Acupressure can be used to reduce pain and relieve stress
Acupressure points are the same as acupuncture points, but instead of using needles, therapeutic pressure is applied. Most points are located along the meridians of traditional Chinese medicine. The meridians are the pathways of chi, or internal energy. There are 14 major meridians, each associated with a certain organ of the body. There are also a few acupuncture points that are not on meridians. The best way to locate acupressure points is to consult charts showing acupuncture points. Acupuncture must be performed by trained and licensed professionals, while acupressure can be used either by professionals or as a self-help activity.
Instructions
1. Practice locating points by finding Large Intestine 4. This point is commonly used for acupressure and is easy to find. It is on your hand between the base of your forefinger and your thumb. Press firmly with the thumb of your other hand around this area until you find a place that feels more tender than the rest of the area. This is the acupuncture point. This point, LI 4, is helpful for relieving headaches.
2. Practice locating acupuncture points by finding Kidney 1. This point is on the bottom of your foot, behind the ball of your foot tracing down from your second toe. Press firmly with your thumb on this area until you find a tender spot. K1 is the central balance point of your body.
3. Locate the acupuncture point you are looking for on an acupuncture chart. Acupuncture needles will be much more precise, but for your acupressure, the point will be found on and around the acupuncture point. With your thumb, press on and around the point until you feel a sensation similar to the ones you felt for LI4 and K1. This is the acupressure point.
4. Use an ear acupuncture chart to locate points for ear acupressure. Your thumb will cover a large area of the ear. Use a circular motion to stimulate these points, rather than the steady pressure you use on the meridian points.
Tags: acupuncture points, acupuncture point, This point, your thumb, acupressure point