Acupressure is one of the many Asian body therapies that come from traditional Chinese medicine. It is an alternative therapy according to which the body contains some special “acupoints” that are called acupressure points. These points are targeted for acupuncture.
Acupressure is an effective means that stimulates the body and relaxes the muscles. Regular practice can improve our health greatly and prevent illnesses to emerge.
Energy channels
The human body has some invisible “energy channels” along which these acupoints can be found. The body’s vital energy that is known as the life force Qi, passes through the energy channels. This traditional therapy assumes that there are 12 channels in our body that connect different organs. They start from the fingertips, go to the brain, and then spread to all the channels reaching a specific organ in the body.
The hook spot
The easiest and most common point that can be reached for acupressure, is located between the thumb and the index finger. In Chinese medicine, this place is called the hook spot. It is well known that pressing this point can relieve headaches and bring relief. Many people around the world confirm that this self-massage technique has helped them to lower their headaches and feel better.
All you need to do is press the points firmly, and make rotary movements or move up-and-down for half a minute several times. You can do it as often as you want during the day. But you need to make sure that you are sitting or lying comfortably and relaxed with eyes closed and breathing deeply.
Although this is a self-massage technique, others can do it for you too.
7 acupressure points
According to the UCLA Center for East-West Medicine, these are the most common acupressure points that are also well-known:
1. Feng Chi
This acupressure point can be found at the backside of your head, between the ear and the groove where your neck muscles are attached to the skull. Put your palms at the back of your neck, and use your thumbs to massage this area.
2. Jan Jing
This point is better to be reached by another person that stands behind you because it is located at shoulder muscles. It is best to massage it with the thumb and the middle finger. What is interesting is that this acupressure point induces labor, so do not massage it if you are pregnant.
3. Tai Chong
The point called Tai Chong is located on the foot, two finger-widths above the spot where the big toe and the toe next to it join. Massage it deep and firmly to stimulate this area for 5 seconds. Repeat more times.
4. Nei Guan
Between the two tendons on the inner forearm, three fingers below the wrist this acupoint is located. Carefully press downward and massage for around 5 seconds.
5. Zhong Zhu
Where the tendons between the 4th and the 5th finger form groove, here you can find this acupoint behind the knuckles.
6. San Yin Jiao
This acupoint is located on the inside part of your leg, right above the ankle.
7. Zu San Li
At the bottom of your knee cap, down four fingers, and along the outer boundary of the shin bone is located Zu san li.
Acupressure is very useful for those who are under stress every day as it relieves emotional burden. Everyday life can cause physical as well as emotional stress that keeps negative feelings stuck in the body’s life force that results in emotional and physical imbalance.
That is why it is very valuable to know this information and apply it so that you can be more physically, emotionally, and mentally stable.
