Top Five Acupressure Points For Relaxation
Every individual is bound to experience anxiety or stress at some point in their lives as they are unavoidable features of life. In fact, given the current upheaval caused by COVID-19, many people are facing stressful circumstances due to loss of income, loneliness, and the sad demise of thousands.
Though stress and anxiety are common aspects of life, experiencing excessive amounts of either one can lead to chronic symptoms like headaches, breathlessness, insomnia, irritability, restlessness, and several other physical issues. To overcome these symptoms, it’s vital to calm the mind to bring about peace and balance within the body.
There are different forms of therapy and medications to induce relaxation. However, if you need immediate relief, acupressure is a great alternative. Acupressure is a natural form of traditional Chinese medicine that can offer temporary relief against anxiety symptoms, pain, and other ailments. To teach you how you can use acupressure at home to recover from bouts of stress and anxiety, Gray Point Acupuncture and Phytotherapy has explained the top five acupressure points for relaxation.
1 YǑNGQUǍN or Kidney (KID-1)
Working this acupressure point also called Gushing Spring, is exceptionally grounding. By activating it, you can help calm the spirit and subdue agitation. YǑNGQUǍN is located in the center of the bottom of the foot, about one-third of the way down. To activate it, simply press and hold this point with your thumb.
2 NÈIGUĀN or Pericardium-6 (PC-6)
This acupressure point is also called the Inner Pass. Adding pressure to it can unbind the chest and improve your qi (chi). It is known to help regulate the heart and calm the spirit as well as harmonize the stomach and alleviate nausea and vomiting. NÈIGUĀN is located by placing three fingers on your wrist, starting at the crease line. Press just below the third finger in between the tendons. It’s in the same area as where seasickness bands are worn.
3 SHÉNMÉN or Heart-7 (HT-7)
The Spirit Gate or Heart-7 (HT-7) is another acupressure point that helps calm the spirit. Pressing down on this point can even regulate and tonify the heart and control fear and fright. To activate this point for its healing benefits, use your thumb and forefinger to squeeze the area where the wrist crease ends on the side of your little finger. Use your thumb to press deep into the side of the bony prominence (pisiform bone) to experience a sense of relaxation.
4 YÌNTÁNG
YÌNTÁNG, or the Hall of Impression, is the acupressure point on the face that can help alleviate insomnia, anxiety, and headaches. It is located in the center of the forehead, between the eyebrows (also known as the Third Eye). To activate it, all you need to do is use a light massaging or pulsing pressure over this area until you begin to feel relief.
5 Shen-Men
Shen-Men, also referred to as Spirit Gate, is one of the most recognized auricular points and is exercised to treat several ailments like anxiety, pain, and insomnia. Shen-Men is located in the hollow dip found within the upper area of the ear towards the front. Apply pressure to this point to activate it and experience immediate relaxation. Ear seeds or ear tacks are commonly used to exercise this point.
For more tips to induce relaxation and relief, reach out to Gray Point Acupuncture and Phytotherapy.
I am Amanda Gray, the proprietor of Gray Point Acupuncture and Phytotherapy. I am also a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, medical herbalist and acupuncturist in Parksville, BC. I completed my Diplomas of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) Acupuncture (three years) and Western Phytotherapy (Herbal Medicine) program (three years) at Pacific Rim College in Victoria B.C. Following my formal education, I became a registered professional in good standing with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia (CTCMA), as well as with the British Columbia Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Practitioners (ATCMA).
Through the skills I acquired, I aim to help my patients maintain healthy lifestyles with natural treatments that balance their bodies and minds. I work along with my clients to provide them with well-rounded natural treatment plans. This includes recommendations to improve their diet, lifestyle, and holistic well-being.
I serve clients across Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Errington, Lantzville, Nanaimo, Chemainus, Duncan, Ladysmith, Cumberland, Crofton, Vancouver, Royston, Vancouver Island, and the surrounding areas.
To learn more about my services, please click here or get in touch with me by clicking here.