In the cumbersome modern life, stress will hardly leave your site. From demanding and equally challenging work schedules to your own responsibilities, stress can deteriorate your overall well-being.
Luckily, you can adopt various techniques to relieve stress and promote relaxation. One of nature’s prolific gifts is Acupressure, an ancient Chinese healing practice. Acupressure offers a natural and effective method to relieve stress and restore physical balance.
Let’s explore what acupressure is and learn about its ten specific techniques that you can harness for stress relief and relaxation.
What is acupressure in essence?
Acupressure relates to exerting well-measured pressure on specific points in your body. Those specific pressure points in your body are known as acupoints.
As far as the Chinese belief goes, those acupoints are connected to energy pathways called meridians. And through meridians, a vital life force, known as Qi (pronounced “chee”), flows.
Also, according to traditional Chinese medicine scripts, when the flow of Qi in your body is disrupted, you may face various ailments and imbalances, including stress.
By stimulating acupoints through careful and effective pressure, acupressure aims to restore the proper flow of Qi. It promotes your physical and mental well-being.
On the brighter side, acupressure is a non-invasive technique that relieves many who are scared of needles and blood. Acupressure can be easily performed by trained individuals or with a trained practitioner’s help.
10 Techniques for stress relief and relaxation
There are developed techniques of acupressure that helps an individual get the utmost benefit from this natural healing method. However, you may not be able to apply to each of them. Thus we’ve shared below ten effective techniques of acupressure. Which are:
- Heavenly Pillar. The Heavenly Pillar technique essentially targets the acupoint at the skull’s base, where the neck meets the spine. This acupoint is believed to relieve tension, headaches, and promote relaxation upon applying pressure efficiently. So, place your fingertips on the base of your skull and apply gentle pressure for one to two minutes while taking slow, deep breaths. You may apply this technique while sitting or lying down on mats. You can find the best acupressure mats online or at your nearby stores to make the process more beneficial to your body.
- Union Valley. The Union Valley acupoint is located between the thumb and index finger. It’s responsible for reducing stress, tension headaches, and neck pain. Apply firm pressure to this point using your thumb and index finger for one to two minutes while breathing deeply. Repeat the same with the other hand if needed.
- Inner Gate. The Inner Gate technique focuses on the acupoint located three finger-widths above the inner wrist crease. Applying proper pressure to this acupoint helps calm your mind and relieve anxiety. Press gently on this point using your thumb for one to two minutes while taking slow, deep breaths. Switch to the other wrist if desired.
- Three Yin Intersection . The Three Yin Intersection acupoint is located on the inner leg, three finger-widths above the ankle bone. It is believed to relieve stress, insomnia, and promote overall relaxation. Apply gentle pressure to this point with your thumb for one to two minutes while maintaining a relaxed breathing pattern.
- Sea of Tranquility. The Sea of Tranquility acupoint is in the center of the chest, midway between the two nipples. It calms the mind, reduces anxiety, and promotes emotional well-being. Place your palm on this point and apply gentle pressure while taking slow, deep breaths for one to two minutes.
- Bubbling Spring. The Bubbling Spring acupoint is located on the sole of your foot, in the depression, just behind the ball of the foot. It is known to promote relaxation and relieve fatigue. Mastering this acupressure technique can help you greatly in dealing with anxiety. Hence, apply mild pressure using your thumb or index finger and massage the specified point in a circular motion for one to two minutes on each foot.
- Third Eye. The Third Eye acupoint is between the eyebrows in the middle of the forehead. It is believed to calm the mind, relieve stress, and enhance mental clarity. Gently press this point with your index and middle fingers and hold for one to two minutes while breathing deeply.
- Wind Pool. The Wind Pool acupoint is located on the back of the neck, in the hollow area just below the base of the skull. It is associated with reducing tension, headaches, and promoting relaxation. Use your fingertips to apply firm pressure to this point while taking slow, deep breaths. Hold for one to two minutes or until you feel a release of tension.
- Shoulder Well. The Shoulder Well acupoint is found on the highest point of the shoulder muscle, halfway between the neck’s base and the shoulder’s edge. This point is known to release shoulder tension, ease stress, and improve circulation. Apply deep, circular pressure to this point using your fingertips or knuckles for one to two minutes on each shoulder.
- Calming Spirit. The Calming Spirit acupoint is located on the inner side of the forearm, three finger-widths above the wrist crease, between the two tendons. It is believed to alleviate anxiety, promote relaxation, and restore emotional balance. Use your thumb to apply gentle pressure to this point and hold for one to two minutes while breathing deeply.
Final thoughts
Acupressure provides a powerful tool for stress relief and relaxation, offering a natural alternative to address the challenges of modern-day life.
And by harnessing the power of specific acupoints, individuals can effectively manage stress levels and promote overall well-being. Make sure you’re consulting with a healthcare professional before applying these techniques.
So let’s try it and unlock the potential for a calmer and more relaxed state of being through this wonderful natural healing power.
Tim Williamson, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
