I began this experience a week ago, with my friend Deva/Debra Troy as she offered me the opportunity to experience the modality of Facial Reflex Therapy as created by Lone Sorensen. I had already noticed a distinct shift in energy following the initial session that was described in a previous Bliss Blog entry. I found myself revving up, having intense and vivid dreams that were keys to many of the inner shifts that were taking place in my life. The first thing I noticed as I looked into the bathroom mirror before heading home, was that I looked like I had ‘youthed’ a few years. She had half jokingly told me that it was good for that and some people have sessions before attending a class reunion for just such a purpose.

Prior to this session, I had been experiencing emotional overwhelm with keeping up with schedules, being of support to family and friends in crisis and once again, taking on more than what is likely good for me. This workaholism takes some focused attention to keep in check. It was no surprise what Deva continued to uncover and begin to treat. She had come up with a treatment plan along with her teacher in preparation for this visit.

She began our time together by telling me:

“There are emotional qualities associated with the five elements used in Acupuncture and Facial Reflex Therapy. (FRT) The reason an illness unfolds the way it does is due to strong underlying emotions.”

Following is the technical information to give you an idea of the focus of the session.

“Today we began with opening the Neurovascular Points with finger circles on the face, rechecked for the largest deposit felt and it was still in spleen/pancreas (according to the Peruvian Mapuche Indian Facial Map we use) and then addressed that congestion by working it our with direct reflexing to the related facial zone as used in the Vietnamese Map employed in FRT.

The treatment of the “yellow zone” Spleen/Pancreas in this case relates to immune system, inflammation, worry, stress, shock and issues with connective tissue.

Then we employed “Colon Link” done for 90% of all hormonal or immune issues. We worked with the Pink Plexus which deals with heartbreak, heart issues, small intestine and thymus.

Then we continued with step 4. the Sensory Integration Map, Step 5, The Vietnamese Map for Muscles and joints, Step 6, Lymph Stimulation, Balanced Neurovascular points in Stomach/External Spleen, Step 6B, held Spleen Points 37 and 124 ( more immune support) and finished with Step 7to integrate the emotional body.

Next time we will add in specific hormonal points.”

As had occurred last week, the table became a floating oasis in the midst of a sea of activity. The waves sometime threaten to capsize my little row boat, but just for that hour, I was able to go with the flow. I sensed a surge of heat in my solar plexus area, but nowhere else. Accommodating for my comfort, she turned on the fan. In a deeply meditative state that tumbled over into sleep. I woke myself up, after hearing snores that I knew weren’t coming from Deva.

Although Facial Reflex Therapy doesn’t have a direct psychological component to it, I could see how it might bring up certain emotions. It certainly did for me, as I became aware of sadness over recent losses, a sense of helplessness over a loved one’s health condition and underlying anger about many life events that I had kept ‘safely’ under wraps so that it didn’t rock the aforementioned boat.

Keep in mind the metaphorical associations with some of the physical issues we are working on.

Immune- safety, security, protection, shields up

Lymph/Adrenals- I used to say that I was “running on adrenalin and fumes,” by way of explaining feelings of exhaustion.

Spleen-the idea of ‘venting your spleen,’ reflects anger

Inflammation- fire, anger, irritation

I will continue to explore the connections between the physical/emotional/spiritual as I am facing life in a whole new manner.