Acupressure is a traditional healing therapy which originated in China. It is helpful in getting rid of a number of body pains and also reducing stress, anxiety and depression.
There are 12 meridians within the body, which help in maintaining a body balance
HIGHLIGHTS
- Acupressure helps in easing pain, feeling peace and relaxed
- Every person possesses specific acupressure points in the body
- The practice of acupressure involves use of fingers, plams or elbows
An ancient healing remedy originating in China, acupressure is something which people have continued to follow to easy pain, feel peace and relaxed. There is a thin line between acupuncture (another popular therapy in China) and acupressure, where the former uses needles for the same kind of treatment. According to traditional Chinese medicine, every person possesses specific acupressure points in the body, lying around energy meridians (each of a set of pathways in the body along which vital energy is said to flow).
Chinese theory suggests that there are 12 meridians within the body, which connects all our organs and helps in maintaining a body balance. In case even one of these meridians fall out of alignment, it makes room for diseases and pain in the body.
Acupressure involves use of fingers, palms or elbows to apply pressure on the meridians, and massaging them in order to rejuvenate the energy.
Following are the top acupressure points for pain relief:
1. Joining the valley
Whenever you feel headaches, you can massage the part of your hand between the thumb and index finger. Massage it gently for a few minutes. This helps in getting rid of toothaches, neck pain, shoulder pain, arthritis pain, constipation and hangovers. Also, make sure your hand is in the shape of claw, so that you access the acupressure point in the best way.
2. The third eye
Often, because of multitasking, overworking and too much stress, you feel a tight feeling in the middle of your head. To get rid of this pain, press your middle finger in the area which is right between your eyebrows. Press it for around a minute, and this will help you feel at ease. This acupressure is helpful in relieving chronic stress, fatigue, improving memory, concentration and reducing eye strain.
3. Leg three miles
Apply pressure to the point just outside the shine bone right below the knee cap. This can be helpful in improving digestion, relieving constipation and bloating, and also boosting immune system.
4. Pericardium
Massaging the point which is at base of the palm can be extremely helpful when you feel nausea and vomiting. Press the point for a few minutes with your index and middle fingers, and repeat until you feel relieved.
5. Sea of tranquillity
This is located at the centre of the breastbone, above the base of the bone. Massaging this point can help you in feeling emotionally balanced. It will relieve you of anxiety and depression. Many imbalances of the nervous system can be corrected by performing acupressure on this point. It is helpful in boosting immune system as well. But make sure you're sitting up straight. After being in the right position, take your palms together in prayer position, and press the knuckles of your thumbs into your breastbone. Take slow and controlled breaths while doing this exercise.
6. Sacral points
These points are located right above the tailbone below your spine. Massaging on this point can be helpful in relieving menstrual cramps and pain the lower back. For acupressure here, lie down on your back. To increase the pressure, put one hand on top of the other hand. Gently massage the points below your spine for a few minutes. Repeat the process until you feel more relieved.
7. Heavenly pillar
This is the point right at the back of neck, slightly above the spine. Acupressure on this point is helpful in getting rid of stress and disturbances in sleep. It also helps in reducing pain in the neck, strain and severe headaches.
8. Shen men
This point is located on the upper part of the ear. When you massage at this point, it will help in getting rid of addictions and bringing back the balance of nervous system. For acupressure, massage on this point firmly with your index finger. The thumb your hand should be at the back of the ear.
9. Bigger rushing
This point is located on the top of the foot where the bones of the big toe and second toe meet. Massaging this point can help in increasing memory and concentration. Press it gently for a couple of minutes, release, and repeat if required.
10. Commanding middle
This point is located on the backside of the knee, and is great for relieving back and knee pain, as well as arthritis in the hips, back, and knees, and even sciatica pain. If you massage at this point for a minute every day, it can eliminate pain for up to 6 months.
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