First Aid Stress Tool (FAST)

FAST can be used to help relieve symptoms associated with mind/body stress. The stressful events we face today are often subconsciously reminding us of old stressful events that have happened in our past, and this can cause a recurring stress pattern. This kind of stress pattern is called a conditioned response, and it often happens without any awareness on our part.

FAST comes from a more comprehensive technique called call NET. Both FAST and NET are focused on eliminating specific conditioned response patterns so people don't have to keep experiencing a continual reaction to unresolved past events. In some cases NET, which is only used by licensed healthcare practitioners, is needed to help find and resolve the deeper issue associated with a past stress pattern.

Certified NET Practitioner Laya Seghi, LCSW, is shown here demonstrating FAST

One of the dynamics used with FAST comes from Acupuncture, where specific pulses are associated with different Elements.

The Elements have been named Fire, Wood, Water, Metal and Earth, and each Element is associated with various emotional / stress responses. Examples:

• Fire can be associated with feeling abandoned or vulnerable
• Wood can be associated with feeling angry or frustrated
• Water can be associated with feeling scared or afraid
• Metal can be associated with feeling sad or unhappy
• Earth can be associated with feeling worried or hopeless

Step A: Identify an issue that is bothering you. Place one of your wrists (palm up) into your other hand. Using 3 fingers of your bottom hand, gently contact the 3 pulses that are located on the 'thumb' side of the palm-up wrist. (see figure 1)

Step B (part 1): Place the open hand on your forehead to cover the 2 points related to stress (located halfway between the pupils and hairline). (see figure 2)
Then gently breathe in & out a few times while concentrating on the 'feeling' associated with the issue that is bothering you.

Step B (part 2): Switch hands and repeat the above step with the 3 pulses on your other wrist.

Step C: Use FAST as frequently and as long as needed. Taking sprays of NET Remedies #9 and #24 (only available through licensed healthcare practitioners) also helps support the release of associated stress.

figure 1

figure 2

Mom helps a little one contact the 3 pulses on one wrist and guides her hand to her forehead