Acupressure, more potent than acupuncture and the top 10 points for pain relief

What is acupressure therapy?

Acupressure is an ancient form of massage therapy that involves applying pressure to certain points on the body to address ailments. According to traditional Chinese medicine, people have meridians or channels like rivers throughout the body. Qi (Chi), which is understood as energy, a life sustaining force that runs along the meridians. Qi can become stuck at some points along those meridians causing blockage, misalignments, pain, and disease the goal of acupressure is to open up the blockages to keep the energy flowing using pressure at specific points to bring the body back into alignment.

There are hundreds of acupressure points throughout the body corresponding to other parts of the body. For example, there is a point on your hand for your kidney.

As with any form of massage a huge perk of acupressure is relaxation something we can all benefit from even if you don't believe in meridians or Qi energy life force.

Acupressure is often used for pain relief. Studies show it helps relieve pain throughout the body, menstrual cramps, headaches, strengthen the immune system, support digestive and other organ functions, and so much more.

Acupuncture or Acupressure?

Acupuncture which happens to be very popular right now actually stems from acupressure, they are both based on the same meridian system and are used to achieve similar results. Unlike acupuncture you can self sooth with acupressure whenever you need it no needles necessary. Acupressure is actually more potent than acupuncture as it covers more surface area and can slowly sink into the places needing to be released/ unblocked. Acupuncture stimulates the area and brings awareness and healing, but it does not bring the same level of potency, comfort, and relief as the hands-on healing of acupressure. Acupressure is in fact more potent and more beneficial than acupuncture.

There are points all throughout the body that link to healing other parts of the body

If you can't afford or don't have the means to go see a professional who is trained in this modality such as myself you can start learning specific points and work on yourself. I will list some of the most popular and beneficial points for you to look into and work on below. there are also great tools out there designed for self-care and the hard-to-reach places such as thera canes, trigger point canes, cranial cradles, foam rollers, even something as simple as a golf ball or tennis ball can be used to put pressure on the proper areas.

1. Joining the Valley (L14) Used to relieve headaches this point is located on the fleshy part of your hand between the thumb and index finger. Massaging it gently for a few minutes can also eliminate toothaches, neck and shoulder pain, arthritis pain, constipation, and hangovers. make sure your hand is balled into a fist when you perform the massage as you can access the acupressure point best this way.

2. Pericardium (P6) Performing acupressure on this point on the inside of the wrist approximately three finger widths below the base of the palm. This move can significantly help with nausea and vomiting. People can feel nauseous for various reasons including pregnancy, motion sickness, post-surgery, or even the flu. Press the point briefly with your index and middle fingers and repeat as needed.

3. The Third Eye (GV24.5) Many people feel pain and pressure because we use our minds so much to complete tasks throughout the day which can result in a tight feeling in the middle of our heads. Located right between the eyebrows, you will want to use your middle finger to press it for a few seconds to a minute. This will help relax your mind, relieve chronic stress and fatigue, improve memory and concentration, and alleviate eye strain.

4. Sea of Tranquility (CV17) Located at the center of the breastbone about four finger widths above the base of the bone. Massaging this point can help restore emotional balance and relieve one of anxiety and depression. Many nervous system imbalances can be corrected by performing acupressure on this point it can even boost the immune system. You'll want to ensure your spine is straight and upright to do this exercise. After your situated take your palms together in prayer position and press your knuckles of your thumbs into your breastbone, take slow controlled breaths while doing this.

5. Leg Three Miles (ST 36) Located right below the kneecap just outside the shin bone, applying moderate to deep pressure to this point can improve digestive disorders such as constipation, bloating, nausea. It may also boost immune system function and ward of fatigue.

6. Commanding Middle (B 54) This point is on the backside of the knee. It is great for relieving back and knee pain, arthritis in the hips, and even sciatica pain. Some researchers have found that massaging this acupressure point can provide relief for up to six months simply massaging the point for one minute a day.

7. Sacral Point You'll find these points directly above the tailbone at the base of the spine. Massaging them can help relieve menstrual cramps as well as lower back pain. Simply lie own on your back, put one hand on the other to increase pressure and massage the points above your tailbone for a few minutes. Repeat as needed.

8. Shen Men Located on the upper half of the ear above the apex of the triangular fossa, massaging this point can help eliminate addictions and restore balance to the nervous system. To perform acupressure here apply your index finger to the shen men and put your thumb on the back of the ear, massage using firm pressure.

9. Heavenly Pillar (B 10) Located on the back of the neck on the prominent neck muscles approximately 1/2 inch above the spine, acupressure can greatly reduce insomnia and stress. It can also alleviate neck pain, strain, and help with severe headaches. If you have a stiff or sore neck you will also reap benefits from this point. Use firm, steady strokes on these points to see the best results.

10. Bigger Rushing (LV 3) Located on the top of the foot where the bones of the big toe and second toe meet, massaging this point can help increase memory and concentration. Press gently for a few minutes. Then release it and repeat as needed.

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