Acupressure helps people release tension, circulate their body's energy and relax. In the art of acupressure you or a massage therapist apply pressure to key points on your body with the thumb or forefinger. This is believed to relieve your system of stress thereby building up your resistance to disease. According to The Institute for Integrative Healthcare Studies there are hundreds of acupressure points on your body.
Acupressure should not replace professional attention to medical conditions. It is best used as a compliment to medical treatments.
Feet
There are several acupressure points on the feet. Pressing on these points may help resolve issues such as hot flashes, poor memory and menstrual pain.
Gall bladder 44, also referred to as GB44, is found in the outer corner of the toenail on the fourth toe. Eclectic Energies claims that putting pressure on this point will resolve anger and increase focus.
A second acupressure point found on the foot is Liver 3, or LV 3. Yin Yang House, a site for Eastern medicine practitioners, claims you can find this acupressure point where the tendons meet between your big toe and second toe. Pressing on this acupoint can help manage stress, irritability and anxiety.
Kidney 1, or KD 1, is the acupressure point located on the sole. It can be found by locating the depression below the big toe joint. Pressure to KD 1 helps people find relief from night sweats and insomnia.
Hands and Wrist
Acupressure points on the hand and wrist can help you find peace and tranquility.
Heart 7, or HT 7, is an acupoint found on your wrist. It is also referred to as "Spirit Gate." The Institute for Integrative Healthcare Studies recommends putting pressure on this acupoint if you are seeking to relieve insomnia caused by overexcitement or to reduce anxiety and relax. You can find the H7 point by sliding your finger from the thumb side of your wrist crease to your pinky. Stop when you locate the bone near your pinky. It is on the tender part of that bone.
Large Intestine 4, or LI 4, is an acupoint often referred to as "Joining of the Valleys," claims Eclectic Energies. You can find LI 4 on the top of your hand between your index finger and thumb. This point helps calm grieving people. Pregnant women are advised not to apply pressure to LI 4.
Stomach
Several acupoints on the stomach help people manage issues such as poor digestion and heartburn. Pressure to Conception Vessel 12, or CV 12, will help control these problems as well as diarrhea. Yin Yang House says those seeking stomach relief will find this acupoint halfway between their belly button and sternum.
CV 6 is another acupoint on your abdomen. It is also called "Sea of Energy." Acupressure.com describes this acupoint as one used to relieve constipation, stomach pain and gas. CV 6 can be found between the belly button and the pubic bone.
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