You may have heard of the benefits of acupuncture – but if you need quick relief and cannot get to a TCM practitioner, acupressure might work for you. Acupressure activates specific spots, or points, on the body that can release tension, stress, pain, and stiffness. The therapy moves life energy (qi) along the body’s energy pathways or meridians. Acupressure points are areas where healing energy – which can improve circulation, balance the body and alleviate stress – tends to become blocked. These energy blockages, whether caused by injury, anxiety, or trauma, are at the genesis of every health problem.
Energy flow influences us in many ways, such as how we feel, how much stamina and endurance we experience, and even how we think. Negative thought processes can result in energy blockages, while positive thoughts can activate and increase the life force. Blocked energy can cause both emotional and physical imbalance. Because energy blockages occur at the acupressure points, light touch, tapping, or holding the points can effectively get the energy flowing again.
Locating Acupressure Points
Acupressure points are easily found, generally with clearly described landmarks on your body. Some of the most helpful pressure points include:
- The “Joining the Valley” (LI4) acupressure point can help relieve toothaches, headaches, shoulder and neck pain, constipation, and arthritis. This point is found between the thumb and index finger, at the muscle area where both the thumb and finger come close together.
- The “Pericardium” (P6) acupressure point is situated about three finger-widths below the base of your palm, between the two large tendons inside your wrist. It offers rapid relief from nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, headaches, and carpal tunnel symptoms.
- The “Third Eye” (GV24.5) acupressure point can encourage a feeling of calm, improve memory, reduce chronic fatigue, ease stress and eye strain and alleviate headaches. It is also helpful in relieving insomnia. The Third Eye pressure point is a relaxation point found on the bridge of your nose – right between your eyebrows.
- The “Heavenly Pillar” (B 10) is actually a pair of acupressure points found one finger-width below the base of your skull. Located on either side of the neck, these points effectively treat exhaustion, stress, anxiety, neck pain, headache, or eye strain.
- The “Bigger Rushing” (LV 3) acupressure point is situated on the top of the foot, where the bones of the big toe and the second toe meet. This acupressure point helps improve memory and focus, and it also helps prevent allergies and boosts the immune system.
Learn more about Acupressure Points Here.
How to Hold Acupressure Points Correctly
Experts recommend holding a point with your middle finger – alone or with the index and ring fingers on either side. Prolonged finger pressure should be utilized directly on the point, with steady, penetrating pressure for two to three minutes.
Each point will feel different when pressure is applied. Some acupressure points may feel sore or achy, while others can feel tight or tense. An accepted guideline is that the pressure should be applied firmly enough so that it “hurts good” – a point between pleasant, firm pressure and actual pain. When you hold a point with steady yet gradually increasing pressure, you can sense when you are approaching that point of tension.
Light pressure should be utilized if an Acupressure Point is very tender or in a sensitive area of the body. It’s essential to apply and then gradually release the pressure to promote healing more effectively.
Learn more about Acupuncture and TCM
Along with acupressure, acupuncture has been utilized for thousands of years to unblock energy and promote healing. If you are suffering from chronic pain or are looking for a holistic solution to your health concerns, call the Longevity Wellness Clinic today to learn more.