It is so much fun discovering new ways or methods to improve the quality of life, even better if they’re simple and convenient.
So, today we’re exploring body pressure points to relieve stress and anxiety.
Why Use Body Pressure Points
Stress and anxiety can be a disruptive factor for many people but luckily the body comes equipped with an abundance of tools to help us deal with these emotions.
And acupressure is just one of them. This is a practice similar to acupuncture except it doesn’t use needles.
Acupressure comes from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and typically involves pressing firmly against specific areas of the body called acupoints.
These points are considered extremely sensitive and are thought to help relieve pain, promote balance, and encourage overall health.
The science on this is relatively limited but there is some evidence to support these claims.
How to Use Body Pressure Points
The way you use body pressure points is very straightforward. Just follow the guidelines below:
- When you’ve found the area you would like to activate, use your thumb or index finger to apply firm, steady pressure. Be sure to massage the point in a circular or up-and-down motion for anywhere from 1 to 2 minutes.
- Reduce all other distractions while massaging the area. Keep your eyes closed and take deep, even breaths.
- Repeat as necessary.
Inner Frontier Gate (Pericardium 6)
Name Meaning: The name “Inner Gate” may signify its ability to reach the inner self or the mental and emotional aspects of a person, particularly in times of despair.
Location: Place three fingers horizontally along the wrist starting at the palm’s base or the wrist’s crease. The acupoint will be the spot just after the third finger and between the two tendons of the wrist.
Purpose: The primary function of this point is to treat all forms of nausea. It may also help to calm the mind, reduce anxiety, and even relax the chest if tightening.
Spirit Gate (Heart 7)
Name Meaning: Spirit Gate symbolizes the “gate or door” to the spirit, mind, or emotion. It’s part of a belief in Traditional Chinese Medicine that a connection lies between the heart and mind.
Location: This body pressure point is found in the crease of the wrist. In line with the space between the pinkie and the ring finger.
Purpose: The Spirit Gate is most beneficial for chronic stress. It calms the spirit, regulates the heartbeat, and reduces anxiety/depression.
One Hundred Meetings (Bai Hui)
Name Meaning: The name 100 Meetings is translated from the Chinese word Bai Hui. It refers to both the point’s position on top of the head where all the Yang Qi (driving force energy) connects and the “100 diseases” it is said to treat.
Location: Place a finger on the top of each ear and move in a straight line toward the top of your head. The point where the two fingers meet is where you should apply the pressure.
Purpose: The acupoint promotes better concentration, and encourages mental awareness and clarity. Great for headaches and removing creative blocks.
Heavenly Gate (Ear Shen Men)
Name Meaning: This point was named the Heavenly Gate because it was thought by the Chinese to bring healing or vitality in the form of energy to the body.
Location: Found in the triangular fossa region or on the upper middle center of the ear above the opening canal.
Purpose: A powerful body pressure point used to treat conditions such as anxiety, stress, insomnia, and other inflammatory conditions.
Great Abyss (Lung 9)
Name Meaning: The name Great Abyss represents the deep depths this point can reach in treating the lungs.
Location: With the palm facing up, this point can be located on the wrist crease underneath the thumb.
Purpose: It is a great pressure point for anxiety, as it helps alleviate many symptoms that go with this condition.
Some examples include heart palpitations, chest pain, and coughing.
Giving Pressure Points a Try!
I hope you enjoyed this post and will hopefully give these pressure points a try the next time you need to reduce your stress and anxiety levels.
If you have any questions about anything you read today, don’t hesitate to ask.
Also, remember, before using body pressure points make sure to check in with your medical care provider first, especially if expecting.
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