Pressure Points You can Squeeze to Soothe 10 Health Problems

Acupressure therapy, also known as pressure acupuncture, has been used by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners for thousands of years. The practice involves applying pressure to certain acupressure points that lie along meridians of the body to promote relaxation and treat illness.

Though the traditional belief is that acupressure therapy works by balancing the qi (chi) in a person’s body, qi being the life force that runs through a body. Western practitioners attribute it’s effectiveness to factors like reduced muscle tension, improved circulation and stimulation of brain chemicals called endorphins that act as natural pain relievers.

Top To Acupressure Points

These points are associated with some of the most common aches and illnesses that people deal with today.

Joining The Valley (For Headaches)

The Joining the Valley acupressure point is popular for getting rid of headaches. It also helps relieve toothaches, neck pain, shoulder pain, arthritis, constipation and hangovers. It is located in the fleshy area between the thumb and index finger. When the thumb and finger are brought together, it is the highest spot of the muscle. Press and massage this spot for a couple of minutes on each hand as needed.

Pericardium (For Nausea And Vomiting)

The Pericardium is effective at healing nausea and vomiting caused by multiple reasons. It also relieves upset stomach, headaches, chest pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome pain and discomfort. It is located between the two large tendons on the inside of your wrist, about three fingers width below your palm. Press the point with your index and middle fingers for two minutes and repeat as needed.

The Third Eye (For Chronic Fatigue And Eye Strain)

The Third Eye pressure point is used for calming the mind, improving memory, relieving stress, chronic fatigue, headaches, eye strain and insomnia as well as relieving sinus pain and congestion. The Third Eye pressure point is located on the knobby spot on the bridge of your nose between your eyebrows. Using your middle finger, gently press it for a few seconds to 1 minute and then release. Repeat several times a week.

Sea Of Tranquility (For Emotional Healing)

The Sea of Tranquility acupressure point helps restore calm in the body and relieves anxiety, nervousness, depression, as well as boost the immune system. It can be located on the center of the breastbone, about four finger-widths up from the base of the bone. Press this point when you are in the prayer position with your palms joined, fingers pointing upward, and the knuckles of the thumb pressing into the breastbone.Press it for a couple of minutes daily while taking slow, deep breaths.

Leg Three Miles (For Stomach Problems)

The Leg Three Miles pressure point is used for treating common digestive problems like indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. It also boosts the immune system, strengthens the body, and fights fatigue. To find this spot, bend your knee and place your index finger at the base of your knee cap. The point is located 4 fingers down, where your pinky would land, just outside the shin bone. Apply light to moderate pressure to this spot for a few seconds daily.

Commanding Middle (For Sciatica And Arthritis)

This pressure point is good for relieving pain in the knee and back, reduces stiffness in the back, arthritis in the knee, back and hips, and sciatica pain. The Commanding Middle point is located at the back of the knee, directly in the center. Gently press the spot for a minute on each leg and repeat daily or as needed.

Sacral Points (For Menstrual Pain)

This group of acupressure points works to relieve reduce menstrual pain from cramps, relax the uterus, relieve sciatica pain, and lower back pain. The sacral points are located on the sacrum, the base of the spine directly above the tailbone. Lie on your back with your hands under the base of your spine, and with one hand over the other apply steady pressure on the points for a few minutes as needed.

Shen Men (To Quit Smoking)

The Shen Men is an auricular point that can make it easier to quit smoking by treating the side effects of quitting i.e. stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and inflammatory diseases. The Shen Men point is located in the upper half of the ear, above the apex of the triangular fossa. Using your index finger and thumb, pinch the spot and massage it by applying firm pressure. Repeat daily as needed.

Heavenly Pillar (For Insomnia And Stress)

The Heavenly Pillar is a pair of pressure points that are used to reduce stress, anxiety, exhaustion, burnout, headache, neck pain, and insomnia. These points are located at one finger width below the base of the skull. They are on the prominent neck muscles ½ an inch out from the spine. Press these points for a couple of minutes daily for several weeks.

Bigger Rushing (For Improved Concentration)

The Bigger Rushing pressure point is effective at improving memory and concentration, encourages clarity and focus, relieves headaches, soothes tired eyes, fights allergies, and boosts the immune system. This point is located on the top of the foot, where the bones of the big toe and second toe meet. Press this spot gently for a few minutes and then release. Repeat this process 2 or 3 times a day for a few weeks as needed.

It’s important to remember that although acupressure therapy is safe, pregnant women should seek an expert as some points could trigger uterine contractions. If you want to consider this therapy as an alternative, the guidance of a professional is always helpful. Cure your aches and pains without the need of medication, use ancient healing methods instead!

SOURCE: http://www.top10homeremedies.com/news-facts/top-10-acupressure-points-pain-relief-problems.html/3