Best Way to Apply Acupressure

This ancient healing technique can be used safely and effectively at home to treat the symptoms of stress, from anxiety and tension to headaches.

Acupuncture and acupressure have evolved from the Oriental healing arts, which utilize the concepts of “Yin” and “Yang” and of “Ch’i” (or “Qi”). In Chinese philosophy, Yin and Yang represent the polarities of life. In very simple terms, Yin is the passive, feminine, cold aspect, while Yang is the active, masculine, hot aspect. Ch’i is the vital life-force energy that runs through our bodies in channels or “meridians.” When an imbalance occurs, acupuncture and acupressure are healing techniques that can be applied to the points along the meridians. They aim to balance the Ch’i and relieve the symptoms/of the illness.

An acupuncturist will use a variety of diagnostic techniques, including checking the “pulse” of each meridian to identify where an imbalance of energy is caused. He or she will then insert needles into the relevant points. There are hundreds of different points, each with a different function, so acupuncture should only be practiced by a fully qualified acupuncturist.

Acupressure, however, works with finger pressure on the same points, and while you should not attempt to treat yourself for a serious health problem, you can use acupressure as an effective relaxation technique at home. The individual points are named after the major organ in the corresponding meridian, or after the two “control” meridians followed by a number.

How to apply acupressure

Acupressure can be applied either on bare skin or through loose clothing. Try to maintain a light focus on your breathing throughout, ensuring that it is smooth and even.

There are three different types of pressure applied in acupressure in accordance with the desired change in the Ch’i. If the Ch’i is deficient, it is increased by applying firm, stationary pressure to the acupressure point for one or two minutes. If the Ch’i is blocked, it is dispersed by making firm, circular movements with thumb or fingers at the acupressure point for about one or two minutes. If there is excess Ch’i, it is calmed by placing the hand, palm face down, over the acupressure point and holding it there for one or two minutes.

Acupressure points for releasing tension

Hands

Apply pressure to the fleshy part between your thumb and index finger. It is useful for releasing muscular tension around the neck and shoulders. Use circular movements to disperse the Ch’i. Caution: Do not use this point during pregnancy.

Head

Press the point at the very top of the head at a midpoint between the ears. Use the pad of your thumb to desperse the Ch’i. Caution: Do not use this point if you have high blood pressure.

Nose

This point is at the top of the nose, between the eyebrows. Gently disperse the Ch’i at this point with the pad of one of your middle fingers.