A pressure point is a specific location on the body where a pulse can be felt. Knowing where pressure points are located offers a variety of benefits, from relieving pain to saving a life or escaping from physical danger. Also known as vital or tender spots, pressure points are often targeted in martial arts self defense instruction, and in the medical field.
Control Bleeding
Several pressure points found in the body may help prevent blood loss through injured or torn arteries or veins, according to Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide. Four major pressure points are found in the human body. The brachial artery runs along the upper arm, while the radial artery is found in the wrist. Applying pressure to the femoral artery, found in the groin, may help prevent blood loss through leg wounds, while the popliteal artery found on the back of the knee may help slow bleeding below the knee. Applying firm pressure to any of these points may help slow bleeding until professional help arrives, but people are cautioned not to apply direct pressure for more than five minutes at a time to prevent tissue damage due to lack of blood flow.
Disabling an Attacker
Martial arts systems of fighting and self defense have used pressure points to help escape personal attacks. Applying pressure to a pressure point stops blood flow to the area below that point, and may also serve to compress nerves, causing numbness or weakness to that area or limb. In martial arts, pressure points are divided into three different types. A Type 1 pressure point may be hitting the side of a bone, such as the shin bone, according to Fighting Arts.com. A Type 2 pressure point is one that exerts pressure by a finger or knuckle into an area of the body to cause a momentary but intense burst of pain and immobility. A Type 3 pressure point causes interference with body functions such as cardiac or respiratory function. Such pressure points may be found in the throat and may affect the brain, heart or lungs.
Pain Relief
Pain relief offered through acupressure has been practiced for thousands of years throughout the world. Dozens of small pressure points are located in the human body, according to Acupressure.com. Such pressure points may be utilized by performing acupressure on yourself, or by a professional. Massage and gentle pressure applied to a number of pressure points on the body can help to relieve stress and tension, body aches and pains caused by headaches, arthritis and a number of injuries and disease processes.
Member Comments