For many people, stress is an unavoidable part of daily life. Learning techniques to help cope with stress are important in relieving stress's physical symptoms and preventing serious health problems. Acupressure, a form of traditional Chinese medicine, can help relieve anxiety, promote a state of relaxation and counteract health conditions associated with stress.
Definition of Stress
Stress is a normal physical response to situations that cause frustration or anger. Under certain situations, stress can be a source of motivation and help you perform at your full potential. For many people, however, elevated levels of stress have become a part of their daily lives. Operating under prolonged stress can put your health and emotional well-being at risk.
Effects of Chronic Stress
According to Helpguide.org, chronic stress can disrupt nearly every system in your body. It can cause cognitive impairment, emotional problems, physical illness and behavioral changes. Stress can weaken the immune system, increase your risk of heart attack, and accelerate the aging process. Chronic stress can cause or aggravate numerous health problems, including heart disease, digestive problems, insomnia, depression, weight gain or loss, headaches, high blood pressure and frequent colds.
Definition of Acupressure
Acupressure is healing art that originated in China an estimated 5,000 years ago. Like other forms of traditional Chinese medicine, acupressure teaches that the body contains a vital energy known as qi, pronounced "chee." The body produces qi in the internal organs and circulates it along pathways, or meridians. Points along the meridians correspond to different internal organs and can stimulate various functions in the body. Acupressure is the process of stimulating these pressure points, which promotes proper flow of qi throughout the meridians. Acupressure can be used to help relieve emotional distress as well as physical symptoms associated with stress.
Meridians Related to Stress
Traditional Chinese medicine teaches that each organ in the body generates and stores a particular emotion. When the meridian associated with a particular organ is out of balance, the corresponding emotions will be unbalanced. Organs and meridians associated with stress include the kidneys, which generate fear; the liver, which generates anger, frustration and irritability; the heart, which generates both joy and anxiety; and the spleen, which generates worry. Understanding the pressure points throughout the body that correspond to these organs and learning how to stimulate them can help keep your emotions balanced.
Pressure Points
Pressure points related to stress and anxiety can be found in your wrist, the sole of your foot, the ears, and the neck. Pressing the P6 point on the inside of the wrist can help relieve anxiety, heart palpitations and nausea. Points on the soles of the feet can stimulate the meridians of the kidneys, heart, liver and spleen. Numerous pressure points are located along the outer edges and the inner folds of the ear. Massaging your ears for several minutes a day can be an effective treatment for stress and other ailments. A 2006 study found that ear acupressure decreased anxiety and pain in patients during ambulance transport.
References
- Helpguide.org: Understanding Stress: Signs, Symptoms, Causes, and Effects
- "Acupressure & Reflexology for Dummies"; Synthia Andrews and Bobbi Dempsey; 2007
- Holistic Online: Acupressure Points for Anxiety Disorders
- PubMed: Out-of-Hospital Auricular Acupressure in Elder Patients With Hip Fracture
