As integrative medicine gains momentum in the Western world, more people are turning to alternative therapies for relief. According to the American Hospital Association, U.S. hospitals offering complementary therapies rose from 8.6% in 1998 to nearly 20% in 2004, with an additional 24% reporting plans to do so in the future.
Acupressure is a style of bodywork derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine that is easy to self-administer. Like acupuncture, it stimulates key points on the body to release tension and promote the flow of blood and life force energy, known as Chi. Unlike acupuncture, acupressure doesn’t use needles and instead relies on the gentle, firm pressure of thumbs, fingers, palms, knuckles, and sometimes feet.
Acupressure is commonly used to treat many common ailments, including stress and anxiety. In a recent study, Dr. Shu-Ming Wang of Yale University found that preoperative acupressure may alleviate anxiety in children and adolescents awaiting surgery. Research has also shown that acupressure improves heart-rate variability, a measure of the sympathetic nervous system. This is indicative of reduced stress and decreased fight or flight response.
Acupressure Points for Stress Management
To relieve anxiety and stress, consider self-acupressure using the points listed below. You don’t necessarily need to work with all of these points. Stimulating one or two points can provide relief.
- Three Miles (Stomach 36)
This point lies on the outside of your leg approximately four finger widths below the kneecap. Press directly into the belly of the muscle running along the shinbone.
Benefits: Revitalizes the whole body. Releases physical fatigue.
- Heavenly Rejuvenation (Triple Warmer 15)
Sitting upright, measure three finger widths from the base of the neck. Hook your fingertips halfway down to the top of the scapula. Firmly press with your fingers, right hand on the right shoulder and left hand on the left shoulder. If this is uncomfortable, cross your arms in front of you and hold opposite shoulders.
Benefits: Releases tension in the neck and relieves nervousness. Also increases resistance to colds and flus.
- Inner Gate (Pericardium 6)
From the wrist crease, measure three finger widths up the inner arm. Apply pressure to the soft space between the two tendons.
Benefits: Relieves anxiety, palpitations, nausea, insomnia, and emotional imbalances.
- Spirit Door (Heart 7)
This point lies on the pinky finger side of the inner arm at the crease of the wrist. Find the divot right underneath the bony nodule formed by the pisiform bone.
Benefits: Relieves anxiety, insomnia, hysteria, stage fright, forgetfulness, and emotional imbalances.
- Sea of Tranquility (Conception Vessel 17)
Hold your palms together in prayer position. Using the back of your thumbs, gently press against the center of your breastbone.
Benefits: Nourishes the heart, relieves chest tension, nervousness, depression, and other emotional imbalances.
- Third Eye (Governing Vessel 24.5)
Hold your palms together in prayer position. Keeping your hands in this position, lift them to your forehead, using your middle and index fingers to gently touch your “third eye” located between the eyebrows.
Benefits: Calm the body, relieves nervousness.
- One Hundred Meeting Point (Governing Vessel 20)
Find the crown of your head between the cranial bones. Press lightly on slight hollow at the top of your head for approximately 30 seconds.
Benefits: Strengthens the mind, boosts morale, and soothes headaches.
Hold acupressure points with steady, direct pressure. To stimulate an area, you need only apply pressure for four to five seconds. To promote a sense of calm, hold points for at least a minute. You may begin to feel a pulse at the point, which is good as it indicates an increase in circulation. Slowly release the pressure and finish with light touch.
Self-acupressure is an easy and effective way to stimulate your body’s natural healing abilities to promote healing and balance for mind, body, and spirit.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
