Acupressure is the ancient art of applying pressure to certain points of the body to help alleviate maladies and improve health. In acupressure, there are "local points" that are directly on or around the body part being treated, and "trigger points" which are points on the body totally separate from the part being treated but when stimulated, can have a positive effect elsewhere on the body. For example, there are many trigger points on the hands to help with everyday health problems elsewhere on the body.
Reducing or Reinforcing
There are two techniques that you can apply in order to stimulate an acupressure point. Eclectic Energies describes them as "reinforcing" and "reducing." To reinforce a pressure point, apply direct steady pressure to it with something blunt for one to two minutes. This builds the energy in the part of the body that the point stimulates. Similar, but still different, is reducing. To reduce a point means to clear blockages, such as heat, tension or pain, to the energy flow in the target area. Do this by applying pressure in small clockwise circles with the finger at the pressure point for one to two minutes. You can reduce a point, and then reinforce for a two-stage treatment.
Pericardium 6
You can use a trigger point on the center of the wrist just below the base of the palm to reduce nausea. This point is known as pericard 6 or P-6, and is found between the two tendons on the inside of the forearm, about where your watch buckle typically would be. The January 2000 issue of "British Journal of Anesthesia" states that acupressure to this point has been reported to reduce post-operative vomiting. A reinforcing technique held on this same point for one to two minutes may notably reduce commonly occurring nausea in adults.
The Hoku Point
The next time you have a headache and no access to the medicine cabinet, apply acupressure to the trigger point on your hand known as the "Hoku" point, also called LI-4. The TMJ Society of California advocates this treatment for both headaches and the pain associated with the jaw condition temporomandibular disorder, or TMJ. The Hoku point is found on the soft tissue between your thumb and forefinger. To apply pressure, squeeze this point between the thumb and forefinger of the opposite hand, thumb on top and forefinger on the palm side.
Golf Ball Palm
"Massage" magazine says you can give yourself a pick-me-up late in the day when energy lags with a simple acupressure treatment on your palm. At the base of the thumb near the center of the palm, apply pressure with the opposite hand or roll a golf ball between both hands for two minutes in order to stimulate your adrenal gland.
The Very Great Abyss
If you are feeling down, press the palm-side of the wrist, in the depression beneath the thumb, between the point where you can feel your pulse and the tendon that goes to your thumb. Eclectic Energies calls this trigger point the "very great abyss" or LU-9. Apply acupressure to lighten your mood and, as added bonuses, moisten your skin and relieve cough and asthma symptoms.
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