Applying pressure on strategic points in an acupressure massage can help you pay attention and stay alert, according to a 2005 study published in the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine." The study showed that not just any acupressure techniques will do: specific points work better than others for promoting alertness. Additionally, study participants learned how to use acupressure on themselves, demonstrating that acupressure is convenient for most people to use.
Acupressure uses the same points as acupuncture, which inserts needles on the body to promote healing. However, acupressure uses gentle finger pressure instead of needles, which makes it easier to self-administer and more suitable for squeamish personalities. To find an acupressure point, search the area of interest until you find a slight depression or sore spot. Apply steady pressure to that spot for 30 to 60 seconds — although different periods of time may work better at different points. Press gently on sore spots and avoid causing pain.
Research
In the 2005 study, acupressure therapists taught either a relaxing or stimulating acupressure regimen to 39 students, who performed the regimen at midday. After three hours, at the end of classes, students who used the alertness regimen reported significantly fewer symptoms of sleepiness than those who used the relaxing routine. The study suggests that acupressure may help students stay alert during classes, but more research is necessary to determine acupressure's effectiveness.
Alertness
Points that the 2005 study participants used included GV 20, called Si Shen Chong, LI4, St36, K1 and UB10, which were massaged starting on the head and working down the body. Find Si Shen Chong in a slight hollow toward the back of your head, on the center line of your skull. Locate UB10 on the back of your neck, on the two ropy muscles about 1/2 inch beneath the base of your skull. Squeeze your thumb and forefinger together, then press into the top of the bulge of skin between them to massage LI4. Point St36 is four finger-widths below your knee cap and one finger-width outside of your shinbone. Point K1 is on the bottom of your foot underneath the pads of your toes.
Memory and Concentration
Points for memory and concentration also help you to feel alert and focused. Try using EX2, GV26, GB20, GV24.5, CV17 and Lv3. Michael Reed Gach, author of "Acupressure's Potent Points," recommends a twice-daily regimen. Starting at the head, massage the Si Shen Chong point and GV26 simultaneously. Find GV26 in a depression two-thirds of the way between your lip and your nose. Next, massage UB10, GB20 and EX2. Locate GB20 in the hollows below the base of your skull. Simultaneously press GV24.5, which is directly between your eyebrows and CV17, three thumb-widths below your breast bone. Massage St36 and then Lv3 last, using the heel of one foot to rub across each point on the opposite leg. Lv3 is in the valley on top of your foot between the big and second toe.
References
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine; Using Acupressure to Modify Alertness in the Classroom: A Single-Blinded, Randomized, Cross-Over Trial; Richard E. Harris, Ph.D. et al.
- Acupressure's Potent Points; Michael Reed Gach Memory and Concentration)
- Point Finder: Browse Symptoms & Points
Member Comments