How Acupressure Can Alleviate Pain Using Pressure Points

Stimulating certain pressure points in your body can have a tremendous impact on any pain you may be feeling, as well as your mental health. This method has been used for the over 2,000 years. The theory behind it is you can activate your body's natural healing by putting pressure in certain spots. It works similarly to acupuncture, which uses tiny needles, but is much quicker and easier to do in your own home. Before trying this healing method, it is crucial that you learn which points affect which parts of your body. It is also a good idea to set aside a couple of minutes and be in a place that you feel completely relaxed. This will help amplify the effects of acupressure.

The Third Eye

One of the most important pressure points to know about is often referred to as the Third Eye. It is said to be connected to the pineal gland, which is involved with the production of melatonin in the body. By massaging this point, you can help to bring back repressed memories, treat depression and mood swings, relieve physical pain, and even become more intuitive.

This point is located in between and just slightly above the eyebrows. When you have found the right spot, you will notice a slight depression beneath the skin. Although pressure is an important part of acupressure, you will want to be gentle with this point. Massage it in slow circles. This is said to adjust the amount of energy flowing to your pineal gland, which is what helps you relax and focus.

Sea Of Tranquility

This pressure point is considered necessary for the health of the heart. It can help with palpitations while also relieving stress and anxiety. The Sea of Tranquility can be found in the middle of your breastbone. To find yours, simply measure three thumb widths up from the lower part of the bone. The most effective way to activate this pressure point is to put pressure there for one to two minutes using your thumbs.

Be sure to breathe slowly and evenly throughout. Putting pressure here is a powerful way to deepen your breathing, which helps promote relaxation. This is a quick and easy way to help yourself calm down during stressful moments during the day. The Sea of Tranquility is also effective to activate before bed to help yourself settle into a restful sleep.

Leg Three Miles & Commanding Middle

Two essential acupressure points located on or around the knee are Leg Three Miles & Commanding Middle. Leg Three Miles is useful for helping with discomfort related to the stomach. Examples include gas, bloating, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea. You will find this pressure point underneath your kneecap, outside of your shin bone. To properly stimulate this pressure point, sit down and apply deep pressure using two fingers. This should only be done for a few seconds at one time.

Commanding Middle is a point located behind your knee, in the center. It is incredibly effective at treating lower back pain. You can also use it to help relieve arthritis, hip pain, and knee pain. Using your index finger, simply press on this point for a few seconds at a time, similar to the Leg Three Miles pressure point.

Joining The Valley

One pressure point that many people are aware of is known as Joining the Valley. It can be found between the thumb and index finger. Benefits from using acupressure here include relieving headaches, toothaches, arthritis, shoulder pain, and tension in the neck. This is an easy pressure point to use, as it simply requires massaging the area with your other hand. You will want to be massaging the fleshy part of your hand, where the muscles for your thumb and index finger connect. Doing this for a few minutes can result in significant improvements in your overall well-being.

Some individuals believe that massaging the Joining the Valley pressure point is most effective when you have your hand balled into a fist. Others leave their fingers extended, but keep minimal space between their index and thumb. This pressure point helps to stimulate your body's lymphatic and circulatory systems.

Pericardium

There are several pressure points located along the pericardium line. Many consider the most important one to be pericardium point six, also known as Nei Guan. This pressure point is used to treat motion sickness, carpal tunnel syndrome, an upset stomach, and headaches. You will find this pressure point on your inner arm, roughly three finger lengths below the wrist.

The acupressure point will be in between the two tendons. To stimulate this point, simply massage this area while applying pressure for approximately four to five seconds. This is a particularly handy point for pregnant women who are dealing with morning sickness. It can also be useful for patients post-surgery to help relieve nausea and vomiting.