Acupressure is an ancient healing art that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. It is based on the practice of stimulating specific points on the body with pressure to release endorphins, which are neurochemicals that close the “doors” of the pain signaling system. This prevents painful sensations from passing through the spinal cord to the brain. Mastering the locations and indications of more than 400 acupressure points on the body can be a daunting task, but our experts have highlighted 10 of the most effective points on the body, explained how to find them and described the benefits of these points. The body's Qi is produced in the internal organs and circulates through the body in the system of energy channels known as meridians (pathways).
The meridians are extensions of the 10 internal organs and contain specific acupressure points along each pathway. The points are sensitive to bioelectric impulses in the body and conduct those impulses easily. Stimulating these points with pressure releases endorphins, which can help reduce muscle tension, promote blood circulation, and even relieve common side effects of chemotherapy. One of the most popular pressure points is PC 6, which is located in the groove between two large tendons on the inside of the wrist that start at the base of the palm. Applying firm pressure at this point is believed to relieve neck pain, earaches, and headaches that occur in the back of the head.
You can also use a pressure point on your wrist called Pericardium 6 to relieve nausea or an upset stomach. This point is located approximately two toes below the knee and four toes wide towards the outer leg area. Another popular pressure point is located right on the center line of your body below your sternum. This point is best for digestion when it comes to pressure points. You can use your fingers to apply firm pressure to this part of your hand and potentially give your immune system a quick boost. There are special bracelets that are sold over-the-counter that press similar pressure points and work for some people.
During an acupressure session, you lie fully clothed on a soft massage table while a practitioner gently presses acupressure points on your body. Usually, a session lasts about an hour and you may need several sessions to get the best results. Chinese names (translated into English) assigned to acupressure points in meridians can serve as a powerful meditation tool and can help set the intention of your work. The goal of acupressure or other types of Asian body work is to restore health and balance of your body's energy channels and regulate opposing forces of yin (negative energy) and yang (positive energy).Doctors haven't found any evidence to suggest that acupressure interacts with other medical treatments, making it a safe option to use in conjunction with medications, therapy, and other remedies. Watch this video or follow these steps to learn how to do acupressure to reduce pain and headaches. It is important to note that there are very few studies that support using pressure points to treat diseases.
However, if you're looking for a natural way to reduce pain or give your immune system a boost, then acupressure may be worth trying.
