In a glacier in the Alpine Oetz valley between Austria and Italy, "Iceman" was discovered in 1991. This Neolithic 5,200 year-old frozen body was tattooed with fifteen patterns. Dr. Frank Bahr, president of the German Academy for Acupuncture, remarked, "I was amazed. Eighty percent of the points correspond to those used in acupuncture today…If the iceman came to by practice today, I would treat him using the same points." (Reported by Karin Taylor, Vienna, October 19.)

         The apparent mapping of acupuncture treatment points on iceman predates the origin of Chinese acupuncture in 1,000 BC by 2200 years. This reminded me of my observations in various spiritual rituals that the ecclesiastic gestures incorporated more meaning than ritual embellishment. The ones still practiced today have their origins in antiquity. Typically, many of us modern humans forgot their true meaning and power.

         There are many techniques being developed during the past fifteen years involving tapping with the fingers on selected energy meridian points on the body, such as Roger Callahan's TFT (Thought Field Therapy) and Gary Craig's EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques). These methods have proven their power and efficacy in healing many dis-eases of both body and soul and are increasingly becoming accepted in the mainstream medical and mental health community. (See related articles about EFT on this web site.) They have also provided me with greater appreciation for and understanding of the ritualistic gestures of ancient spiritual practices. Here is a brief overview for your consideration:

         Switches. Purification ceremonies involving hot steam baths were not confined to the Native Americans. In 425 BC Herodotus described the hot air baths of the Scythians; Homer wrote about the Greek laconia; the Romans had their balneums, the Arabs their hammams. There were counterparts to the Native American sweat lodge in Ireland, Russia, Japan, Africa, Mexico, Peru and many other regions. There are many elements in each of these steam-bathing practices common to all, one of which was the use of switches. These were made from various plants, depending on the region, tied in bundles and used to slap one's body during the ritual. (Credit to J. Bruchac, The Native American Sweat Lodge, Crossing Press, 1993.)

         When I was being taught the rite of leading the Inipi or sweat lodge ceremony, my teachers told me to smack myself with the switch "wherever it hurts." Often times I had no specific pain in the body, but switching helped open and stimulate the skin pores. I also used it to draw more heat towards me when I wanted it hotter. The sound of many switches hitting bodies enhanced focused consciousness.

         But was I missing something here? The switch was regarded with more importance than suggested by its use. Perhaps when my teacher told me to hit "where it hurts" he was speaking of the meridian "tender points." Perhaps the essential function of switching is to do a total body tap. The size of the switch in concert with the high energy level of the lodge and stimulating heat would ensure that every meridian point would be touched and activated. Regardless, I have gained a renewed respect for the power and meaning of switching.

         Ritual chest beating. In the New Testament book of Luke (18:13) there is a description of how a man who was repentant of his sin prayed while tapping his breast with his fist. This gesture was incorporated into the Latin version of the Roman Catholic mass during a prayer expressing sorrow for transgressions. (Interestingly, this gesture is found in other religious traditions. I have also observed how some people intuitively tap their chest with an open hand or fist while asking forgiveness from another.) This area corresponds to the St 16 point used to treat, among other things, depression. It is also the tapping point for the relief of hurt in many of the energy tapping techniques.

         Colleagues in Canada and Israel graciously provided me with significant information regarding some prayer rites in Judaism. The Al Chet begins with the petition, "Forgive me for the sin of…" and the chest is tapped at the acknowledgement of each sin. In daily prayer observant Jews pound their chests in Vidui or confession during the prayer of Tachanun. To only verbalize our sins evidently does not go far enough. The engagement of the body through tapping or pounding seems to hold more significance than mere ritual embellishment. It may be an essential avenue in integrating the physical, emotional and spiritual dimensions and in the purging of our sins, our spiritual toxicity.

         Sign of the Cross. Roman Catholics (among others) make extensive use of the "Sign of the Cross" including before and after prayer. This involves touching or lightly tapping the GV 24.5 (Third Eye point) between the eyebrows ("In the Name of the Father,") then the region of the CV 17 (Sea of Tranquility), CV 12 (Center of Power), and CV 6 (Sea of Energy), all in the approximate area of the solar plexus ("In the Name of the Son.") Finally, the K 27 (Elegant Mansion) or Lu 1 (Letting Go) points in the vicinity of the shoulders are tapped ("In the Name of the Holy Spirit".) Also noteworthy is that the Holy Spirit touch points are very close to the collar bone points used in current meridian treatment techniques.

        Of course, in practice, someone performing the sign of the cross will be engaging in a "hit or miss" fashion regarding tapping the specific location of the meridian points. But a study of how these points are used in acupuncture and acupressure treatments reveal correlations to emotional release and spiritual awakening.

         Laying on of the hands. This ancient technique involves healing gestures and often the passing on of a blessing or power. Typically, the hand of the practitioner is placed upon the head of the recipient, with the palm on the forehead and fingers at the top of the head. If the hand is large enough (or head small enough), it will simultaneously be contacting GV 24.5 (Third Eye point), GV 21 (Anterior Summit), GV 20 (One Hundred Meeting Point), and GV 19 (Posterior Summit.) Significantly, all these points correspond to the treatment of emotional conflict, trauma, calming the spirit, emotional and spiritual clarity. (Credit to M. R. Gach, Acupressure's Potent Points, Bantam Books, 1990.)

         This brief overview is presented as a teaser of possibilities. Perhaps sometime I will approach this intriguing subject in an academic study. Meanwhile, I welcome respectful commentary, expansions and more data on the ideas presented. Our ancient teachers still infiltrate our currently practiced ritual gestures. I do contend these rituals we do are infused with more power and meaning than we realize or understand. So the ancient ones still teach us and I am grateful. Making what is unconscious (in the Jungian sense) conscious is an exciting journey.

John S. Hilkevich, Ph.D.
 Counserv@aol.com
www.prayergear.com