First Coast Integrative Medicine (FCIM), in Jacksonville, has added Soul Lightening acupressure to its list of services.

“I have received benefits from Traditional Chinese Medicine and energy medicine for years,” says FCIM’s owner and nurse practitioner Megan Weigel, DNP, ARNP-c, APHN-c, MSCN. “As I started my integrative medicine practice, I realized what was missing for me as a nurse was a hands-on healing modality to help clients realize relief of symptoms in the moment. I found Soul Lightening acupressure,” adds Weigel, who specializes in neurological care and brings a unique integrative medicine and holistic nursing perspective to her practice. She has been a multiple sclerosis certified nurse since 2005 and a nurse practitioner for more than 20 years. She is also a board certified advanced practice holistic nurse.

Acupressure originated in China more than 3,000 years ago. The gentle practice uses application of hand or finger pressure to acupoints to balance the body’s energy. These acupoints follow acupuncture meridians. The pressure applied is subtle and suitable for everyone, even those that have pain with other manual modalities. 

Soul Lightening acupressure was developed by Aminah Raheem, Ph.D., and derives from Jin Shin Jyutsu and chakra balancing techniques. The work is done at interface, allowing clear boundaries between the practitioner and client, and affects the physical and energy bodies simultaneously. Sessions can be clinical, with specific protocols used for specific ailments, or offer process, which adds psychological and spiritual work. 

Aims of a session are to nourish, recharge and rebalance the body to improve symptoms and allow for healing, and to bring awareness to specific conditions, allowing one to see “issues in the tissues”. An intention is set at the beginning of a session to create positive energy for manifestation of that intention.

"It is my hope that a session not only provides relaxation, but also leads to understand that the body works for you if you listen to its cues,” states Weigel.