Taking steps to reduce stress and anxiety may be a worthwhile investment. About 40 million American adults list anxiety as a concern, making it the biggest mental health problem in the country, according to the National Institute of Anxiety and Stress, Inc. Acupressure can be a wonderful way to relax and unwind after a hard day on the job. Do some research to find an experienced acupressure therapist in your area, and discuss acupressure with your doctor before beginning.
Acupressure for Anxiety
Acupressure is like acupuncture without the needles. It is based on the same Chinese medicine theory of pressing specific points along energy lines, or meridians, to promote health. According to acupuncture.com, anxiety and worry can be treated with acupuncture and acupressure. Dr. Li Zhang writes that Chinese medicine views anxiety not as a brain dysfunction, but an inner organ imbalance. Each of the organs has a connection to your emotions, states Dr. Zhang, and your daily life choices, like diet and lifestyle habits, affect the health of your organs.
The Spleen
The spleen in Chinese medicine theory is responsible for thought and providing energy and strength to the muscles in the body, states "A Manual of Acupuncture." Therefore, imbalances in the spleen can lead to too much thinking, i.e. worry and anxiety. Acupuncture.com says that focusing too much on a specific problem is a sign of a spleen disharmony. With its link to the muscles, worry and anxiety can transmit tension in certain areas of the body.
Spleen points 5 and 6 are often stimulated to help relieve anxiety and calm the spirit, according to "A Manual of Acupuncture." Your practitioner may locate spleen 5 by palpating around your inside ankle bone. This point is located in the depression below and to the front edge of the ankle bone. Spleen 6 is located on the lower inside portion of your leg. It is approximately one hand's width above the ankle bone, in the muscle just behind the shin, or tibia.
The Heart
The heart houses the spirit, in accordance with Chinese medicine, so any type of anxiety or disharmony of the spirit will have some connection to the heart, states acupuncture.com.
Your practitioner may choose to manipulate heart points 3 and 7, both known for their calming effect, particularly in cases of anxiety. To find heart point 3, your practitioner will have you fully bend your elbow. The point is located between your "funny bone," or the medial epicondyle, and the edge of the elbow crease, according to yinyanghouse.com. Heart point 7 is located near the wrist, says "A Manual of Acupuncture." If you face your palm upwards, the point lies on the wrist crease, in between the tendon and the bone at the left side, or outside, of the wrist.
The Liver
Imbalances in the liver can often lead to agitation, anger, irritability and anxiety, according to acupuncture.com. To help ease an excess of liver energy, liver point 3 may be stimulated. It is located on the top of the foot in between the first and second toes. It lies near the junction of the first and second metatarsals, or foot bones, states "A Manual of Acupuncture." This point may feel tender when pressed, so be sure to let the practitioner know if you feel discomfort.
Extra Points
Some acupressure points do not belong to a specific meridian, but are considered extra points. One such point is called Yintang, and it is located directly between the eyebrows, according to yinyanghouse.com. It is particularly useful for reducing stress, anxiety and insomnia, and can be tapped or gently pressed.
Research
A few studies have been done to determine the effectiveness of certain points on anxiety and other related disorders. The "Journal of Advanced Nursing" published an article in November of 2004 that found spleen point 6 to be effective in helping alleviate the anxiety and pain associated with dysmenorrhea, or irregular menstruation, among adolescent girls. Although helpful, acupressure should not be used as a primary treatment, so be sure to discuss its use with your doctor to decide if it's right for you.
References
- National Institute of Anxiety and Stress, Inc. Website
- Acupuncture.com: Anxiety
- Yinyanghouse.com: Heart 3
- Yinyanghouse.com: Yintang
- "Journal of Advanced Nursing"; Effects of acupressure at the Sanyinjiao point on primary dysmenorrhoea; Chen, HM and Chen, CH; November 2004
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