The human body is full of pressure points, which are where tension and stress accumulate, according to Acupressure.com. Pressure points can be massaged or manipulated to relieve stress, ease the symptoms of some minor conditions, improve circulation and for self-defense. This is known as acupressure. According to Because You Value Your Body, five main pressure points may provide immediate relief from tension and discomfort. By applying deep pressure to these points, you can help your muscle fibers lengthen and relax. This allows the blood to flow more freely, toxins to be released and oxygen and other nutrients to travel to affected areas.
When to Avoid Acupressure
Stanford School of Medicine advises that if you are seriously injured or have persistent symptoms, you should always seek medical treatment rather than relying on acupressure. You should also avoid this therapy if you have a heart condition; 20 minutes before or after heavy exercise, a large meal, or bathing; if the point is under a mole, wart, varicose vein, bruise, or any break in the skin; and if you are pregnant.
Back of the Neck
There are two main acupressure points on each side of your spine, where your neck meets with your skull, according to Holistic Online. Massaging these two points can help you relax because they send messages down the spinal column to loosen all your muscles. These points can ease insomnia, eyestrain, stiff necks, swollen eyes and sore throats, according to Because You Value Your Body. One of the best ways to manipulate these points, suggests Holistic Online, is to put two tennis balls in a sock, lie on your back on the floor and place the balls behind your neck so they touch the base of your skull. Lie in this position for 20 minutes.
Top of the Shoulder
These points are on the fleshy part of both shoulders, about halfway between the base of your neck and the edge of your shoulder, and slightly to the back. By applying pressure to these points, according to Because You Value Your Body, you can relieve nervous tension and a stiff neck, boost your resistance to colds and flu and promote healthy functioning of your lungs. With all pressure points, Stanford School of Medicine recommends using your index finger or knuckle to apply firm pressure for 15 to 30 seconds.
Elbow Crease
Massaging this point, which is slightly toward the thumb side of the elbow crease, can ease a nervous stomach, general anxiety, arm and elbow pain, and chest discomfort, according to Because You Value Your Body.
The Wrist
There are two pressure points on the wrist. According to Stanford School of Medicine, one is located on the largest crease of the inner wrist, below your thumb. Applying pressure to this point can help relieve emotional imbalances, fear, nervousness, anxiety, and forgetfulness, according to Because You Value Your Body. The other point can be found by measuring two thumb widths from the largest crease on the inside wrist, says Stanford School of Medicine. The point is between the tendons in the middle of the wrist and, according to Because You Value Your Body, manipulating it can ease nausea, anxiety, palpitations and wrist pain.
