Sitting Meditation Practice Q&A

Question: In recent days, during the later stage of sitting meditation, my Dazhui acupoint and neck feel swollen and stiff. Do I need to tap them with a small hammer?

Answer: You can tap them with a soft stick, or massage and pat the acupoints with your hands, including the back of the head and the crown of the head—all need to be unblocked. Once the meridian channels are unblocked, the neck will no longer feel swollen and stiff. The back of the neck is an important area, connecting the body and the brain; it is the only channel supplying qi and blood to the brain. Once that area is unblocked, the head can function normally. The head and the Baihui acupoint can both be patted with the hands—an empty fist works too—and tapping with a soft stick or a silicone paddle also works. In this way, the qi and blood circulate freely, nutrients are abundant, the mind is refreshed, and thinking becomes quick and agile.