Acupressure is an ancient method used in traditional Chinese medicine to reduce stress, anxiety and to improve mood.
Acupressure could be also considered as a self – healing method because with a bit of acquired knowledge anybody can do it in his home or even office!
All you have to do is to get familiar with the important meridian pressure points and incorporate this valuable practice in your daily routine to make your life as calm as possible.
If compared to acupuncture, acupressure is done without needles. Instead inserting the needle in this technique main tool are our fingers, and energy blockages are being removed just by applying a gentle pressure with a finger on the particular pressure point.
Also, acupressure could be practiced more often, once or even twice a day, every day, but it is important to remember that always it has to be done gently.
The most common question that comes to mind is: Is Acupressure or Acupuncture the better choice?
And experts say that acupuncture is a level higher than acupressure and if your plan is to be working on pressure points by yourself, then it is safer to go with acupressure points. But if your aim is not only to decrease stress but to get help for some chronic illness too, then acupuncture would be a better choice.
When it comes to relieving stress and anxiety, there are 7 pressure points which are commonly used, and here they are: Bottom of Form
1.Hall of impression point (third eye) – it is located between the eyebrows or midline of the face. Except relieving stress, it is believed that this pressure point can help with concentration and eye strain.
This is also believed to be the best and safest acupressure point to release stress and is considered safe to use.
- Heavenly gate point – it is located at the hollow part at the upper shell of ear.
This acupressure point helps in relieving stress and comfortable sleep. All you have to do is to locate the point by running your index finger or using a mirror and to apply gentle pressure and keep it pressed for 2-3 minutes.
- Shoulder well point – it is located at the back shoulder muscle, on the ridge between neck and shoulder. This pressure point should not be used during pregnancy.
- Joining valley point it is located between index finger and thumb, and also should not be used during pregnancy.
- Great surge point – it is located a little lower than point connecting big toe and the finger next to it, in the hollow of the intersection.
- Kidney 1 point – it is located in the arch of foot
This is the only acupressure point for stress relief located in the sole of the foot.
Acupressure is considered to be a safe method to release anxiety, stress and tension, but professional advice is that some people must consult a doctor (if suffering from arthritis, cancer or cardiovascular diseases) and during pregnancy.
If you would prefer to take the acupressure from a massage therapist, then the advice is to make sure that they are certified and aware of your medical conditions.