Acupressure is an alternative therapy that derives from traditional Chinese medicine and is one of numerous Asian bodywork therapies.
In this traditional therapy, the theory is that the body has special “acupoints”, or acupressure points, that can be found along invisible “energy channels” of the human body. These are the same points that are targeted for acupuncture and part of the same overall system or theory. These channels are believed to be the passage of the body’s vital energy or the life force called Qi.
There are 12 channels that connect the different organs of the body, so the tradition believes. These points start at the fingertips, travel to the brain, and then disseminate to various channels that reach a specific body organ.
Like any other therapy, the desire of acupressure is to be an effective means to stimulate the body and relax the muscles. When acupressure is regularly practiced, this self-massage technique is believed to improve health and minimize recurrence of illnesses.
The most common, and probably the easiest point to target for acupressure, is point between the thumb and index finger – as depicted in the image. This is called the hook spot in Chinese medicine. It is widely reported to be the most effective target point for relieving headache and numerous people agree that self-massage of this pressure point brings relief.
Generally, what you do is press the points firmly, while doing a rotary movement or an up-and-down movement for 30 seconds up to several minutes at a time. There is no limit to how many times you want to do it in a day. Just be sure that while doing it, you are in a comfortable position – relaxed and eyes closed while breathing deeply.
This is a self-massage technique, but other people can still provide the massage for you, too.
7 Other Well Known Acupressure Points Of The Body
The UCLA Center for East-West Medicine listed the most common acupressure points and it includes:
* Feng Chi – this is located at the back of your head, between ear and the groove where the neck muscles attach to the skull. In applying pressure in this area, you can clasp your hands together, fingers interlocked, then press your palms at the back of your neck, using your thumbs to massage the area.
* Jian Jing – this is located at your shoulder muscles and may be best reached by another person standing behind you. Massage using thumb and middle finger. Interestingly, this pressure point is said to induce labor, and is therefore not massaged during pregnancy.
* Tai Chong – located on your foot about two finger widths above the place where the skin of your big toe and the next toe join. Use deep, firm pressure to massage and stimulate the area for 4-5 seconds.
* Nei Guan – located three finger extents below the wrist on the inner forearm in between the two tendons. Apply careful downward pressure between the two tendons, massaging and stimulating the area for 4-5 seconds.
* Zhong Zhu – located in the groove formed by the tendons of the 4th and 5th fingers behind the knuckles.
* San Yin Jiao – located on the inside of your leg, just above your ankle.
* Zu San Li – located four finger widths down from the bottom of your knee cap, along the outer boundary of your shin bone.
Acupressure can be useful for people who have to face body stress every day. It also provides treatment for emotional stress. Daily burdens of life causes both physical and emotional stress, causing the body to break down and keep negative feelings stuck in your body’s life force, resulting to physical and emotional imbalances.
Knowing these valuable pieces of information about acupressure can surely help people become more relax and physically, mentally and emotionally stable.
