We all can be so good at beating ourselves up mentally, not cutting ourselves a break the way we would for almost anyone else in our lives. Well, as an advocate of mindfulness and compassionate self-care, you can be sure that's NOT the kind of beating up I'm encouraging!

I'm talking about beating yourself up with your hands, in one of the best ways I know, that actually takes you outside the realm of thinking. It is a form of self-acupressure that is simple, enjoyable and effective known as Do-In (pronounced like dough).

Do-In is based on the philosophy of energy flowing through specific meridians, much like acupuncture. The simplest form of Do-In is a full body treatment that can be done in just a few minutes, but will leave you feeling refreshed and stimulated at the same time.

The Sequence

Here's how it's done -- take your time, and remember to breathe, relax and smile as you go through the steps. Sighing and moaning when inspired will add a sense of release; be playful with it and have fun!

*Begin with loose fists, gently tapping all around the head, paying special attention to the midline from forehead to base of skull. Spend a minute or two, and give tender or sore spots a bit of extra attention.

*Next, gently tap face with fingertips, especially the area along the eyebrows and the cheekbones under the eyes, which are sinus points. The jaw is a good spot to spend extra time with also.

*Then rub both ears very well all over -- each one is like a miniature body with over 100 acupuncture points!

*Work again with loose fists for the rest of the time, starting on the back of neck; then bring the right fist over to the left shoulder and go down the inside and up the outside of the arm; repeat three times. Finish by wringing each finger three times. Repeat by bringing left fist to right shoulder, moving down the inside and up the outside of the arm three times, then wringing those fingers. Give both hands a good shake before moving on.

*Gently tap your chest with loose fists (and give a Tarzan yell if you'd like!), moving down to the abdomen and working in a counterclockwise direction to stimulate your digestive tract.

*Work the lower back and buttocks with loose fists, going as far up the back as is comfortable to reach. Then go down the tops of the legs; down the outside of the legs; up the inside of the legs; and down the backs of the legs. Repeat three times. End by standing in a comfortable resting pose for a moment to feel the effects.

Let Little Steps Take You Further

Done in this sequence, you get a quick full body energy treatment. But it's also great to take specific pieces and focus on what you're needing most at that moment.

Feeling a little foggy headed at work? Tap your head and rub your ears for a quick clear and recharge. Hands stiff from keyboarding or other tasks? Work down your arms, wring each finger and then shake your hands out briskly.

Years ago, after teaching this sequence to a self-care class, a student told me that he would just wring his fingers several times a day and felt it was a great antidote to the arthritis stiffness he experienced. I loved that he explored and realized that, even if he didn't take time to do it all, he could benefit from one piece done consistently.

Give it a try, let yourself be silly and enjoy the energy shift you create for yourself!