Acupressure to Relieve Stress

Acupressure to Relieve Stress

“SEVA” MEANS SERVICE IN SANSKRIT

     In 2001 The Insight Acupressure Faculty and Dr. Aminah Raheem, the founder (formerly Soul Lightening International), created a specific acupressure formula as a world gift to relieve shock and stress after the events of 9/11.  Originally, the acupressure formula was called the Shock Stress Release and was taught virtually anywhere in the world.  I learned it along with 10 other teachers on the floor of a yoga studio in Rhinebeck NY.   I lived at the Jersey Shore at the time (1 hour from the World Trade Center) and my mentor was in Tivoli N.Y. so I drove the 2 hours to tap in to the acupressure formula that was created specifically to heal from this horrible time in our history and to share it with everyone who was also dealing with this emotional and disturbing time. The work has been shared in war zones, hurricane relief and earthquake zones in many areas of the world.

Name Change

     Since 2001 the name of the formula has been changed to The SEVA Stress Release after the Sanskrit word for Service because the purpose of the work is to be of service to anyone anywhere in the world who suffers from stress or shock or simply wants to feel supported and deeply relaxed. Many other possible outcomes may occur by practicing the SEVA Stress Release, including resolution of symptoms or personal growth.

Heart-Centered

     The acupressure formula was created from the hearts of the Soul Lightening faculty utilizing the Heart Chakra and Heart Meridians of the body.  The Heart Chakra is all about love, compassion, and forgiveness.  My experience is that focusing on this area helps to bring a person home to themselves which is crucial in times of shock and very high stress. The SEVA Stress Release utilizes the acupoints along the Heart Meridian which helps to create calm in the body. Creating a state of calm invites a person to settle in to themselves, find their breath and peace in their own body and space.

Training — Anyone Can Learn

  This formula may be applied by a person to themself – Self-Care – or from another person – For Others. There is a training program that is 3-hours for the Self-Care portion and an additional 3-hours for the For Others portion.  Anyone can do it.  It is very easy to learn yet there is a specific touch style that is discovered to administer both the self-care and for others methods.  Faculty are empowered to grant continuing education contact hours for massage therapists via NCBTMB (National Massage Therapy Board).

Used & Studied In Many Settings:

     The SEVA Stress Release was used in the first face transplant at Walter Reed Hospital.  The formula was taught to the recipient so that he could calm himself during the ordeal of healing from the operation and it was used by the nurses to help keep the patients stress level low and relaxed. (See additional related post below)

Care for the Caregiver Expo, Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, Gina Rosenthal, PT

Abilities Expo, Gina Rosenthal, PT

Nurses Week, Crossings Healingworks, Walter Reed Hospital, MD, Cathy Miller, Ac, MT,

Integrative Care Service, University of Maryland Medical Center, Dr John Reed, MD

Breast Cancer Support Group, Naples Community Hospital (NCH), Lisa Ann & Lira Bennet.

Golden Gate Senior Center (Spanish & English), Naples, FL

Cancer Treatment Center, West Virginia University School of Nursing, Kari Sand-Jecklin, RN

Neuropsychiatry & Acute Rehabilitation, University of California UCI Health, Susanlee Wisotzkey, Ph.D, RN

Thiotte Haiti Vulnerable Children Relief (THVCR), Theresa Haag, RN, BSN

Community Service, Emily Wright, Deanna Waggy, Sylvia Goodman, Sue Lovett, Diane Arney, Marilyn Zurwaski, Emily Tellez, Alison Babil, Claire Howell, Susan Popiel, Michele Wade, and all the SEVA Teachers world-wide.

and many other areas

Resource:

Empowering Whole-Being Health Case Study Collection (A whole third of the book is devoted to SEVA), Cathy Miller & Deanna Waggy 

Contact

There are over 60 SEVA Teachers in the world and many more people who have been trained to give SEVA Stress Release Acupressure.   Contact Alvina Quatrano with any inquiries at 732-266-5276 or alvinaq@aohmassage.com or find info at www.InsightAcupressure.org

Alvina will be teaching the SEVA Stress Release Class on Sunday September 10 from 9 AM – 4 PM at the World Tennis Club, Naples, FL.  You can take only the 3-hr Self-Care portion from 9-12 (Lunch Included) or do both sections including an additional 3-hr Part 2: For Others 9-4 (including lunch).  Register at www.AOHMassage.com  or call Alvina.

Read More…

Below is an original article I published in 2009.

                                              A Way To Relieve Suffering 

                                           A Gift From Soul Lightening Int’l

                                                 by Alvina Quatrano LMT 

     September 2001….The World Trade Center had been demolished and many people I knew were at the scene. Everyone in the world was shocked, numb, dumbfounded, grief-stricken.  Triages were set up all over to relieve symptoms of shock and stress and grief.  Many therapists of all kinds volunteered their time to help the wounded. My regular clients came to me like lost wounded souls and I felt like I needed more to offer.  I asked my acupressure mentor to please come up with something.  The acupressure teachers of Soul Lightening International led by Aminah Raheem, Ph.D. of Borrego Springs, California got together here on the east coast one day and created a new protocol to serve the world in relieving shock and stress.  It is called SEVA.  SEVA means service in Sanskrit and was created to relieve suffering and stress and to promote general relaxation.  SEVA is a simple acupressure treatment created for anyone to give or receive. 

     A SEVA treatment can be administered in just a few minutes or can be extended 

20-30 minutes, depending on the circumstances.  It can be given in a therapists office but was truly designed to be given whenever and wherever it is needed.   My friend Missy helped a runner who was down and in shock on the street on a very hot day to revitalize even while EMT’s were standing by.  She reconnected his vital energies to come back to the here and now. 

    Receiving SEVA is a very calming and centering experience.  It can relieve post traumatic stress

syndrome.  It can provide a turning point for an individual to move toward true healing at the deepest levels. 

     Clinical Acupressure ( which is an ancient healing modality from China and Asia using finger pressure to acupoints on the body) enhances the free flow of the body’s vital energy, activates it’s own recuperative abilities and diminishes congestion.  It can address a multitude of symptoms including back problems, headaches, respiratory, digestive and systemic problems as well as colds, flus, allergies and physical injuries. This treatment modality will facilitate but should not replace, delay or interfere with medical treatment. This work uses the knowledge of ancient traditions combined with contemporary understanding to promote health and self-responsibility for wellness. 

     I implemented SEVA right away and the results were immediate.  I saw the difference in people who received treatment as opposed to those who hadn’t and my heart ached for those who hadn’t sought treatment of any kind.  Many divorces happened after 9/11..moving and displacement…many health issues are still happening.  After 9/11 most people I know who sought treatment used several modalities to balance themselves as they found necessary; chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, acupressure, yoga, psychotherapy, spiritual guidance, homeopathy, and nutritional counseling and more were sought out to alleviate a myriad of complaints including respiratory, fear, shock, confusion, digestive, muscular, etc.   SEVA allowed the unraveling and peace to begin to find a way through from the other side of pandemonium. 

      I am a certified SEVA instructor and I and my colleagues are teaching SEVA in schools, hospitals, PTA’s, and  communities so everyone can know the relief and health building that is possible through acupressure.  It has been a terrific addition to the community if someone is so disposed to volunteer it to Women’s or Men’s Shelter’s, VA Departments, and Senior Centers for instance.   The protocol is about 20 minutes long.  A class runs 3-6 hours.   If you would like to learn SEVA or to set up a group demo let me know and it will be arranged.  I am available at Art of Holistic Massage (AOHMassage) in Naples FL.  732-266-5276.

Insomnia & Jet Lag Self-Care Acupressure

Insomnia & Jet Lag Self-Care Acupressure

Sleep is important. Our bodies are equipped with mechanisms that help us to find the balance between rest and activity. Here in a lecture, meditation video and supporting materials, Alvina Quatrano brings to life the energetic components that are useful to find that balance. Using gentle finger pressure acupressure will help you to balance your body clock to easily find the necessary sleep that may evade you. Relax. Enjoy!

This class is also available for CE’s from CE Broker in Florida.

Jet Lag and Insomnia Acupressure  1 CE  #20-911754

The Following Links will open your materials:

1 Awareness Journal To use with meditations and acupressure self-sessions (Print Out)

2 Insomnia & Jet Lag Manual To Print

  • 12-Minute Pyramid Meditation and Awareness Journal
  • Meridian and Acupoint Information
  • Touch Style used to access acupoints
  • Helpful Suggestions to relieve Insomnia
  • Ways to use the process for Jet Lag.
  • Support Materials
  • Crystal bowl
  • Acupoint Location and Affirmations

PS: Soul Lightening Bookstore referred to is no longer open. Everything you need is in the Manual. Look for some new resources with Insight Acupressure 2024 website.

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments. Alvina 732-266-5276 alvinaq@AOHMassage.com

Alvina Quatrano, L.M.T. has been teaching with Insight Acupressure since 2002. Her current available classes are listed & linked.

Insomnia & Jet Lag Self-Care Acupressure

Insomnia & Jet Lag Acupressure Self-Care Introduction

Sleep is important. Our bodies are equipped with mechanisms that help us to find the balance between rest and activity. Here in a lecture, meditation video and supporting materials, Alvina Quatrano brings to life the energetic components that are useful to find that balance. Using gentle finger acupressure will help you to balance your body clock to easily find the necessary sleep that may evade you. Relax. Enjoy!!

This class is also available for CE’s from CE Broker in Florida.

Jet Lag and Insomnia Acupressure  1 CE  #20-911754

Insomnia Package includes:

Insomnia Jet Lag Manual

Awareness Journal

Insomnia Lecture Video 37-minutes

  • 12-Minute Pyramid Meditation and Awareness Journal
  • Meridian and Acupoint Information
  • Touch Style used to access acupoints
  • Helpful Suggestions to relieve Insomnia
  • Ways to use the process for Jet Lag.
  • Support Materials

Insomnia Meditation Video 14-minutes

  • Crystal bowl
  • Acupoint Location and Affirmations

Purchase Package $15

PS: Soul Lightening Bookstore referred to is no longer open. All the materials you need are included in the manual

The Power of Acupressure and The Heart

The Power of Acupressure and The Heart

A story and some acupoints for self-care. The power of acupressure and the heart is described by cardiologist nurse Elizabeth Monson and several suggestions for calming the heart.

Acupressure in the ER

Cardiac Care Nurse Elizabeth Monson, CRNP shares her remarkable story of using acupressure in the ER during an arrhythmia situation to stabilize the patient until treatment could be maintained in the case study book Empowering Whole-Being Health by Soul Lightening International now Insight Acupressure edited by Cathy Miller, Ac. LMT, and Deanna Waggy, OTR.

“Stabilizing Arrhythmia: Ventricular Tachycardia”

Elizabeth Monson tells the tale:

“A 67 year-old patient was admitted to the hospital for dizziness, shortness of breath and intermittent atrial fibrillation. The cardiology team was called for increasing runs of a fast, wide, complex tachycardia that was ultimately diagnosed as ventricular tachycardia.

During our intake interview, the acupressure point Heart 7, Spirit Gate, was held. After two minutes of holding the Heart 7 point the patient converted to sinus bradycardia and he reported feeling “much better”.

I released the point and he immediately went back to ventricular tachycardia. The cardiologist requested acupressure continue until an intravenous antiarrhythmic medication could be administered.

This experience illustrates the potential role of acupressure in emergency care. For this patient, a single acupoint served as a stabilizing bridge from diagnosis to treatment.”

Heart Focused Acupressure

Heart 7 acupoint is located at the inner wrist in line with the pinky finger. Simply hold that point and breathe to calm down or you can meditate using this point to help yourself come home to yourself. We use a curved stretch into an acupoint like a comma or a smile. The body relates to curves, like the curves of the spine, for movement.

In this illustration from The SEVA Stress Release from Insight Acupressure, we are holding Heart 7, Spirit Gate, at the inner wrist at the base of the pinky and Heart 1, Utmost Source, in the armpit together to create a strong circuit clearing the Heart Meridian Channel of the body. We approach The Heart and The Heart Meridian with the utmost reverence as it is considered the Emperor or Empress of the body and as such is protected and highly honored.

Supporting The Heart

One practice that you can do to support the heart is simply holding one acupoint and breathing or holding your hands over your heart (see illustration below) and breathing. Like a meditation. Even for a minute can be beneficial.

Insight Acupressure offers The SEVA Stress Release classes which was created after 9/11 to help to alleviate shock and stress in the world. It is easy to do and I offer it here for FREE. Use it in good health. Ah So!

Acupressure to Relieve Stress

SEVA Stress Release Self-Care Gift

Self-Care Acupressure Gift To The World

SEVA Stress Release Acupressure is a Self-Care Gift to the world from Insight Acupressure formerly known as Soul Lightening International, Dr. Aminah Raheem and faculty. Anyone can do it to relieve trauma, anxiety, pain, and for almost immediate deep relaxation.

Compassionate Service

SEVA means “compassionate service” in Sanscrit. It is part of Dr. Raheem’s mission to serve using the gift for wellness that she brought to the world.

Founders Day

I’m sharing SEVA in honor of Soul Lightening’s Founders Day December 5 which is Dr. Aminah Raheem’s birthday!

Good Points Program

Good Points For Self-Care

The Insight Acupressure Team has been busy developing the Good Points Program (only til June 30 2024) (check this link to find a special FREE Intro Video and Bonus Immune System Boost Acupressure Video too) to share acupressure self-care. The SEVA Stress Release started it all. It was created after 9/11 to reduce shock & stress in the world. It came from the hearts of the teachers and utilizes the Heart Meridian and Chakra of the body to establish calm and tranquility.

Teachable Platform

The Good Points Program now offers 25 other protocols for Self-Care. They are being offered once-a-month on the Insight Acupressure Teachable Platform until mid-2024 when the material will be moved to a new Insight Acupressure Website. Check it out!

Good Points Program

The Good Points Program includes:

An Intro Video

A Handout of the Acupressure Protocol

A Pyramid Meditation for centering and grounding.

An Acupoint Location Video

A Practice Video

SEVA Stress Release Gift

Here are the elements of your SEVA Stress Release Good Points Program: Enjoy!!

Introduction VIDEO (29 min, includes Pyramid Meditation & Chakra Tai Chi) Password = 4U

Handout to Print

Acupoint Location Video (11 Min) Password = 4U

SEVA Stress Release Acupressure for Self-Care Practice Video (11 min) Password= 4U

Acupressure Certification Programs

From Insight Acupressure will be delineated in the upcoming website. Likely it will closely follow the prior Soul Lightening Path.

You may also find Insight Acupressure Certificate classes (Clinical Acupressure 1 and Process Acupressure 1A) on the course calendar. Offered are 3 certification tracks for Clinical Acupressure, Process Acupressure and Advanced Insight Acupressure.

Insight Acupressure Course Curriculum

Thanks For Participating

I hope that you have enjoyed this gifting!

Please let me know at alvinaq@me.com.

I teach many different classes from 1 hour to 30 hours, in-person and webinar.

The most recent is the newly updated Introduction to Insight Acupressure which includes Part 1 Self-Care and Part 2 For Others. It is a 2-Day class, preferably in person to experience the special “Interface” Touch of SLIA. 12 Continuing Education Hours for Massage Therapists.

Check out my website for MORE! from AOHMassage