Meridian Massage Tool Box

Intention#1 Massage Tool: Intention

Working hard creates tension. Tension blocks the flow of Qi (energy). If you’ve been working hard at massage, you might be feeling pain in your hands, wrists, shoulders, neck, or back. Pain in your body might lead you to reach for a massage tool.
We seek something to implement that will save our body while still easing tension in our clients. If not a massage tool, we might look into another form of massage – something that we can add to our “toolbox.”

Massage Tool = Hard Work

Tool boxWhen I hear the word “tool,” I think “hard work.”
I use tools to weed the garden, to hammer nails, to change tires, etc. The term “massage tool” has always bugged me. Massage isn’t meant to fix things or fix people. Massage is meant to ease tension, to relax, and to support the return of balanced energy flow.

The work of Meridian Massage

Meridian Massage affects the flow of Qi in the body.
Affecting the flow of Qi requires focus, sensitivity, and clear intention. The “hard work” of Meridian Massage is figuring out how to be relaxed, present, and available to Qi while contacting acupoints.
The main “tool of Meridian Massage” is intention. 
Intention weaves our heart’s desire to help with our intellect’s ability to choose the correct set of points that will support energy flow and balance. Intention guides our contact with the points. Intention is the dynamic state of mind-body awareness in the present moment that flows through our system and affects the Qi of our client.
Holding the head with intentionAlthough the exact mechanics of this process elude me, the experience is obvious. I feel as though I am not doing anything. I witness myself contacting points, making adjustments to the pressure, and offering verbal cues that bring the client more deeply into their experience. Intention flows, Qi connects, and something beyond my intellectual understanding is “happening.” My clients feel better more quickly, the results last longer, and we both feel refreshed.

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Cindy Black

Cindy Black is the Founder of Big Tree School of Natural Healing and the author of Meridian Massage, Pathways to Vitality. She is appreciated for her ability to make the complex accessible, fun, and practical.

52 Comments

  1. Pa tricia stephenson on October 21, 2017 at 5:20 pm

    Hi cindy I always feeling pain at the bottom of my left foot close to the big toe and sometimes it’s also feel numb if I try to massage it would get worst what do h suggest I do
    Awaiting your reply

    • Cindy Black on October 23, 2017 at 10:26 am

      Hi Patricia,
      It’s hard for me to know what’s going on with your foot – I would consult with a practitioner in person in order to get the best support.

  2. alicia on June 7, 2017 at 5:34 pm

    I like the way that you respond to people, means to me that you are know your knowledge very well, so that make take the decision to take this course to help myself and others. I will tried. thanks

    • Cindy Black on June 7, 2017 at 7:20 pm

      Dear Alicia,
      Thank you for writing, I appreciate your words very much. I have been weaving this knowledge into my life for many years. It has brought me so much pleasure, joy and peace – may you also reap the rewards of flowing Qi as well.
      – Cindy

  3. Shirvonne on June 5, 2017 at 7:56 pm

    Hi Cindy,I’m a LMT at a resort setting in Caribbean…I’m excited to learn meridian massage as I suffer with pain in hands,feet,wrist,back etc….it’s a lot on our bodies and any info that will help relieve that stress will be greatly welcomed!!!

    • Cindy Black on June 6, 2017 at 7:48 am

      Hi Shirvonne,
      I am happy you will be at the webinar – you will learn some new principles that can help you work easier while still getting great results. The Meridian Massage Approach includes caring for the practitioner – our health, vitality, and happiness is equally as important as that of our clients.
      Here is a blog post that may interest you https://bigtreehealing.com/resolving-thumb-wrist-pain-use-massage/
      Thank you for all that you offer to others!

  4. Donna on June 5, 2017 at 3:36 pm

    Cindy,
    Looking forward to this webinar. I have tried before and just got to busy. I am booking this one into my schedule. Thanks. Can’t wait to learn more.
    Donna

    • Cindy Black on June 5, 2017 at 3:52 pm

      Yay – so you can make it this time Donna!
      🙂

  5. Londa Coddington on June 4, 2017 at 1:15 am

    Hello Cindy!
    I am a L.M.T. Been practicing over 10 years. Does Meridian Massage in your opinion help or is a great modality to enhance geriatric massage?
    I am looking forward to attending your Webinar!
    Thank you for the invitation!
    Londa Coddington

    • Cindy Black on June 4, 2017 at 9:55 am

      Hi Londa,
      Meridian Massage can practiced as its own modality, or integrated with whatever modality you are currently using. I have used it with older people, as have many students, with wonderful results. It gives more options for bringing balance to the system and relieving common ailments.
      I think you will have a good sense of the possibilities for your particular work once you see the webinar.
      Thanks for writing!

  6. Nishan Nicola Mayer on June 3, 2017 at 7:49 am

    Dear Cindy,
    I am curious looking forward to learning more.
    I wish you and your beloved ones a beautiful day.
    Nishan

    • Cindy Black on June 3, 2017 at 8:09 am

      Dear Nishan,
      Thank you so much for shining your kindness here.
      Wishing you abundant and flowing Qi,
      Cindy

  7. Maggie Brown on June 3, 2017 at 2:08 am

    Dear Cindy,
    Having worked with Qi in some of my massages when it feels right and having a couple of different energy modalities under my belt, it’s a blessing to be able to learn more from someone who has so much experience in the field.
    Very much looking forward to the webinar and sending blessings your way.
    Maggie

    • Cindy Black on June 3, 2017 at 7:28 am

      Hi Maggie,
      Thank you for writing, I am happy to connect with you here.
      I also integrated a few points and energy work into my massage, but things really changed after I learned how to integrate the depth Classical Chinese Medical theory into my work. I think you will get some ideas of how to expand on what you already doing on the webinar – I’m glad you can be there!

  8. Samira Eid on June 2, 2017 at 7:00 pm

    Hi Cindy,
    I am from Amman – Jordan and would love to learn this technique because I never believed in Medicine, since I had retired almost 5 years now I have pain and numbness in my both hands doctors said I will not be relived unless I have an operation in both hands ligament, but I refused to do it but I am still suffer so can this technique be helpful for my case <3 <3
    Thanks a million

    • Cindy Black on June 3, 2017 at 7:36 am

      Hi Samira,
      There are many paths toward healing. I have heard of, and witnessed, many transformations of body and mind that were called “impossible” from the perspective of modern medicine. My personal feeling is that different forms of healing all have a part in our well-being, and it is wonderful to be able to investigate the possibilities for ourselves.
      I am not sure if Meridian Massage will be the method that helps to transform the numbness in your hands. As you learn the theory and practice of this approach, and apply to your body-mind, you will know if it is working from your experience.
      I am happy to meet you here, and I look forward to hearing about your results.
      Sincerely,
      Cindy

  9. Roxana on June 2, 2017 at 4:19 pm

    Hello Cindy I DID massages on a Cruise till 3 weeks ago for about 6 years but
    I get some health issues so I had to Quit my job. Your webinar look very Good thanks for offering it

    • Cindy Black on June 2, 2017 at 6:58 pm

      Hi Roxana,
      I’m glad you are coming to the webinar!

  10. Lena Svensson on June 2, 2017 at 10:35 am

    Hi,
    I will attend your free webinar to start with. But I have to ask; it’s not about using needles, is it? Because I’m not interested in learning that.
    Warm regards from Sweden

    • Cindy Black on June 2, 2017 at 12:22 pm

      Hi Lena,
      I use and teach hands-on healing only – no needles.
      Thanks for being in touch,
      Cindy

  11. Lisa Farr Jagodzinski on June 1, 2017 at 10:04 pm

    I’ve been interested in learning more about the practice and application of Qi for a long time! I believe my life was saved by a Qi doctor more than 10 years ago and began to read about it! Currently I have been training in meditation, breathing and yoga for healing, restoring and therapeutic purposes! I’d like to add any knowledge of Qi healing your available to share with us!

    • Cindy Black on June 1, 2017 at 10:28 pm

      Lisa,
      I’m glad you are here – you will learn more about Qi and how to use the meridians on the webinar. Thanks so much for writing, I look forward to supporting your desire to learn more!
      – Cindy

  12. Trish Macro on June 1, 2017 at 4:45 pm

    Hi Cindy, Like various other people here I am a complete novice but am hoping I might be able to learn something to help my mother who has been in pain for years (back) and after exhausting all avenues has been unable to find anything to take away her pain. I hope I am up to following what you teach and that it might help alleviate my mother’s pain. Thank you in advance.

    • Cindy Black on June 1, 2017 at 8:34 pm

      Hi Trish,
      Thank you for writing. The webinar will explain some possibilities for pain relief that may be new to you and your Mom. Acupuncture (using very thin needles to activate the flow of energy in the meridians) can be a very potent method of pain relief. You could ask around your local area for a referral to an experienced and trusted Acupuncturist.

  13. Maria on June 1, 2017 at 2:38 pm

    Dear Cindy
    Thank you so much for wanting to share your knowledge and experience with all of us.
    It is also a lovely feeling to be a apart of the community of people sharing similar interests and all working for the well being of others.
    I am an aromatherapy practitioner but suffering from migraines for years now.Hope to learn a few new tricks to be able to minimise the pain as well as use some more advanced techniques for aromatherapy massage.Looking forward to learning more hands on practice.
    Hugs from Dublin,Ireland,
    Maria

    • Cindy Black on June 1, 2017 at 8:36 pm

      Dear Maria,
      I am happy to connect with you here. Meridian Massage has a lot of potential to ease many types of pain, even migraines.
      I wrote a blog post about one-sided headaches that may be of interest to you – here is the link https://bigtreehealing.com/one-sided-headaches/
      “See you” on the webinar
      – Cindy

  14. Marianna on June 1, 2017 at 9:25 am

    Hi Cindy, I’m looking forward to your Webinar. As a Healing Touch Practitioner for both animals and people there are days I wish someone could work on me. I have learned how to meditate and balance my chakras as well as applying my healing techniques to myself, but you know, having someone else work on you can feel so much more/better. I am hoping I can also do this with the meridian massage since I can’t find anyone in my area who can help me other than massage therapists. Thank you, have a wonderful life!

  15. DONNA DEMSKY on June 1, 2017 at 9:13 am

    Hi Cindy, I can’t wait to take the webinar. my pt said I would never be able to be a massage therapist. when I was In my 20s a drunk driver took my nursing life that I loved dearly. now, I just kinda lost hope until I started learning about alternative medicine. now, I’m getting perkier towards life in general. in my accident, i broke my clavicle, which some say never heals because of all the grooves and bumps that lie on the bone. I also broke or their disintegrating T7 and T8. do you have any advice for me? anywhere from pulling the covers over your head -your hit- to paths I could follow and prosper? thank you. and please don’t sugar coat.

    • Cindy Black on June 1, 2017 at 8:44 pm

      Donna,
      My story is different, but I have had to deal with pain and restriction also – here is a blog post that I wrote about my experience https://bigtreehealing.com/gain-pain/
      There are many approaches to healing, transformation and well-being. I am glad that you are checking out Meridian Massage and other alternative therapies -your well-being and happiness are worth all of your efforts!

  16. SIGRID IGEL on June 1, 2017 at 8:55 am

    hi cindy, thank you for inviting me to the lectures. i have practiced and taught yoga and chi gong for 50 years and believe ind all these modalities.i have recovered from a stroke (right sided) since last year only because of my practice and lifestyle.my students see my progress and are convinced to keep up with their practice until i can teach again seeing my diligence. i am almost 80 now and will continue for years to come. keep spreading the teachings, i will………sigrid

    • Cindy Black on June 1, 2017 at 8:47 pm

      Hi Sigrid,
      Thank you for sharing your inspiring experience here so that we may all benefit. I am humbled to have your presence here at Big Tree, thank you so much for writing.
      Sincerely,
      Cindy

    • Maggie Brown on June 3, 2017 at 1:51 am

      Dear Sigrid,
      How wonderful that you have practiced and taught yoga and chi gong for so many years! I completely agree with you that these practices, your belief and mindset have been paramount in your recovery from your stroke last year.
      You are like shining star in my eyes. Many blessings and much love my dear.
      Maggie

  17. Sue on May 31, 2017 at 11:46 am

    I am not a therapist, however I do suffer from pain in my back due to a twisted spine from a train accident. My husband suffers from back pain as well. Do you think this webinar will be of benefit to me, or is it way over my head?

    • Cindy Black on May 31, 2017 at 12:14 pm

      Hi,
      The webinar will introduce you to the possibilities of Meridian Massage – I won’t be able to address your specific circumstances, but I think you will get some ideas of how this work may help you and your husband.
      Thanks for writing!

  18. Mirjana on May 31, 2017 at 7:05 am

    Hi,
    As a Reiki master teacher and licenced massage terapist Im looking forward to this vebinar, but above all, Im looking forward as a simple human being who suffers from sciatica pain for more then a year by now.
    Hug and greetings from Zagreb, Croatia

  19. Denisa Nistor on May 31, 2017 at 3:20 am

    Hello,
    I’m so happy to find so much information and so complex about meridians, the area that I’m interested in becuse I’m at a future Yoga trainers school and in aditional of our informations this trully complete everything. Thank you very much for the best informations ever. Hugs from Romania!

    • Cindy Black on May 31, 2017 at 8:43 am

      Dear Denisa,
      Very happy you are going to study the meridians – they are complex and simple at the same time! I have been training and practicing yoga for a few years now – finding many ways to integrate meridians, Qi and Yoga. Thanks for expanding the Big Tree Community into Romania!
      Hugs to you!
      Cindy

  20. Avinder on May 31, 2017 at 1:09 am

    I am really looking forward to this course as I am already doing various complimentary therapies and this will help me help my clients better. This does enhance the healing process. I personally look towards gaining better health as I really need this at the moment. Thanks in advance.

    • Cindy Black on May 31, 2017 at 8:39 am

      Dear Avinder,
      You are right on track! Meridian Massage is a perfect compliment to what you already know and practice. So glad you are here!
      – Cindy

  21. Ranjana on May 30, 2017 at 10:17 pm

    Hi Cindy
    I am a total novice. But I do have a desire to help people who are in pain. Would I understand what you will be teaching? Or do I require to gather some knowledge about, well, anything?
    Love

    • Cindy Black on May 31, 2017 at 8:38 am

      Dear Ranjana,
      Yes, you will be able to understand these classes. I start at the beginning, and then layer the pieces together. Since you already have two important qualities: a sincere desire to help, and curiosity to learn, you will do well!
      Thanks so much for writing, I look forward to sharing this journey with you.
      -Cindy

  22. Marilyn Beck on May 30, 2017 at 4:16 pm

    I took Big Tree’s course on meridians that alleviate the pain of sciatica. I did the massages on my husband who suffered with great pain, and it all went away and never came back! It works!

    • Cindy Black on May 30, 2017 at 4:21 pm

      Marilyn,
      I am so happy to know about your experience with meridian massage – way to go! 🙂

  23. Bonnie on May 30, 2017 at 12:23 pm

    Do I have to be a licensed massage therapist to get a certification
    I am a master Reiki practitioner
    Ty

    • Cindy Black on May 30, 2017 at 12:44 pm

      Hi Bonnie,
      Anyone can complete this training for certification. In order to practice in your area, you may need a hands-on license.
      Your experience as a Reiki practitioner gives you a great foundation for learning Meridian Massage – I’d love to have you in the program 🙂

  24. Abigail on May 30, 2017 at 9:09 am

    As LMT and full specialist my wrist, shoulders, elbow almost all joints are cracking I feel like an old car and I’m not that old lol! spa business industry helps to pay my bills but I’m looking forward my own personalize practice and teach believing that learning is part of the teaching and teaching is par of the learning. I work with an organic skin and body line with is amazing and it works with the meridians, chromotherapy and more east knowledge, learning some Ayurveda and mixing everything together makes a nice fruit punch and with the information will be the cherry for the cake lol! (yes, I’m hungry)
    Blessings

    • Cindy Black on May 30, 2017 at 9:23 am

      Abigail,
      Meridian Massage is an approach that cares for the health and happiness of the practitioner as much as the client. The work you offer is important, and it is equally important that you care for yourself. Working with Qi and honoring the messages from your body is an approach that yields powerful benefits for clients and supports your vitality as a practitioner.
      I love the mix too!

  25. Amelia on May 30, 2017 at 7:46 am

    Is this course available in Spanish?

    • Cindy Black on May 30, 2017 at 9:18 am

      Amelia,
      Not at this time.
      – Cindy

  26. Dee on January 8, 2017 at 10:16 am

    As years go by, you are always looking for that missing link. Age can make your job more difficult but you never lose that desire to help someone feel better. Helping someone feel better should not make ME feel worse and yet at times at the end of a work day, I am spent and I hurt. I am so looking forward to learning this technique! By the way, I loved your football comment, but it doesn’t allow me to comment on it.

    • Cindy Black, L.Ac., LMT on January 8, 2017 at 10:23 am

      Hi Dee,
      I agree with you 100%.
      Thanks for writing – sorry about football comment – I’m better at Meridian Massage than I am with technology 🙂

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