Acupuncture and acupressure are ancient healing arts that utilize pressure points all over the body to alleviate ailments and improve wellness. Stimulating a pressure point may have beneficial effects local to its position on the body, as well as effects in a completely different area. Acupressure treatment is an easy technique for anyone to utilize to improve physical and mental well-being day to day.
How and When
It is important to note that acupressure should not be considered a replacement for consulting your doctor. If you are sick, speak with a physician and follow her advice.
Pressure points may be stimulated with acupuncture or acupressure. Acupuncture uses fine needles to stimulate the pressure points and should not be practiced without training. Using needle treatments may even be illegal if you are not properly certified.
Instead, acupressure is easier and carries less risk. Information posted by Stanford Medical School states that acupressure is best performed with a fingertip, knuckle, or even the eraser end of a pencil. This allows firm and localized pressure on the pressure point without injury.
Great Surge
Pressure points have poetic Chinese names created millennia ago when the art was developed. The points are also named by the meridians on which they lie according to pressure-point maps of the body.
The Great Surge point lies on the liver meridian at LIV-3, and can be used to relax the body and release stress. Instead of treating this point with direct, steady pressure, known as "reinforcing," use small counterclockwise circular stimulation of the point. This is known as "reducing." The Eclectic Energies websites ays that this will reduce blockages to the flow of energy, as opposed to reinforcing, which builds the flow of energy.
Locate the Great Surge on the top of the foot between the big and second toes. A few finger widths up the top of the foot you can feel a depression where the bones come closer together. Reduce this point for one to two minutes for a relaxing effect.
Leg Three Miles
Leg Three Miles is on the Stomach Meridian at ST-36, and can be found one hand-width below the kneecap at the top of the shin. On the outside of the bone, apply pressure in this area to stimulate energy and give yourself a pick-me-up. The Eclectic Energies website warns against overusing this pressure point, as over-stimulation may have negative effects.
Wind Pool
Yin Yang House tells us that the Wind Pool point on the gall bladder meridian at GB-20, is located at the back of the skull in the depression between the muscles where the skull joins to the spine. Reinforcing of this point for one to two minutes can dispel headaches, alleviate eyestrain, and relax the head, neck and shoulders.
Union Valley
Another useful point suggested by Yin Yang House is the Union Valley point. Located at LI-4 on the liver meridian, it can be found on the upper arm where the shoulder cap muscle comes to a point and joins to the bone. Reinforcement of this point can have a beneficial effect on cold-like symptoms, such as hay fever, as well as boosting immunity.
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