A host of complementary therapies are gaining popularity as alternatives to conventional care. Acupressure in one such therapy. Acupressure is based on the concept that life energy flows through “meridians” in the body. Clearing blockages in these meridians with physical pressure can heal a person. But can one get energy boost, metabolism boost, tension relief, stress relief and more from acupressure[1]?
Read on to know about the 12 Magical Pressure Points:
Contents
1. Give yourself a helping hand
Your LI4 acupressure point is located on the top side of the hand, between your thumb and your index finger. To locate it, squeeze the thumb against the base of the index finger. The point you are looking for is located on the highest point of the bulge of the muscle. Press this point for about 30 seconds to induce calmness and for a health-inducing digestive detox. However, you should NOT try this technique if you are pregnant.
2. Put your best foot forward
Your 12 pressure point is found on the foot, on the line running between the big toe and the second toe and about three finger widths from the edge in the hollow on the top of the foot. Move your index finger anticlockwise over this point in order to induce relaxation and to unblock any anger and depression.
3. Clear your kidneys
Your kidney point, which can be used to treat fatigue and lethargy, as well as to detox the body through the kidneys, is located on the sole of the foot, just to the side of the ball of the foot under the second or third toe. Press and release several times.
4. Enjoy an extra energy boost
Stimulating your stomach point can give you extra energy when you’re flagging or tired. It is located just below the knee, on the outside of the shinbone. Press for at least 30 seconds with the pad of your finger or thumb.
5. Tend to neck tension
A tension-relief point, good for reducing pain caused by tension headaches and relieving tired eyes, is found in the occipital hollow, where the bottom of the skull meets the neck on either side of the spine. Use a thumb on either side to compress this area but be very careful not to press too hard.
6. Arm yourself against anxiety
A stress-relieving point for reducing anxiety and tension is found at the top center of the forearm (with palm facing down) in the large section of muscle just underneath the crease of the elbow. Press for several seconds and release several times.
7. Listen to your heart
Your SI19 point is located near the ear, just before the small projection in front of the ear canal. It’s in the depression that forms when the mouth is opened. Press for several seconds to release your inner emotions and desires.
8. Step up to boost metabolism
A metabolism-boosting point is found on top of the foot, roughly in line with the middle two toes and directly over die arch. Use two fingers to apply broader pressure here because of the bones and ligaments.
9. Compress the wrist to reduce the stress
Find the spot between the tendons of the inside of the wrist, three finger widths from the palm. Breathe in, press as you breathe out slowly and repeat several times to reduce stress and strain.
10. Get immediate immunity
An immunity-boosting point that is also good for combating fatigue, depression and general feelings of sluggishness is found on the inside of the ankle above the foot between the Achilles tendon and the ankle bone. Press and release several times for 10-20 seconds.
11. Form a fist to help a headache
A point for general pain relief (especially of headaches) is round on the back, in line with the kidneys. The best way to stimulate this point is to sit up straight on a chair and form a fist with both hands. Place the fists behind your back so they touch and lie level with the elbow. Lean back gently.
12. Do an anti-stress press
Stimulating the acupressure point that is located in the soft V-shaped area of flesh found between the thumb and forefinger can help reduce stress. Press the pad of your thumb into this area for at least 30 seconds and then repeat the same action on the other hand. So acupressure offers lots of benefits for health and healing. It also has cardiovascular benefits[2]. Need more ways to stay stress free, feel relaxed and boost your energy levels? Hover to to Four Sensational Ways To Massage Yourself. Did you enjoy the post? Be generous with your tweet, please. 🙂
References: [1] Wanning T. Healing and the mind/body arts: massage, acupuncture, yoga, t'ai chi, and Feldenkrais. AAOHN J. 1993 Jul;41(7):349-51. [2] McFadden KL, Hernández TD. Cardiovascular benefits of acupressure (Jin Shin) following stroke. Complement Ther Med. 2010 Feb;18(1):42-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2010.01.001. Epub 2010 Feb 6.
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