Akupunkt Massage

Basics
This technique comes from Germany and was developed overtime after the Second World War, by Willy Penzel.

The Chinese acupuncture-teachings are the basis for this method of massage, which incorporates the knowledge of three millenniums of far-Eastern therapy and combines them with European therapies, as well as Penzel’s own observations and experiences.

The core of the Akupunkt-Massage according to Penzel (APM) method is the use of the energy system of the Yin and Yang Meridians, as well as their points, and the balancing and transference of this energy, using a specialised metal pen on the body. There are 24 meridians with 12 on each side of the body, and 2 vessels. Another important part of this method is the treatment of the Spinal column; and treatment of scars.

Diagnosis
To diagnose where the disruptions to the energy flow in the body are, there are five main tools which are used for this.

The test stroke – is where you stimulate with the metal pen, the section between the pubic bone and the navel. The patient will then indicate if the pain is worse or less.
The sand and satin stroke – is a gentle stroke along a meridian, using your fingers to feel for a smooth or rough sensation on the skin. This will give an indication if there is an energy surplus or deficiency.
Energetic diagnosis through the ear reflex zones - This is done by stimulating certain reflex zones on the ear. This will indicate the energetic condition in the Yin and Yang; or in a single meridian or organ. This can also be used as part of the treatment.
Rule Midday/Midnight – by stimulating the opposite meridian on the other side of the body, the patient can give an indication of a change in pain levels. This can also be used as part of the treatment.
The classical pulse test according to traditional Chinese medicine, along the radial pulse.

There are further diagnostic tools used for the alignment of the spine and pelvis which is not energetic based.

Before each treatment, the therapist needs to diagnose the present energetic condition of the patient, as it can change between treatments.

Technique
Holding the metal pen in a specific way, the therapist would apply gentle pressure on the pen on the body, and stroke along the meridian to stimulate the chi energy to flow. As a result of this, a red or pale pink line will show on the skin, and this gives the therapist an indication of the energy flowing along the meridian.

After the energetic condition has been established you either treat the entire Yin or entire Yang meridians. This is called the Tension-Equalisation-Massage. This is the root treatment of Akupunkt-Massage. The root treatment treats the cause of the symptoms, which can be either physical, mental or emotional which is the bases of Eastern medicine. The Tension- Equalisation- Massage encourages the body for self healing, which can bring on healing reactions in the first two days after a treatment.

After the completion of a few treatments, if there is any remaining pain or discomfort, there are further energetic rules to follow. One is too use the Midday/Midnight tool which is transferring energy from one side of the body to the other, by treating the opposite meridian.
For example – acute right elbow pain (tennis elbow), the effected Large Intestine meridian has an energy surplus; by treating the opposite meridian, which is the Kidney meridian on the left side (see the energy star); as well as specific acupuncture points on the Kidney meridian.

A large part of this technique is the gentle adjustment of the spine and the sacroiliac joint. Various diseases of the musculoskeletal system are based on the uneven distribution of the Chi energy. Due to this mechanism Akupunkt-Massage according to Penzel is an effective treatment of those functional disturbances. The APM therapy has to be performed according to the diagnosed energetic state.
Various unilateral discomforts, e.g. ankle-pain; lower back pain or knee pain are suspicious to have a causative connection with a blockage of the contra lateral sacroiliac joint. The recurrent blockage of the sacroiliac joint frequently is caused by an anatomic difference in the leg length in addition to an energetic disturbance in the Bladder meridian.

Scars need to be tested if they are in an area where a meridian flows. Using the Pen, you would place pressure on the scar to see if the scar feels painful or feels numb. The result of this would indicate if the scar is blocking the energy flow along the meridian. Depending on the findings, if the scar is in the state of energy surplus you need to take energy away from the scar; or in a deficiency you would need to bring energy into the scar. The APM crème assists the treatment of scars.

Indications
Some of the most common ailments APM is used for is: - acute and chronic pains; especially on the back; all joints, tendons and muscles; functional disturbances – migraines; tension headaches; vertigo; tinnitus; neuralgia; gastrointestinal problems; asthma and allergies.

Testimonials
With over 20 years in martial arts, I have always searched for a practitioner who could treat more than just the physical aspects of muscle rehabilitation. Rene` Goschnik understands more than just these physical aspects of healing. His use of AMP with its internal system/healing has given me years of a pain free management system that can be sustained for life. He is the consummate professional that both my wife and I trust.
Scott McKenzie BSc. (Biological Science – UNSW)

After suffering for almost two years from a slipped disk I finally found relief with Rene. I’ve tried chiropractors, massage therapists, an osteopath and acupuncture to no avail. I was at the stage where standing or walking for ten minutes resulted in unbearable pain which made me feel like the only choice I had left was back surgery. Just before committing to surgery I came across Rene and the Akupunkt-Massage according to Penzel method that he practices. After only a couple of appointments the pain that was travelling down my leg from my lower back started to subside and soon I was pain free again. Within six months I was able to play soccer which previously seemed unthinkable. I continue to see Rene on a regular basis as I find it adds to my overall wellbeing.
M.Hirzel