There is little clinical evidence to verify the efficacy of acupressure in the treatment of anxiety. However, you may want to understand the theory behind using acupressure to treat anxiety as well as try some acupressure techniques instead of spending money on medications to treat anxiety that may cause unpleasant side effects.
Definition of Acupressure
Acupressure is a method of massage in traditional Chinese medicine that involves stimulating points on the body to adjust the body's flow of qi, or energy, according to AltMD.com. The circulation of qi affects a person's emotional state. Knowing how to stimulate qi can help a person change their emotional state, such as in reducing anxiety.
Theory About Anxiety
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners postulate that anxiety is an outward manifestation of an imbalance in the energy of the heart and kidney, according to AltMD.com. The fire of the heart organ can rise to disturb the mind if the water of the kidney is unable to balance the fire. Stress and overwork can weaken the energy of the kidney, allowing the fire of the heart to become excessive.
Acupressure Points
AltMD recommends applying acupressure from the top of your body downward, beginning with the Yin Tang technique. Yin Tang, also known as the Hall of Impression or the third eye, is a pressure point for calming agitation, anxiety and insomnia. The pressure point is directly between the eyebrows where you can feel a slight depression beneath the skin. Pressing it results in a mild stimulation to ease anxiety.
The Pericardium 6, also known as the Nei Guan or Inner Gate, lies on the crease between the two tendons in the middle of your wrist. AltMD recommends feeling the area for the most active point and applying steady pressure with your finger. In traditional Chinese medicine, the Pericardium 6 is the protector of the heart, and its stimulation can help calm your mind, reduce anxiety and stop nausea.
The Kidney 1 acupressure point, also known as Yong Quan or Gushing Spring, is in the middle of sole of the foot just behind the ball. AltMD suggests applying steady pressure to Kidney 1, rubbing the area with your palm or soaking your foot in warm water to stimulate the point and guide your energy down. Traditional Chinese medicine postulates that the Kidney 1 grounds a person; stimulating the point can drain the body of the excessive heart fire that causes anxiety.
Function
Acupressure works by triggering responses in the brain and stimulating hormonal activity that increases the circulation of blood throughout the body, according to Maternity Acupressure. The website suggests that acupressure can release physical tension and anxiety to help balance your metabolism and return your breathing to a normal pace.
Considerations
AltMD recommends deep breathing while applying pressure to each point. Stimulation should be firm but not painful, and you should continue applying pressure until the anxiety subsides.
