Acupressure points to increase wellness
Acupressure is an ancient practice that uses physical pressure on specific points of the body to bring balance and harmony back into your life. It utilises similar framework to acupuncture, in that it is based off pressure points and the invisible energy channels throughout the body, but it does not use needles. Here are some easy acupressure points that can help gain clarity, increase relaxation and heartrate, and reduce anxiety all from the comfort of your own home.
Yintang point: Also known as the “third eye point”, it is located in the middle of your forehead, between your eyebrows. This spot is said to open up your sixth chakra, or energy centre, which helps you access spiritual insight and clarity. Apply gentle pressure with your index finger or thumb and massage for 1-2 minutes while focusing on calming thoughts. This technique may also help improve sleep quality if used at night before going to bed and has been known to help relieve headaches.
Lao Gong point: In traditional Chinese acupuncture, this point corresponds to the eighth heart master channel and helps you regulate emotions like fear and anxiety. This acupressure point is located right where the tip of your middle finger end when you curl it up. To activate this pressure point, rub the palms of your hands together until they are warm. Place one Lao Gong point over your chest, near your heart, and the other hand on your lower abdomen, a few centimetres down from your belly button. The warmth from the Lao Gong will spread through your chest and abdomen. Hold this pressure for 1-2 minutes while taking slow deep breaths.
Bigger Rushing Point: The bigger rushing point helps increase nerve function and enhances circulation throughout the body which can help reduce stress. It is relatively simple to find this point, place two fingers at the webbing of where your big toe and second toe meet. Bring your finger up your foot by around 3 centimetres until you feel an indentation in the bone. Press down gently for 1-2 minutes while focusing on deep breathing techniques. If you are flexible enough, try doing both feet at once.
Inner Frontier Gate Point: The inner frontier gate point can be found on your inner arm. It is located three finger widths below the wrist. Hold this pressure for 1-2 minutes while taking slow deep breaths in order to fully relax your body and mind. This acupressure point is associated with relieving pain and nausea, as well as reducing anxiety.
Acupressure is an ancient healing practice that has been used to ease physical symptoms as well as emotional states like anxiety, fear, sadness and restlessness for centuries now – so why not give it a try? With just a few simple steps (and no needles!) these five acupressure points can provide relief from feelings of anxiousness in no time at all! Set aside some quiet time today and start add acupressure into your self-care routine.
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