauses, resting his cheek on the floor, before shifting to the other side after a few seconds

Online Course: “Fascia Theory and the Mioball Technique”

 

AROMATHERAPY

In the AromaYoga® HY Methodology, we teach how to practise AcuAroma, combining manual stimulation of energy points with aromatherapy. Some essential oils that have a similar effect to the VB14 point, and therefore promote mental clarity and emotional regulation, are:

Rosemary, Bay leaf, Basil, Mint, Thyme, Tea tree, Cypress, Chamomile, Lemon, Exotic verbena

• Take a teaspoon of coffee and add some oil (if you have olive oil at home, you can use that; otherwise, any other vegetable oil you have to hand that is 100% natural will do)
• Add 1 or 2 drops of your chosen essential oil to the teaspoon of carrier oil
• Perform the acupressure technique described above using your fingers “coated” in oil. You can use your index and middle fingers or your thumbs.
• Whilst carrying out the stimulation steps, take a deep breath and notice the sensations as you press the point and inhale the scent

Comprehensive training in AromaYoga® HY

 

ACUYIN YOGA

In the TCMYoga® Methodology, we perform manual acupressure before moving into the postures; we use Mioball balls, apply pressure during asanas (both Yin and Yang), and practise visualisation and mindful breathing. Within the ‘Pressure in Asanas’ category, AcuYin involves the stimulation of acupoints whilst holding Yin Yoga poses. Pressure is applied during the first 30 seconds to 1 minute as you settle into the pose; after this time, we stop stimulating the point so that we can settle fully into the pose and feel

• To stimulate VB14, we can choose one of the following positions: Sphinx, Butterfly, Child
• Choose the one where, with or without supports, you can rest your elbows and let your head rest on your index and middle fingers, or on your thumbs. The rest of your fingers can be folded.
• Massage the area around the point in a circular motion for a few moments, then apply perpendicular pressure for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• After this, release the pressure, relax your hands and settle deeply into your chosen asana

Comprehensive TCMYoga® training

 

CRYSTAL THERAPY

According to Leslie J. Franks, certain minerals such as Fluorite o Blue Tourmaline have a strong affinity with the Gallbladder meridian.

Fluorite (CaF₂) is a mineral traditionally used to bring order to our thoughts. Its internal structure is cubic, which demonstrates its ability to structure, organise and establish patterns. It acts primarily on a mental level, providing order, structure, clarity and focus to our thoughts. It helps us to clear our minds of repetitive, obsessive, confusing and conflicting thoughts, etc. It enhances our concentration, memory and learning, making it ideal for students and people with emotional difficulties who have lost their ability to focus and adapt

The Blue tourmaline belongs to the TOURMALINE GROUP, whose functions Its metaphysical properties include accelerating processes, promoting flexibility, focus and transformation. It has a strong affinity with the mental body and changes in thought. Specifically, the blue variety known as Indigolite acts as a path or channel through which we can transcend thought and access other levels of consciousness. It helps us to to break free from emotional ties and traumas that are holding us back.

 

• To stimulate VB14 with fluorite or tourmaline, you’ll need two pieces of the same mineral. Personally, when it comes to fluorite, I love working with natural octahedrons, but if you don’t have any, you can also use pebbles.
• Lie on your back and place each piece in the VB14 position
• Close your eyes and start to feel your breath and the sensations in your body
• After a while, when you feel that the mineral has reached your skin’s temperature, begin to visualise the mineral’s “energy” with every breath. Breathe in and feel your energy body “opening up” to receive the mineral’s subtle energy. Breathe out, and feel the mineral’s vibration penetrating your body on every level, transforming your nervous system, emotions and learned patterns.
• Breathe and visualise consciously for at least 5 minutes.

Crystal Therapy website: www.crystalqi.com

 

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