Stimulating the body’s pressure points can bring instant stress relief
Key takeaways:
Acupressure is an ancient healing art practiced in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2,000 years
Stimulating pressure points can relieve stress and irritation in various parts of the body.
Manipulating these seven pressure points for everyday use is a good form of self-care.
People have been practicing acupressure by manipulating pressure points for centuries. Acupressure is an ancient healing art practiced in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that is an effective self-care treatment for discomfort and pain. Often, we practice acupressure without even knowing it, like when we rub the back of our neck when it feels sore.
The human body has an innate ability to know when something is out of balance. Most of the time our subconscious will lead our hands directly to the area that needs relief. There are numerous pressure points throughout our bodies that circulate our internal energy and blood that when stimulated, help to break up stagnation and blockages.
Many of the most useful and accessible pressure points are in the hands, wrists, and arms. There are many others along the body also.
Pressure points work in an unusual manner; when pressing a “tender” area with the fingers it can bring relief to another part of the body. Each pressure point offers an array of benefits when manipulated such as relief of upset stomach, nausea, indigestion, or anxiety.
Here are seven of the most popular pressure points for everyday use and how they can help:
DU20 (Baihui)
Baihui, or “Hundred Convergences” in English, is located at the very top of the head. When we stimulate this point, it has many benefits from calming anxieties to raising brain function and energy. To find it, go to the highest point of the ears and trace it to the top of the head. Once there, gently massage the point to feel instant relief. This is great for students when they have test anxiety or for anyone who is on the computer for an extended period.
Large Intestine 4 (He Gu)
The English translation of He Gu is “Joining Valley” and it’s located on the hand in between the thumb and index finger. This point in Chinese medicine is the command point of the face and head, therefore it is amazing in treating headaches and any type of pain. It’s also beneficial for facial and neck pain and toothaches. To find Large Intestine 4, go in between the thumb and index finger and it will be at the highest point of the muscle.
Liver 3 (Tai Chong)
Meaning “The Great Surge” in English, Tai Chong is located in the depression between the big toe and the second toe. This point, like Large Intestine 4, is also beneficial for headaches and migraines as it diverts energy from the head and brings it down in the body to give relief. This is also great for cases of PMS due to menstruation in women, depression, high blood pressure, and insomnia.
The Third Eye
The third eye, which in Traditional Chinese Medicine is known as Yin Tang, and in English as “Hall of Impression,” is used to induce calm when feeling any level of stress or overthinking. This is a natural point to reduce pain and even helps with insomnia and anxiety. The third eye is found at the bridge of your nose at the middle point between your eyebrows.
Stomach 36 (Zu San Li)
If you’re someone that lacks energy, Zu San Li, which in English translates to “Leg Three Miles,” will most certainly get you through the day. This point is located just below the knee and is not only good for energy but also helps with things such as fatigue, depression, gastric pain, and vomiting.
To find it, trace the top of the tibia until your finger falls off of the bone into a slight depression. Use your fingers to stimulate this until you feel your energy levels rise. This manipulation is useful when tuckered out from physical activity – stimulate this point and it will get you through a few more reps. Always listen to what your body tells you, however, and be aware of your limits.
Pericardium 6 (Nei Guan)
Stimulating a point on the wrist between the tendons will supply relief for nausea, stomach aches, and motion sickness. This point is called Nei Guan or “Pericardium 6.” It also helps relieve headaches and carpal tunnel syndrome. To find it, place three fingers on the wrist crease and the point will be directly below the third finger in between the two tendons on the wrist. Seasickness bracelets were created to rest on this point to give lasting relief.
Stomach 25 (Tian Shu)
If you suffer from digestive problems or have overeaten, putting pressure on your stomach three fingers above your belly button can bring instant relief. Stomach 25 (Tian Shu), which translates to “Celestial Pivot” in English, helps with both constipation and diarrhea.
Not only are pressure points incredibly soothing but they can make all the difference in keeping out blockages and disrupting your qi.
These treatments are also tremendously beneficial for kids and teenagers. By teaching your children pressure points at a young age to help with brain function, digestion, energy, and pain, you’re setting them up for a lifetime of internal body awareness. When it comes to self-treatment and taking care of ourselves, knowledge will forever be power.
We’re here to soothe your stress
Pressure points are relatively simple to use and easy to understand but there is so much more to learn. Eastern Acupuncture and Wellness (Eacuwell) is a health, well-being, and longevity center that takes a holistic, functional approach to your physical and physiological state via a deliberate combination of eastern and western medicinal practices. Reach out today for a complimentary consultation on acupuncture and utilizing pressure points in everyday life.
