Acupressure for Self-Care: Stress Relief at Home

What is acupressure?

Acupressure is an ancient healing art and a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2000 years. It is still used today and an effective self-care treatment for discomfort and pain. Acupressure and acupuncture work in the same way. They send a signal to the body to stimulate its own self-healing mechanism. Qi, or the vital life force is circulated through natural pathways in the body called meridians. Blockages in the flow of Qi in the body can cause pain, imbalance, and illness in the body. Acupressure, like acupuncture can help circulate the Qi and blood in the body and restore the natural flow of the body for wellbeing. Endorphins and other natural pain killers in the body are release to reduce pain and stress.

Acupressure is safe and effective for self-care and for others, and it can also be an excellent complement to ongoing Primary Care and Women’s Health & Wellness services for a more holistic approach to health.

Treatment Techniques for Acupressure: First create a relaxing a calm environment and connect with your breath. Set a healing intention for your self-care practice.

1. Use deep, firm pressure to massage and stimulate each point.
2. While applying acupressure, close your eyes, and breathe deeply.
3. Use your thumb to massage point in a circular or up and down motion. Massage point for 1-2 minutes.
4. Repeat acupressure as often as you would like. While self-care techniques are beneficial, professional guidance through Urgent Care or a dedicated Urgent Care Membership can help address persistent pain, stress, or underlying conditions that acupressure alone may not resolve.

Please see below a list of common acupressure points for everyday use to help reduce pain and improve overall wellbeing.

PC 6-Inner Gate point

Benefits Helps to relieve upset stomach, indigestion, nausea, and anxiety. Location Point is located between the long tendons on the palm-side of the forearm. Two inches from the transverse crease of the wrist.

LI 4-He Gu-Union Valley

Benefits Helps relive headaches, stress, toothaches, facial pain, and neck pain. A major point for any discomfort in the face, head, or neck. Do not use during pregnancy, it can be used to induce labor. Location In-between the first and second metacarpal bone, in the middle of the second metacarpal bone on the radial side.

Liver 3-Tai Chong-The Great Surge

Benefits Reduces stress, low back pain, headache, high blood pressure, insomnia, and emotional upset. Location On the dorsum of the foot, in the depression between the big toe and the second metatarsal bone.

Sp 6-Spleen 6-Sanyinjiao-Three Yin Intersection

Benefits Abdominal pain, diarrhea, leg pain, difficult periods, delayed labor, pelvic and urological disorders, and insomnia. Avoid during pregnancy. Location 4 fingers directly above the tip of the medial malleolus, on the posterior border of the medial aspect of the tibia.

ST 36-Zusanli, Leg Three Miles

Benefits Fatigue, depression, gastric pain, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, longevity, and health. Location 4 fingers below the lower and lateral border of the patella. For further information on self-care using acupressure.