Acupressure is an ancient Chinese treatment for restoring balance to the body, enhancing the immune system and releasing the tension that builds up in energy centers located throughout the body. According to the Alternative Health Guide, there are more than 800 of these energy centers in your body, running along what are known as meridian lines, which connect your body’s internal system to the exterior, and run from your head down to your feet. Some of these points are located on and around the ankle and, by applying pressure to them, acupressure practitioners believe you can help to alleviate pain and tension and recharge your energy flow.
Using Acupressure
Acupressure.com recommends using the pads of your middle and index fingers to apply pressure, and hold on the point for at least 30 seconds. The Alternative Health Guide adds that a good way to locate acupressure points is to remember that the ones near a bone will usually be in the indentation around the bone, while the points near muscles will usually be quite deep, and you may need to apply a little extra pressure to feel the benefits.
Swollen Feet and Ankle Pain
This point is located in the depression on the inside of your ankle, halfway between your ankle bone and Achilles tendon. Acupressure.com suggests using the heel of your other foot to rub this point for about 30 seconds to help reduce ankle pain and swelling in your feet and boost your energy. According to MotherNature.com, pressing this point relieves swelling because the pressure causes your muscles to relax, which increases blood flow in and out of the area. Swap and rub the point on the other foot, too.
Vision, and Tension Caused by Fear
There is another point on the ankle that can be manipulated to ease the effects of fear and anxiety on your body—such as tension—and improve your vision, says Eclectic Energies. Press firmly on the inside of your foot, just below your ankle bone, breathe deeply and hold for at least 30 seconds. Repeat on the other ankle.
