Pressure points, also known as "acupressure points," are the application of pressure for 15 to 30 seconds, using the fingers or a blunt tool like a pencil eraser, to particular areas in the body to gain health benefits. Acupressure is considered an alternative medicine and is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration or proven to work. Acupressure originated in ancient Chinese medicine as early as 2,000 B.C., according to Harvard Medical School. Acupressure can be done at home with the knowledge of which pressure points correspond to particular ailments and pain in the body.
Head
Pressure points on or around the head can provide relief for a variety of ailments in the body. To relieve a headache, press on both sides of the ridge of the eyebrows, directly above the eye for up to one minute. To relieve head tension related to sinuses, press on either side of the nose, slightly below the nostrils. To relieve the pain associated with a toothache, gently press on either side of the jaw, just below the ears and under the area where the jaw hinges with the skull. For relief of cold and flu symptoms, press gently on the back of the neck, where the top two vertebrae in the spine meet.
Hands
Pressure points on the hands are a discreet way to relieve pain in the body throughout the day. Symptoms of nausea and vomiting can be eliminated by pressing on the web between the first finger and thumb, or by gently pressing on the inside of the wrist. Anti-nausea cuffs or bracelets, sold at health food stores, take advantage of this pressure point for avoiding seasickness or airsickness while traveling. Pressing the underside of the wrist just underneath the thumb can relieve symptoms of claustrophobia, asthma and other breathing problems. A cough can be relieved by gently pressing the pressure point approximately 2 inches below the wrist on the top of the arm, lined up with the middle finger.
Feet
Multiple pressure points on the foot provide relief from tension in other areas of the body. For instance, pressing on the bottom center of the foot, just under the ball of the foot, is said to relieve tension headaches. Pressing between the ankle and the Achilles tendon is the pressure point for lower back pain. Relieve nosebleeds by pressing on the top of the foot, on the web between the second and third toes. For relief from prostate and rectal problems, press on the outside of the foot, just below the slightly protruding ball of the pinkie toe.
Warnings About Pressure Points
Pressure points may help relieve pain associated with certain ailments, but are not considered to be a cure by most doctors in the United States. If you are suffering from a serious illness, see a doctor in conjunction with using pressure point therapy. Although pressure points may provide some relief, medical treatment should be used, especially if the disease or ailment is serious.
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